Bicycle-Car Collisions How to Respond If You Are Hit by a Car While Riding a Bike
Are you a cyclist who was hurt in a collision with a vehicle? If so, you might be eligible to file a claim for damages! State laws differ, but generally speaking, reckless and negligent drivers can be held accountable for the harm they cause.
Bicycle-car collisions are frequent because of the rise in popularity of biking and the country’s predominately auto-oriented society. Unfortunately, cycling is risky in the US, particularly in cities and villages where there are few bike lanes and untrained drivers.
Alarming Statistics on Bicycle Accidents
In the event of a bike mishap, cyclists are more likely to sustain serious and even fatal injuries since they lack external, shock-absorbing material. Data from the CDC and NHTSA support the risks associated with cycling in the US.
In 2020, how many cyclists died?
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 738 cyclists died in car accidents in just 2017 alone. Over the years, that figure increased; in reality, 938 cyclists were killed in 2020.
How many people in the USA die while riding a bicycle each year?
According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles result in around 1000 bicycle fatalities and 130,000 bicycle injuries annually. Unfortunately, since 2009, there have been more bicycle and pedestrian accidents than ever before.
Typical Reasons for Bicycle Accidents
According to research, the following three factors contributed to bike accidents:
- motorist conduct
- non-driver actions
- structural problems
Driver Behaviors
Speeding, distracted driving, breaking traffic regulations, being unaware of traffic laws, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics are all examples of driving activities that put people in bike accidents.
Non-Driver Behaviors
Non-motorist actions, such as those of pedestrians and bicyclists, contribute to bike accidents. These actions include breaking traffic regulations, being unaware of traffic laws, having poor visibility, and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Issues with Infrastructure
Lack of separation between motorists and bikers, poor lighting, broken traffic and street signs, and unmarked crosswalks are all infrastructure problems that cause accidents involving bicyclists and cars.
Prevention of Bicycle-Car Accidents
How Can Cycling Injuries Be Prevented?
The NHTSA states that if drivers and bicycles obey the law, “a significant portion of crashes can be prevented.” The NHTSA specifies the following Rules of the Road for Riding Safely:
- Travel in a single file in a straight line.
- Follow the flow of the traffic. Ride in the same direction as cars and on the right.
- Follow all directional signs and signals.
- Unless you’re halting or signalling a turn, keep both hands on the handlebars while riding.
- Get in the habit of halting before entering a street and then glancing left, right, left for traffic.
- Instead of riding your bike through an intersection, walk it.
Stay vigilant. Look for hazards that could cause you to trip or fall, such as potholes, cracks, pebbles, or wet leaves, using your eyes to help you.
- Use your ears to listen for traffic rather than earphones when biking.
- Be aware of parked vehicles as well as vehicles entering or exiting driveways and parking spaces.
- Inspect your bicycle’s accessories. Make sure the brakes are functional and that the tyres on your bike are properly filled.
- Don’t forget to wear a helmet when cycling. When cycling, keep it fastened and flat on your head at all times.
Campaign for Road Safety and Bike-Car Safety
The NHTSA launched its Share the Road campaign, which provides advice for bicycle safety, in an effort to lower the number of fatalities resulting from car-bicycle collisions. Additionally, this effort offers guidance on how to share the road safely with motorists, bikers, and pedestrians. The notion is that when driving, cycling, or walking, we should all use the road cautiously and be mindful of one another.
The project emphasises that in the United States, bikers and motorists share the same rights when using the roads. It aims to educate all road users about the specific disadvantages that motorcyclists and cyclists share due to their size and lack of external protection.
When Can I File a Lawsuit After a Bike-Car Accident?
You may be eligible to file a successful personal injury or property damage claim if a negligent motorist caused your injuries or damage to your bike during a bicycling collision.
State-by-State Bicycle Laws
It all depends on your location, how bad the accident was, and who was at fault. Regarding who is liable for bikers who are struck by cars, each state has its own legal regulations. You might be able to file an accident claim in some circumstances, and depending on the state, even if you share some of the guilt.
Illustrations of Partial Fault
Examples of situations in which a cyclist may be held partially responsible for an accident include:
- failing to don a helmet
- riding outside of the bike lane when one is available
How to Respond if You’re Hit by a Car While Riding a Bike
If you and a car are involved in a bicycle collision, you should:
- Remain calm and make sure you are safe before aiding anyone or moving around.
- Look for medical help
- If you can, call 911.
- Make a report to the police
- If you are able, assist anyone who may be hurt.
- Request the vehicle’s driver to provide their insurance details.
- Interact with witnesses and gather their contact details.
- Document property damage and/or injuries with photographs.
- Speak with a bicycle accident lawyer to ensure that your interests are safeguarded.
Prior to speaking with any insurance adjusters about the occurrence, make sure to call a bicycle accident lawyer. Your accident lawyer will represent you and serve as a conduit for communication. This stops you from saying anything that would refute your assertions.
Contact a Local Bike Accident Attorney Today
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover damages if you were hurt in a bicycle-car collision. To connect with a local bicycle accident lawyer, dial 11112222. There is no drawback to phoning and having a brief talk because consultations are free.