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As fuel costs rise and Americans become more aware of the negative environmental impacts associated with motor vehicles, bicycles are becoming an increasingly common form of transportation, even on busy streets and highways. Because few cities have designated bike lanes, cyclists must share the road with both small and large motor vehicles. Sometimes, those vehicles do not pay proper attention to bike riders and engage in unsafe driving habits.

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Risks Faced by Cyclists 

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019 approximately 49,000 bicyclists were injured in motor vehicle traffic accidents, and 846 were killed. 

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Other shocking statistics paint the true picture of the dangers a cyclist faces on the road:

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• Alcohol use was reported in over one-third of traffic crashes that caused bicyclist fatalities in 2019.

• The average age of pedal cyclists killed is 41; the average age of injury is 31.

• Approximately 68% of pedal cyclist fatalities occur in urban areas.

• Children under the age of 15 constitute 7% of cyclist fatalities and 11% of traffic injuries.

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Compared to a car or truck driver, bikers have little to no protection if they are involved in an accident. As a result, the injuries a cyclist incurs during a crash, even wearing a helmet and protective gear, are much more severe than those sustained by motorists. Common injuries involved in bicycle accidents can include everything from road burn and fractures to traumatic brain injuries and neck injuries.

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Why Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?

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Bicycle accidents can occur for many different reasons, such as:

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• Cars or trucks turning unexpectedly or change lanes without looking

• Parked car doors opening suddenly without motorists checking for passing cyclists

• Car and truck drivers failing to give cyclists the right of way

• Drivers cutting off cyclists

• Drivers engaging in reckless driving habits such as texting while driving or DUI

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Am I Entitled to Compensation After a Bicycle-Related Injury?

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Anyone who injures or kills a cyclist may be held liable for a wide variety of damages, including past and future medical and rehabilitation expenses, past and future lost earnings, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, loss of parental or spousal financial support, loss of spousal relations, property damage, incidental expenses, and various other expenses.

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There are many other types of physical, economic, and sometimes even punitive damages that a responsible party may be liable for if he or she showed gross negligence or was a repeat offender. At Locke Meredith, Sean Fagan & Associates, our bicycle accident attorneys have years of experience in handling cycling claims. We are prepared to aggressively pursue compensation for injuries suffered as a result of negligent motorists. 

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