Bike accidents can occur anytime, anywhere, and they occur much more frequently than we realize. In fact, most bike accidents lead to serious injuries and damages, many of which require the help of a professional bike accident lawyer. Bike accidents are no joke. Every year, upwards of one thousand people die as a result of these accidents, and hundreds of thousands more are injured. These injuries range in severity, but more often than not, result in long-term, semi-permanent or permanent damage. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a bike accident, it may be in your best interest to reach out to a bike accident lawyer such as Cohen & Cohen who will fight on your behalf in court in order to ensure you get the fair compensation you deserve.
Statistics on Bike Accidents in the United States
Too often, people do not realize how serious bike accidents are in the United States. The safety of bike riders continues to be put in jeopardy as a result of lax safety regulations on the roads and a general unawareness of the problem. The statistics below are there to paint a better picture on how grave the situation of bike accidents are in our country today.
- In 2015, approximately 1,000 bicycle riders died as a result of bike accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Motor Vehicle Safety study.
- According to the same study, annually more than 467,000 cyclists suffer serious injuries as a result of bike accidents.
Most of these fatalities and injuries occur in more urban areas — such as Washington DC — and at non-intersection areas. - Thirty-seven percent of these fatalities involved substance usage, specifically alcohol, for either the automobile driver, the cyclist, or both.
- Lastly, bike accidents cost upwards of $10 billion annually in damages and medical bills.
You are not alone if you have suffered an injury from a bike accident. Bike accidents are a serious issue Americans face, and it is important you get the proper legal care to represent you in court in order for you to receive your fair compensation.
What Types of Injuries Result from Bike Accidents and Can I Get Compensation for Mine?
Every single case is different. That being said, generally, if you have suffered an injury as a result of a bike accident that you believe was not your fault, you may be entitled to a case and have a chance to win your fair compensation. Injuries vary in their severity, depending on the context of the collision, including how fast the automobile was moving. Some of the more common injuries of bike accidents, however, are:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Head trauma
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Bruises and abrasions
- Death
These injuries can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common ways a bike accident occurs if when an automobile is speeding, either the cyclist or the driver is distracted (which usually involved texting and driving), when alcohol and other substances are involved, in parking lots, and in unsafe lane merging.
If you feel that you are a victim of a bike accident, do not hesitate to call Cohen & Cohen and we will immediately set you up with a skilled bike accident lawyer on our team.