Bicycles Versus Motor Vehicles - Personal Injury Accidents

Bicycle Accidents

When most people think of vehicle accidents they think of accidents involving cars, motorcycles, and trucks, and even other large vehicles. But when accidents involve the collision of one of these larger vehicles with a bicycle, the potential damage and personal injury to the bicyclist can be very devastating. The disparity in size and the lack of protection that cyclists have means that in an accident cyclists are at an increased risk of injury. To stay safe, bicyclists should always wear helmets and reflective gear at night, and should make sure to stay in the bicycle lane, follow the rules of the road, and be extra aware and vigilant of surroundings and motorists.

Causes of Accidents

Accidents involving bicyclists and motorists can result from lack of attention from either driver. Bicycle accidents can occur as the result of drivers turning abruptly, drivers who fail to yield the right of way to the cyclist, inebriated cyclists or drivers, cyclists veering abruptly into the motorist’s lane, or other various ways that drivers and bicyclists can be inattentive while sharing the roadways.

Injuries from bicycle accidents can be quite serious and can range from cuts, bruises, and broken bones, to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma.

If your accident is the result of another driver’s negligent behavior you may be entitled to compensation and should contact a personal injury attorney. Some of the compensation you may be entitled to includes medical expenses, loss of income and future income, mental and emotional distress, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.

Steps To Take After An Accident

Following an accident, make sure to contact the police and have them come to the scene. Make sure that an accident report is filed and that both sides of the story are heard, yours and the driver of the vehicle. It is also a good idea to get the contact information of any possible witnesses who were in the area at the time of the accident, in addition to noting the contact information of the driver. Documenting all of the information regarding the accident and what happens after is very important. Document what happened, your injuries, the medical treatment you received, the time you are out of work, etc. The more information that you have in writing, the stronger your case will be.

Take care to preserve evidence as well. Make sure to take pictures of your damaged bicycle and any other evidence.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Although monetary compensation can never return a person’s health or erase the lasting effects of a catastrophic personal injury, it can alleviate many of the day-to-day problems confronted by personal injury victims and their families. It is crucial to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to gather evidence.