In the United States many people ride bicycles for transportation, exercise and enjoyment. People who operate motor vehicles must share the road and follow rules of the road, always watching out for bicyclists. Bicyclists wear protective gear and attempt to follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, riders are injured everyday due to the negligent driving of people in automobiles.
Bike accidents can be caused by a number of factors, some of them being:
- Drivers under the influence;
- Drivers failing to stop for a red traffic light or stop sign;
- Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way;
- Drivers failing to failing to see the bicyclist;
- Drivers making an improper left or right handed turn;
- Drivers attempting to pass a bicyclist when the lane is too narrow;
- Drivers pulling out of a driveway or parking lot without looking to see if a bicyclist is coming; and
- Drivers opening their car door without first looking behind them.
In 2011, 580,000 people were sent to the emergency room in the United States due to a bicycle accident. Many of these injuries are more severe than that of what occurs in an auto accident, due to a bicyclist having little to no protection. Negligent drivers who hit bicyclists or pedestrians have a seat belt, air bag and entire metal structure shielding them from suffering severe injuries in an accident. It is important for all bicyclists to protect themselves as much as possible, most importantly, wearing a helmet every time they ride a bicycle. In 2008, close to 91% of all bicycle fatalities were by those who were not wearing a helmet. Some of these bicycle fatalities may have been prevented had a helmet been worn. For tips on bicycle safety see http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/kidsandbikesafetyweb/.
Drivers must be observant while operating their vehicles and share the road with bicyclists. While many cities have designated bicycle lanes, drivers still do not give bicyclists the respect and courtesy to safely ride. If you are a bicyclist who has been involved in an accident with an automobile, you need to speak with a personal injury attorney.
The Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Steve Roberts, LLC, will work at identifying insurance coverage for your losses and work to ensure that you or your child get the proper medical treatment – even if you don’t have health insurance. If the other driver’s insurance is inadequate, our bike accident attorneys pursue compensation under your family’s under insured auto policy.Likewise, if you were struck by a driver with no insurance or hurt in a hit-and-run accident, we pursue compensation under your uninsured motorist coverage contained in your auto policy. In short, we work hard to make sure all possible avenues of recovery are explored, because we care about our clients.
Whether your injuries include painful road rash, head trauma, or broken bones, a good bicycle personal injury attorney is vital to protecting your rights and maximizing the value of your recovery. The Law Office of Steve Roberts, LLC, is ready and able to help you. Don’t hesitate to call if you need help understanding the law regarding bicycle accidents. Call to set up a free consultation and we do not charge a fee unless we help you recover from your case – 720-515-7058.
For more bicycle safety information see http://bicyclesafe.com/