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The Dangers of Bicycle Collisions with Cars

by Innov8tiv.com

Image Credit: File Photo

Cycling is a great way to be healthy, save money on gas, and reduce your carbon footprint. Sadly, collisions with cars are a leading cause of cyclist deaths. In this post, we’ll take a dive into the data behind bicycle-car collisions. Learn about some helpful tips and tricks for safe bicycle commuting. And finally, be inspired by some of the incredible survivors of bike crashes who are living vibrant lives with their injuries. There are many factors that make bicycle-car collisions more likely to result in death or serious injury. The first and most obvious point is the size of the vehicle. Car drivers are much larger than cyclists, and even small changes in speed can have rapid consequences for a cyclist. Plus, cars can easily weigh thousands of pounds, while bicycles typically max out at around 200 pounds.

How Often Does It Occur?

In the past few years, there’s been a dramatic increase in news reports of collisions between bicyclists and cars. Police departments across the U.S. have (in some cases) begun to log these incidents, and it’s becoming clear that there has been a surge in car-bike crashes. The most obvious cause of this increase is the rise in the popularity of cycling. As cycling continues to become more popular and bike lanes are built, cyclists are more likely to hit cars.

Meanwhile, the number of people driving their cars has remained relatively constant. The combination of a larger number of cyclists and fewer drivers is one that is more likely to lead to injury or death for the cyclist involved. Fatigue can also be a factor in car-bike collisions. Most drivers are well rested, while many cyclists are eager to get to work, or they may be rushing to get home in time for dinner. Lastly, there’s a correlation between bike crashes and alcohol consumption.

Who Can Be Legally Liable For Bicycle Collisions?

The first issue that needs to be discussed is liability. Bicycles are considered to be “motor vehicles” in the eyes of the law, which means they are treated as vehicles that can be legally driven on public roads. When a person drives their vehicle on a public roadway, that vehicle is considered to be in their legal possession, and therefore the driver is responsible for its behavior. While cyclists should always take extra care when biking on crowded streets, this does not change the fact that cars are still legally driving them around. Be aware that if there is any conflict between a car and a cyclist, the car will never be held responsible.

The second issue that needs to be discussed is the types of damages that can be claimed in lawsuits. In cases where a cyclist has been hit by a car, his or her injuries can vary greatly based on the nature of the injuries received and their cause. If you think you may have been injured in a collision with a car, seek the advice of an experienced attorney.

Is Establishing Liability Important For Your Case?

One of the most important things that a cyclist can do if they are in a car-bike collision is to get medical attention right away. If you’re seriously injured in a crash, it’s critical that you receive treatment as soon as possible. In most states, you must be able to prove that your injuries were caused by another party before you can make a claim for damages. Lacking this proof, your claim will likely be denied by the courts.

A personal injury attorney can help you establish liability for your injuries. You will also need to prove that the other party was at fault. Be sure to obtain contact information such as insurance information, license plate number, etc. Many states have laws that require drivers to carry proof of insurance in the event of a crash. If you can’t locate this information, call the police so they can search for it and provide it to you.

Do I Need An Attorney?

A personal injury attorney will be your best bet for fighting for the compensation you deserve following a bicycle accident. An attorney will be able to make sure that you obtain the appropriate medical care and evidence to prove liability for your injuries. It’s also important to hire someone who has experience in insurance law. Even if there is no money at stake, it’s wise to seek legal counsel prior to taking action or making any decisions. No matter what kind of injury you may have sustained as a result of a bike-car collision, seeking legal guidance is always the best course of action. Don’t try to handle these issues on your own.

Conclusion:

Bicycle-car collisions can be devastating because they involve a much larger vehicle than most cyclists. Drivers often have more control over cyclists, and they are more likely to be bigger, faster, and stronger. In the end, any cyclist who has been hit by a car is in desperate need of medical care as soon as possible. It’s crucial to avoid being a victim of this type of accident; take extra precautions when biking around cars.

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