Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents occur at an alarming rate in this country. It is estimated that more than 51,000 people are injured every year due to bicycle accidents. Bicycle accidents may occur at any time. Whether you are riding your bike across the street to the local convenience store or your child is riding around the block for fun, bicycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Road conditions and incompetent car or truck drivers are two of the leading causes of bicycle accidents.
Many people are under the mistaken impression that when they get into a bicycle accident it is their fault. This is not true. Cyclists are not at fault when they are injured by inept drivers or hazardous road conditions. Municipal liability is oftentimes the case with these types of injuries. The municipality is responsible for maintaining adequate road conditions and cyclists should not suffer municipal negligence in any way, shape or form.
Bicycle accidents happen every day and the injuries suffered may be very serious, especially if the victim is not wearing a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that bicycle helmets are 85 to 88 percent effective at mitigating head and brain injuries, but fewer than a quarter of all bicyclists actually wear a helmet. In addition to head and brain injuries, bike accidents can also cause serious injuries such as concussions, spinal cord injuries, fractured bones, and paralysis. In some cases, bicycle accidents can be fatal. The aftermath of a bike accident is often serious because bicyclists have very little protection against outside elements like cars, trees, guardrails, fences, and very large vehicles like trucks or buses. Unlike riding in a car, where the driver and passengers might have seat belts, airbags, and other protection, bicyclists are completely exposed and at the mercy of those around them.
Because of the complexities involved in bicycle accident cases, it is important that you act quickly and contact an attorney with any questions or issues. Proving the negligence in an accident lawsuit takes an investment of time, experience, and resources, advantages that only a qualified attorney can provide.
In all bicycle accidents it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, to investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of a bicycle accident, call Crary, Clark & Domanico now at (509) 926-4900 or Click Here to Submit a Simple Case Form. The initial consultation is free of charge and if we agree to accept your case, we will begin work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award of recovery of funds. Don’t delay! You may have a valid claim and can be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.