In recent years, more Californians are riding their bicycles to work, but more pedestrians and cyclists on the road mean more accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California is one of the top two most dangerous states for bicyclists. In 2018, there were an estimated 47,000 bicyclists injured and 857 bicyclists killed in motor vehicle accidents in the United States, accounting for 2.3 percent of all auto accident fatalities that year. Nearly 200 of those fatal bicycle accidents took place in California.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
Collisions with other vehicles, trucks, and busses are some of the most common types of accidents involving cyclists. Buses and large trucks commonly strike bicyclists with the right-hand side of the vehicle (as opposed to the front).
Other common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Vehicles drifting into bike lanes
- Inattentive right and left-hand turns
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Bad visibility
- Inattentive car door opening (i.e., a bike hitting a car door when a driver opens it into traffic)
- Crosswalk accidents
- Cycling team accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Because bicyclists and pedestrians are more exposed to the road than motor vehicle drivers, the physical damages caused by these types of accidents are often catastrophic. Some common injuries that can happen when a bicyclist gets into a collision with a motor vehicle include:
- Brain injuries
- Crush injuries
- Head trauma
- Internal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Neurological damage
- Spine injuries
- Ruptured discs
- Amputation
- Wrongful death
In addition to the physical trauma, survivors of bicycle accidents may also suffer extensive emotional trauma ranging from a fear of riding bikes to post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological issues for which they might need therapy or medication. Cyclists have been known to suffer emotional distress that could manifest itself in the form of nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and mental anguish. Bicycle accident victims may recover for both mental and physical injuries caused by the accident.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Results
The Javid Trial Firm has a proven track record of helping their clients recover the compensation they deserve for injuries they received in bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Recent success includes:
- $6 Million - Pedestrian vs. Automobile Accident
If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Your consultation is free.