Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation. They're cheaper than cars and can take you places that buses or trains cannot go, but they also come with their own set of risks- including the chance for bicycle crashes. Severe injuries from these accidents often result in death without prompt medical intervention, so it's essential to be aware of potential causes before heading out on your bike ride! Every year, there are more than a million bicycle accidents in the United States. Bicycle accident lawyers know that many of these bicycle accidents can be prevented with education and awareness. The following article will provide you with important information about what to do after a bike accident from a legal and personal injury standpoint.
Bicycle accidents are the largest category of pedestrian injuries. Over a third of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were walking or bicycling when they suffered fatal injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
When riding on sidewalks and paths near schools, drivers have an increased chance of hitting bicyclists with children present. Drivers stop at school crosswalks more often than they do at other intersections because parents walk their children across the street. The concern is that these drivers will not see cyclists due to reduced visibility from car hoods - which can cause serious injury if a collision occurs.
Causes of Bicycle Crashes
Bicycle crashes are common causes of personal injury and death. How do these accidents happen? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the leading cause for bicycle-related fatalities is head injuries, with a total of 44 percent recorded in 2016 alone. Another 24% were due to neck injuries; 18% from the chest or abdominal injuries; 13% lower extremity fractures/dislocations; 7 % upper extremity fractures/dislocations). Injuries can occur when cyclists collide with vehicles parked along bike paths and through simple falls onto hard surfaces. It's essential to make sure your helmet fits correctly - it should be snug, so there's no room at all on either side before adjusting straps and buckles.
Some common causes include:
- a lack of awareness on behalf of drivers about bicyclists' presence; - erratic behavior by either cyclists or drivers that results from intoxication or distraction; and - inability for motorists to see past other vehicles when cars park too close together.
What To Do After A Bike Accident Did you know that there are certain things to do after a bike accident? When bikers get into an accident, the first thing they need to do is call for help. This can be done by using your cell phone or calling 911 from any public landline.
Next, it's important not to move until emergency personnel arrive on the scene and assess the damage of everyone involved in the incident- even if someone appears uninjured at this point.