Bicycle Accidents

Although bicycling can be a healthy way of getting around—and getting exercise—bicycle accidents are not uncommon. A bike accident can cause serious permanent injuries, including neck and spine injuries and traumatic brain damage. Some bicycle crash injuries can be catastrophic and life-threatening.

Two main bicycle accident situations involve crashes with motor vehicles or accidents caused by bicycle defects. Either type of accident can cause serious personal injury.

According to the 2008 safety data from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), (2008 is the most recent safety data available) from 1932 through 2008, approximately 53,000 bicyclists died in traffic accidents in the US. In 2008, 716 bicyclists were killed and approximately 52,000 were injured. Of those killed, 13 percent were children aged 16 and younger. That same age group accounted for 25 percent of those injured.

Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, each year approximately 500,000 people in the US are treated in hospital emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries. More than 50 percent of those bicycle-related injuries are children aged 15 years and younger.

According to the NHTSA (2008), 21 states, the District of Columbia and approximately 150 municipal localities have age-specific bicycle helmet laws. Fourteen states have no state or local helmet laws.

On public roadways, vehicle codes mandate that bicyclists follow the law, just like other motorists. Motorists should allow a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road, yield to cyclists at intersections and watch for cyclists when making turns.

Failure of bicycle frames and component parts are not uncommon. Even when traveling at slow speeds the fracture of a frame or critical component can cause serious injury. Often at fault is a defect with composite forks, aluminum frames, bolts, and other bicycle design and manufacturing defects.

In 2009, a cyclist was awarded $722,800 in damages for injuries sustained in a defective product bike accident. The man alleged he was injured when the front fork on his bicycle broke. The plaintiff fell and sustained severe fractures in the accident.

Bicycle Crash Injury Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a bike accident, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer who will evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.

Last updated on Jun-5-10