An outstanding article about bicycle accidents entitled Broken by David Darlington was recently published at www.bicycling.com. The article notes that every time people take their bicycle out on the open road, they entrust their lives to a safety net of legal protection and basic human decency. As the article tragically shows, that system has failed. When a car and bicycle collide, the bicycle loses.

The injuries from bicycle crashes are frequently catastrophic injuries, paralysis, and, all too often, death. Statistics show that while the overall number of bicycle crashes in the nation is decreasing, the variety of deadly bike mishaps is on the increase. In 2015, there were 45,000 reported bicycle mishaps in the United States, down from 50,000 reported crashes in the prior year. Nevertheless, the variety of fatal accidents boosted by greater than 12 percent throughout this very same time.

Drivers are ending up being significantly much more distracted behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 30 percent of all bike mishap injuries take place when a bicyclist is struck by an auto. Drivers that are not focusing are more probable to collide with bicyclists. Unfortunately, drivers, as well as bicyclists, are not completely familiar with their responsibilities on the road. Who has the right of way at a junction? When must a vehicle driver yield to a bicyclist on a highway? When a motorist falls short to accept a bicyclist, mishaps are most likely to happen.

The criminal law fails to adequately punish those who drive aggressively or distractedly and cause serious injury and death to bicycle and motorcycle riders. One option, however, is a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit against the person who caused the harm.

Although there is an increasing variety of cities have added security measures consisting of bike lanes and other security measures, accidents still occur. Others have additionally increase initiatives to engage the community regarding bike safety and security. The Joplin personal injury attorneys at Buchanan, Williams & O’ Brien are experts in personal injury law and can represent you if you or a loved one has been seriously hurt or killed in a bicycle accident or motorcycle accident. We are bicycle accident attorneys and motorcycle accident attorneys and have been in business 40+ years. Contact our office today so we can help you.

The trusted team of attorneys at Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien have been helping clients with personal injury claims in Missouri for over 40 years. Learn more about the team’s experience, case results and how they can help you:

Bicycle Crashes Are Frequently Catastrophic

Top Results