Life-Altering Injuries That Can Result from a Bike Accident | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Suffolk Bike Accident Lawyer

With the many bike trails in and around Suffolk, Virginia (Va), it’s not uncommon to hear stories of serious bicycle accidents and injuries. Whether riding down busy streets near I-664 or quiet streets leading up to the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, there are plenty of opportunities for bicyclists to run into trouble. Below is some information about the types of injuries that may occur in these accidents. Our team of Suffolk bike accident lawyers has handled numerous cases involving bike-car collisions, so we speak from experience.

 The Numbers

The statistics regarding debilitating and deadly bike accidents are sobering. The CDC says that even though only 1 percent of all trips taken in the United States are by bike, bicyclists still face a substantially higher risk of death and injury than occupants in motor vehicles. Each year, approximately 1,000 people are killed in bike accidents. This is a 55 percent spike over the past decade.

Here in Virginia, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 11 people died in bicycle accidents, though many hundreds more were injured in bicycle-car collisions. Studies have shown that the vast majority of deadly bicycle crashes involve motor vehicles, with numbers showing that around 90 percent of all fatal bike accidents involve passenger vehicles.

The Injuries

Of the tens of thousands of people across the country who survive bicycle accidents, an alarming number continue to struggle with life-altering injuries that can plague them for years after the accident. These debilitating injuries not only cost families thousands of dollars in medical bills and rehabilitation expenses but also in lost wages and poor quality of life.

Examples of some debilitating injuries that plague Suffolk cyclists include traumatic brain injuries, neck and spinal injuries, facial and other skin injuries, and severely broken or fractured bones. Given the lack of protection for those riding on bicycles, even relatively minor accidents can lead to serious harm. Being thrown from a bike can lead to serious head injuries, including concussions. Landing on your head or neck might also lead to compressed vertebrae or even more alarming, paralysis. Finally, a powerful collision with another vehicle can result in shattered bones, road rash, and other problems that could take months or years to fully recover from.

The lack of protection available to many bicyclists means riders are especially vulnerable to these kinds of severe injuries. Should a cyclist experience such debilitating injuries, it could take a substantial amount of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy to fully recover. This kind of lengthy care will cost serious money and should not fall on the shoulders of innocent victims. Instead, the driver responsible for the injury-producing accident should be held financially accountable, something that a Suffolk bike accident lawyer can help with.

Bike Accident Claims: Protecting Cyclists’ Rights

Bicycling is not only an eco-friendly mode of transportation but also a popular recreational activity. However, it comes with its fair share of risks, and bike accidents are unfortunately common. When these accidents occur, bike accident claims play a crucial role in ensuring that cyclists receive the compensation and justice they deserve.

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that bike accident claims are a legal process through which injured cyclists seek compensation from the responsible party, typically the driver of a motor vehicle. These claims encompass a wide range of scenarios, from collisions at intersections to accidents caused by distracted or impaired drivers. The goal is to hold the negligent party accountable and provide financial relief to the injured cyclist.

To initiate a bike accident claim, several key steps must be taken. Firstly, the injured cyclist should seek immediate medical attention, not only for their well-being but also to document the injuries as evidence. It’s vital to gather as much evidence as possible, including photographs of the accident scene, eyewitness testimonies, and any available surveillance footage. This evidence can greatly strengthen the cyclist’s case.

Once the evidence is collected, the cyclist should report the accident to the appropriate authorities and obtain a copy of the police report. This report can provide valuable information about the circumstances of the accident and may indicate any traffic violations committed by the motorist. It can also be useful when negotiating with insurance companies or during litigation.

Insurance plays a significant role in bike accident claims. Cyclists should contact their own insurance companies to report the accident, even if they were not at fault. In many cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover the cyclist’s medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. However, insurance negotiations can be complex, and insurers may attempt to minimize payouts. This is where legal representation often becomes necessary.

If you suffered a bike accident injury, consider contacting our firm and setting up a no-cost, confidential consultation at our Suffolk, VA satellite office location.

 

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