North Carolina Bike Accident Lawyer: Children and Bike Accidents

Most children love to ride their bikes. Not only is it fun and gives them the ability to be with their friends, but bike riding also provides good physical exercise – something particularly important these days when so many children would prefer to sit in front of video games. But bike riding can also be dangerous for children, especially if they do not follow bicycle safety rules. National statistics reveal that approximately 100 children are killed each year in bike accidents, and more than 250,000 sustain injuries.

According to one study, more than 2.2 million children ages 5 to 17 were treated in U.S. emergency departments for bicycle-related injuries from 2006 to 2015. That equates to more than 600 cases per day, or 25 every hour. Nearly half of the injuries in the study involved children 10 to 14 years old and three-quarters of those injured were boys. Injuries occurred most frequently in the street or at home.

The injuries that children suffer in bike accidents can be potentially catastrophic. The most common injuries include:

  • Head injuries – Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries
  • Face and eye injuries – Dental fractures, facial fractures, foreign objects in eyes, and severe contusions
  • Chest injuries – Punctured lungs and rib fractures
  • Abdomen injuries – Damage to body organs, internal bleeding

Bicycle Safety for Children

It is up to parents to make sure that their children are well-versed in bike safety. The first step for parents is to make sure that the bike their child is riding is the right size for them. Parents should also make sure that their child has a certified safety helmet that also fits correctly. Sitting down with children and explaining the importance of the following tips are also critical in helping to keep children safe:

  • Do not allow your child to ride on high-traffic roads
  • Explain how important it is to be careful when riding around driveways and parking lots
  • Explain how important it is for your child to wear their helmet at all times
  • Make sure they are dressed in bright colors and do not let them ride at night
  • Make sure they are wearing closed-toe shoes when riding
  • Teach your child how to use hand signals

Speak to a Carolinas Injury Attorney for Help

Despite how well you teach your child how to ride safely, there is always a risk that they may still become the victim of a bicycle accident. If your child has been injured, contact a skilled North Carolina bike accident attorney to find out what legal steps you can take against the person who is responsible for the crash. The legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp will work diligently to obtain the best financial outcome based on the circumstances of your case. Call our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.

 

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