Man's legs on sidewalk next to damaged bicycle

Why are Bicycle Accidents so Common?

Going for a bike ride is a great way to get fresh air and exercise. For some, it is a leisurely activity for fun or exercise. For others, it is their primary form of transportation and they use their bike to get to work, to the store, and to anywhere else that they need to go. While biking is great exercise and an effective means of transportation for many, it can also be dangerous when accidents occur. Bicycle accidents are a common type of personal injury, and as with any other type it is a good idea to hire an attorney to help you with your settlement. The personal injury attorneys at Page & Eichenblatt work directly with people who have been injured in bike accidents. 

When and where do Bike Accidents Usually Occur?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 846 bicyclists killed in 2019 as a result of traffic crashes. These accidents typically happen in the evening, between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm, and are more common in the summer months. These crashes are more common in cities than in small towns. In fact, 78% happen in urban areas, while just 22% happen in rural areas.  Cities are busy places with lots of vehicles, roadwork, pedestrians, and other obstacles. The evening time often sees a lot of cars on the road, and dusk can be a difficult time for vision when driving. Only about 25% of these accidents involve a cyclist who had consumed alcohol, meaning that the majority of these accidents occur when the bicyclist is sober. 

How Can You Avoid Bicycle Accidents?

May is right around the corner and that is National Bike Month. If you plan on celebrating by hopping on your bike, be sure to practice bicycle safety to avoid an accident. The NHTSA strongly recommends that you thoroughly inspect your bike before riding to ensure that all of the parts are connected and functioning properly. If you are riding with children, be sure to inspect their bikes as well and make them wear helmets. If your bike breaks while you are riding down the road alongside cars, this could cause you to fall down in the road or crash into oncoming traffic. It is also important to ensure that drivers can see you – use reflectors, wear neon, and even attach lights if you will be biking at night to avoid getting into an accident because a driver cannot see you. Keeping your hands on the handlebars as opposed to on a cell phone, water bottle, or other distraction will ensure that you are in control so that you can easily correct your tires if you start to move in the wrong direction. Keep an eye out for potholes or other obstacles, and if you can avoid riding between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm and be extra cautious in the busy summer months.

Are You the Victim of a Bike Accident?

Hopefully now you will be more cautious and remain safe next time you use your bicycle. Bike accidents can often lead to serious injury, and if you have been the victim of a bicycle accident you should hire a personal injury lawyer. Give Page & Eichenblatt, P.A. a call at (407) 386-1900, or you can use our form to submit a request to receive a free case evaluation from us. For more than 25 years we have been helping the victims of bicycle and other personal injury accidents to receive a fair settlement.