With gas costs continuing to strain the pocket books of ordinary Americans, an increasingly large percentage of the population is turning to bicycles, a greener and more economically sound approach to transportation. However, as bicycle enthusiasts well know, automobiles frequently disregard the right of bicycles to operate roadways and are not considerate of their needs, often resulting in bicycle accidents.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
The majority of bicycle accidents occur due to fellow roadway occupants not recognizing the legal rights of bicyclists. Bicyclists require the same respect as other roadway vehicles, including adequate roadway space and assuming fellow vehicle operators will obey roadway regulations.
While many drivers will increase their awareness when sharing the road with a motorcycle, often these drivers become inattentive when bicyclists are beside them. This results in a bicyclist being killed in an auto accident every six hours within the United States.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
Even though states may require bicyclists to wear helmets, which may prevent traumatic brain injuries and many deaths, nothing can protect a bicyclist from cement ripping apart their skin or injuries sustained from impact with a heavy automobile, which can include:
- Fractured bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Concussion
- Facial and dental injuries
Negligence
Like any accident, fault can rest with either party. However, many bicycle accidents occur due to the negligence of the automobile driver, which can include:
- Disobeying speeding regulations
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to adjust mirrors
- Neglecting roadway regulations
- Driver fatigue
- Cell phone and texting
Contact a Bike Accident Attorney
Personal injuries and property damages in bicycle accidents can be devastating. It is important that victims of bicycle accidents consult with a bicycle accident attorney before signing or giving a verbal statement, which can limit the amount of compensation received for damages.
Arizona personal injury attorney, Jerrold A. Mayro, will work diligently to illuminate any negligence or misconduct by the automobile operator in an attempt to maximize your financial compensation. Using his keen eye for detail and an ability to artistically craft his cases, Mr. Mayro puts his client in what he believes is the best position to obtain maximum settlement.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bicycle accident in the Mesa, Scottsdale, or Phoenix, Arizona area, please contact Jerrold A. Mayro today or call (602) 604-8400 to schedule a consultation with Mr. Mayro.