Serious and Fatal Bicycle Injuries Are Common Throughout the U.S.

 Posted on November 06, 2018 in Car Accident

Less than a week ago, a tragic accident reminded all bicyclists throughout the state of Colorado of the dangers they face when sharing the roads with other vehicles. A biker was traveling near the campus of Colorado College in Colorado Springs when he was struck by a motor vehicle. The cyclist was rushed to a local hospital but ultimately died the morning after the collision. While the Colorado Springs Police Department stated that excessive speed or alcohol/drug use were not factors in this specific accident, the vast majority of motor vehicle collisions are caused by driver negligence. If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle accident, you should contact a legal team you can trust. 

Bicyclist Fatalities Nationwide

Throughout the United States, bicycle injuries are far more common than most people would like to believe. In 2015 alone, over 460,000 bicyclists were injured nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,000 of those injuries proved to be fatal. Studies conducted by the CDC found that children between the ages of 5 and 19 account for upwards of 33% of all bicycle injuries. 

As mentioned above, driver negligence is the reason behind the vast majority of traffic accidents. It should come as no surprise that alcohol was involved in 37% of all bicycle injuries. After extensive research, the CDC concluded that bicycling is increasingly dangerous in highly populated areas. The vast majority of bicycle fatalities in 2015 occurred in urban areas. 

Preventing Bicycle Injuries 

While a large number of severe bicycle injuries are caused by the negligent and reckless actions of motor vehicle drivers, there are a few steps you can take to increase your safety while traveling by bicycle. The first step you can take is wearing your helmet. Helmets save thousands of lives throughout the United States each year. It is also important to practice extreme caution while riding your bike. When traveling in urban areas, be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when traveling near motor vehicles. When traveling at night, wear bright clothing and reflectors. 

Contact a Ft. Collins Bicycle Accident Lawyer 

Due to the limited protection that bicycles provide for their riders, bicycle injuries can be incredibly serious. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our legal team has years of experience helping those injured in bicycle accidents recover full compensation for their injuries. Whether you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, or other injuries, our team is here to help. To set up a free consultation with a Larimer County personal injury attorney, call us today at 970-225-2190. 

Sources: 

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/bicycle/index.html