By: According to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, involving the sources of bicycle accidents, a bicyclist getting hit by a car was the most common way how riders were injured. The study revealed at 29% of all bicycle injuries were the result of being hit by a car. The study also revealed several other things:
- The average age of bicyclists killed in crashes with motor vehicles continues to increase, climbing to 45 years old in 2014, up from 39 in 2004, 32 in 1998, and 24 in 1988.
- 88% of those killed were male.
- 71 percent of bicyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas.
- 20 percent of bicyclist fatalities occurred between 6 and 8:59 p.m.
- 19 percent of bicyclists killed had blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 g/dL or higher.
- In 35% of the crashes, either the driver or the bicyclist had blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 g/dL or higher.
- California (128), Florida (139), and Texas (50) lead the nation in the number of bicyclist fatalities.
- Just two states, Rhode Island and Vermont, reported no fatalities in 2014.
When a Bicyclist is Hit by a Car
Because of beautiful year round weather and a strong belief in a healthy lifestyle among millions of Southern Californians, bicycle riding remains a popular lifestyle choice and a preferred mode of transportation for many people.
But California roadways are still ruled by cars. And when a bicyclist is hit by a car, the potential for catastrophic injuries or even death is always a possibility. It only takes a momentary lapse in judgment or a split second wrong decision for a rider to become a victim with repercussions that can last for a long, long time. It is in these situations that a bicyclist will require the expertise of a bicycle accident attorney in Irvine in order to ensure they get the compensation they deserve.
If you are a bicycle rider who has been hit by a negligent car driver, you do have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. An experienced bicycle accident attorney will be able to help you get the full amount of a settlement you are entitled to and assist in your recovery, financially and emotionally, to the fullest extent possible.
Roberts Law Firm serves clients in the California cities of Newport Beach, Orange, Santa Ana, Irvine, Anaheim, and Riverside as well as serving clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties.