When an individual becomes injured due to the negligent actions of another party, they have the right to seek compensation for the costs associated with their injuries. This applies to any type of accident, including bicycle accidents. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that of all the modes of transportation utilized within the continental United States of America, only about 1% of them involve bicycles.
Although the overall proportion of bicycle riders may be small in relation to other vehicles on the road, bicyclists face a higher risk of serious crash related injuries than anyone else on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in 2011, 4.4% of all motor vehicle fatalities were people riding bicycles. In 2010, approximately 515,000 visits to the emergency room were recorded as being due to a bicycle injury, while 800 cyclists were involved in fatal crashes.
A bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver does not differ from any other type of auto accident. The victim maintains the same rights, as would the occupant of any other vehicle. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident within the state of New Hampshire, you may be eligible to receive compensation.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
There are a number of ways in which a bicycle accident can unfold. Most often, a driver in a passenger vehicle strikes a victim traveling on a bicycle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 667 fatalities and 48,000 injuries occurred in 2011 due to motor vehicles colliding with bicycles. Regardless of why the driver struck the cyclist, they can often be held liable for injuries.
Bicycle accidents can occur anywhere. The CDC has found that the majority of bicycle accidents occur in urban areas at non-intersection parts of the road. In addition, the highest percentage of accidents occurred at a specific time: between 4:00pm and 8:00pm, when traffic reaches a peak.
Bicycle accident statistics also reveal information relating to the age range of those most often involved in such accidents. The CDC states that non-fatal bicycle accidents most frequently involved children ages 5 – 14 and young adults ages 15 – 24. Combined, these groups account for nearly two-thirds of all emergency room visits related to a bicycle accident injury.
Bicycle Crash Injuries
Bicycle accident injuries can be significant. Because bicycles do not have safety features common in passenger vehicles, even minor accidents can result in riders sustaining severe injury. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back or spine injuries
- Facial or dental injuries
- Lacerations and abrasions
Serious injury and substantial medical costs can result from bicycle accidents. The CDC reports that for the year 2005, lifetime medical costs including lost wages of those injured in bicycle crashes totaled $5 billion.
Bicycle Injury Attorney
To learn more about the types of compensation available to bicycle accident injury victims in New Hampshire, and to discuss your case, contact one of our experienced attorneys today.