Whether you bike around your city as a means of transportation or exercise, one thing is unfortunately true – many cities and towns across the country are growing increasingly car-centric. As such, cars are prioritized when it comes to city planning and development, making it more dangerous for both cyclists and pedestrians to navigate their neighborhoods. Unfortunately, you may know this all too well if you were involved in a bicycle accident with a vehicle. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the common causes of these accidents, the injuries you can sustain, and the importance of connecting with an Ouachita Parish, Louisiana personal injury lawyer to help you fight for justice.
How Do Accidents Involving Cyclists Happen?
Unfortunately, many drivers forget or completely ignore the fact that they are legally required to share the road with cyclists. As such, a considerable number of accidents are the result of drivers failing to yield to bicyclists. This is often the result of drivers not checking mirrors when switching lanes, turning without ensuring it is safe to do so, or even causing “dooring accidents.” These occur when drivers open their doors without ensuring there are no approaching cyclists, resulting in the rider colliding with the door of the vehicle.
Another common cause of collisions is distracted driving. Any driver who is texting, setting a GPS, eating, applying makeup, or even chatting with passengers removes their attention from the road, and as such, may collide with a cyclist.
What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Louisiana?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of these collisions, accidents between bicycles and vehicles can be incredibly serious. Unlike a collision between two cars, a cyclist has no barrier to absorb some of the impact when struck. As such, many injuries are caused by the fact that cyclists will often suffer two blows – the first when the vehicle strikes them, and another when they are thrown from their bike to the ground.
One of the most common injuries you can sustain as a bicyclist injured by a vehicle is a traumatic brain injury. This occurs when you suffer a jolt or blow to the head, such as hitting the asphalt after being knocked off your bike. While a helmet can help reduce the severity, it will not entirely prevent this from occurring. As such, you may suffer a concussion as a result of hitting your head on the ground.
Other injuries that those on bikes typically sustain include soft tissue injuries, broken bones, road rash, neck and spinal injuries, back injuries, and internal organ damage.
What Should I Do if I’m Struck By a Car While Biking?
If you are struck by a vehicle while riding your bicycle, it’s critical to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Generally, the most important thing you can do is immediately seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay immediately after the collision, your adrenaline may mask the severity of some injuries, and establishing medical care immediately following the collision can help your claim.
While you wait for law enforcement and emergency services to arrive, you should, if you are physically able to do so, begin gathering evidence to help support your claims. This includes taking photos and videos of the accident scene as well as compiling witness information, as their testimony may benefit your claim.
However, one of the most impactful steps you can take following an accident is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. While you have two years from the date on which the injury occurred to pursue a claim under the state’s statute of limitations, the sooner you file a claim, the better.
As such, it is in your best interest to connect with the team at Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC if you are injured in a bicycle accident. Our dedicated firm understands the impact that an injury of this nature has on your life, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you deserve. When you need help, connect with our firm today to discuss your circumstances during a free consultation with a member of our team.