Bicycle Accidents with Cars
Bike riding may be a great way to commute but it’s not without risk. Bicyclists are vulnerable when they share the road with cars and other vehicles. Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries, leaving some victims permanently injured.
The bicycle accident attorneys of Younker Hyde Macfarlane represent victims of bicycle accidents with cars in Utah, Salt Lake City, and surrounding areas. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, we welcome you to contact our bicycle accident lawyers to discuss your legal options.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
Bicyclists face greater risk of serious injuries or fatalities when involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. These statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlight just how dangerous bicycle accidents can be:
- In 2020, 38,886 cyclists were injured in accidents with motorists.
- 938 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2020, a 9% increase over the prior year.
- Fatalities are more likely to occur in urban areas, where 79% of fatalities occurred in 2020.
- Alcohol was involved in 34% of all fatal accidents between cyclists and motor vehicles in 2020.
Common Causes of Accidents
There are many possible causes of bicycle accidents with cars. Sometimes the cyclist is to blame. For example, riding a bike through a red light or stop sign without stopping could result in an accident with a motor vehicle.
More often the driver of a car is primarily at fault for an accident with a bicyclist. Some common causes of bicycle accidents with cars include:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of all accidents. Distracted driving refers to any time a driver diverts their attention from driving, such as reading a text, talking to a passenger, or reaching for something in the back seat.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgment and significantly increases the risk of accidents.
- Speeding: Speeding can make it difficult for a driver to brake or avoid a cyclist in time to prevent an accident.
- Failure to leave cyclists enough room: Following or passing by cyclists too closely can lead to an accident and cause serious injury. Bicyclists should be given a clearance of at least three feet.
- Turning without looking: Turning without looking, especially on a green light, can result in an accident with a cyclist passing through an intersection.
Seeking Damages for Injuries
Bicycle accidents with cars can leave cyclists with permanent injuries, such as limb loss, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries.
A bicycle accident attorney can help injured cyclists recover compensation for hospital expenses, physical therapy costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of future earnings, and other damages.
Contact Younker Hyde Macfarlane
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. To discuss the details of your injury claim, call the Utah attorneys of Younker Hyde Macfarlane at (801) 335-6467 to schedule a consultation.