Bicycle Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 500,00 individuals are sent to the emergency room annually as a result of a bicycle accident. Although some accidents are caused by rider negligence, the League of American Bicyclists states that most bicycle accidents occur because of the negligence of another party or entity.
Whether through speeding, drunk driving, talking on cell phones, or other reckless acts while driving, negligent drivers are accountable for several bicycle accidents. In a study performed by the National Highway Safety Patrol (NHSP), results confirmed that 50,000 cyclists were injured in motor vehicle-related accidents in 2010 alone. 618 of those cyclists were killed. In addition to traffic-related bicycle accidents, defective bicycle parts and defective roadways cause a multitude of injuries each year that are generally overlooked even though the bicycle manufacturer or the local government could be responsible.
If you’ve been a victim of a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to retain the assistance of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. Unfortunately, many victims go uncompensated when police officers fail to investigate and/or place the blame on the bicyclist. In some instances, the police officer may not even take the time to get witness testimonies. Additionally, many people disregard the rights of bicyclists even though most states mandate the road must be shared with them. This creates a difficult situation for an injured bicyclist who’s been unfairly treated. A knowledgeable attorney will work diligently to ensure your rights are adhered to and that you have a fighting chance to to make sure that the responsible party pays for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, mental and emotional stress, projected medical care, and more.
At Ledger & Associates, we take our clients needs seriously, and our experienced bicycle accident attorneys will fight to ensure that your legal rights are met. Give us a call today and let us help win the maximum financial compensation that you deserve.
Sources: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811624.pdf
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Bicycles
http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/bikeinjuries.html
