Bike accidents are a sadly common phenomenon, and one that often results in severe injuries to the people affected by them. Even worse, most of these accidents are the result of careless drivers who do not take appropriate steps to avoid potential accidents. But how exactly do careless drivers cause bike accidents, and what should you do if it happens to you?
What Are Bike Accidents?
In a legal context, bike accidents refer to any situation where someone riding a bicycle is injured due to a collision with a motor vehicle. These types of accidents are often among the most deadly, due to the relative lack of protection that bicyclists have compared to people in cars, trucks, or other vehicles. As a result, they are disproportionately likely to suffer severe injuries, or even to pass away due to the accident.
What Kinds of Behaviors are Considered Careless Driving?
Careless driving can take many forms, any of which can dramatically increase the risks of an accident. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive speeding
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Failing to check the sides of the road
- Failing to reduce speed during bad weather
- Running stop signs or traffic lights
- Aggressive driving, including yelling, swearing, or using rude gestures
- Engaging in other activities while driving (distracted driving)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
What Are the Consequences of Careless Driving?
When people get behind the wheel and choose to drive carelessly, they can cause severe harm to themselves and others, including bicyclists. Victims of bike accidents often suffer from broken bones, strained or torn muscles, dislocations, traumatic brain injuries, and other types of severe bodily harm. In the worst case scenario, these incidents may be fatal, and due to the nature of bike accidents, these fatalities are much more likely for people not in a motor vehicle.
What Should You Do?
If you or someone you love has been in a motor vehicle accident, including a bike accident, you should first make sure to seek medical attention, even if you believe you have not been seriously injured. Then, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling personal injury cases, including bike accidents. They can help you review your legal options, and ensure you get compensation for the harm you have suffered.
Fox Law Firm, PLLC is a New York personal injury law practice serving clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. With more than three decades of law practice experience, attorney Kevin Fox has helped clients in personal injury cases obtain the compensation they deserve. For more information or to ask for a consultation, call our Riverhead office at 631-779-3400 or visit our contact page.
