In recent years, bicycling has become more popular amongst Americans for transportation, exercise, and entertainment. An increasing number of cities even offer some form of bike sharing system. Unfortunately, bicyclists are not afforded much protection against the vehicles they share the road with. Consequently, bicyclists are particularly susceptible to serious injury if involved in a motor vehicle accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Statistic Administration, 846 bicyclists were in killed in traffic accidents in the year of 2019. Moreover, the majority of these deaths tend to occur in urban areas, no doubt due to the higher levels of traffic.
By law, bicyclists are treated the same as motorized vehicles, meaning they have the same rights as drivers. Therefore, drivers are expected to yield to bicycles, just as they would with any other vehicle.
Accordingly, drivers should always provide bicyclists with enough room and pass them as they would any other car. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Rather, motorists sometimes speed past unsuspecting bicyclists, getting uncomfortably close in the process.
Failing to provide cyclists with enough space will increase the chances of collision, and thus, causing serious injury. And while there is range of things that bicyclists can do to protect themselves, such as wear a helmet, wear reflective clothing, and always ride in the same direction as traffic, it does not negate the fact that motorists need to share the road.
Seeking compensation
Ultimately, a large number of accidents can be avoided if both motorists and cyclist follow the rules of the road. But if a bicyclist is hit and suffers serious injury due to the negligence of another driver, it may be possible to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.