According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, bicycle-related injuries cause around 900 fatalities, 23,000 hospital hospitalizations, 580,000 trips to emergency departments, and over 1.2 million visits to physicians’ offices per year in the United States.

As a consequence, it is predicted that the yearly cost would be more than $8 billion.

The following are some typical causes of bicycle accidents and injuries, as well as some safety suggestions to keep in mind when riding a bicycle.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries.

Bicyclists are particularly susceptible to danger from their environment, especially the other vehicles that may be present on the road. Bicycles are much smaller and lighter than vehicles, such as passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks, all of which have the potential to inflict significant harm on someone who is riding a bicycle.

The head, face, belly or thorax, and neck are the areas that suffer the greatest damage after a bicycle accident, according to some sources. The upper and lower limbs come in second.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, anything from 22 to 47 percent of injured bikers has suffered brain injuries. These kinds of injuries are possible outcomes of accidents with motor vehicles. More than sixty percent of all bicycle-related fatalities and the vast majority of long-term disabilities are the result of head trauma.

The following is a list of some other prevalent forms of injuries sustained in bicycle accidents:

  • Head trauma.
  • Spinal injury.
  • Facial injuries.
  • Fractures and broken bones are present.
  • Internal damage.
  • Contusions.
  • Abrasions.
  • Lacerations.

Accidents occur often with bicyclists.

Accidents involving bicycles may take a few various forms: a rider can be thrown from their bicycle after being involved in a collision, or they might be hit by a motor vehicle and get injuries. Accidents between vehicles and bicycles may be highly hazardous due to the fact that the energy of an impact from a vehicle can be tremendous when applied to the more fragile frame of a bicycle.

Why do bike accidents happen? Accidents involving bicycles may be brought about by a motorist who is inattentive, by a driver who ignores traffic regulations or signals, or by a road or bike lane that is unsafe. Accidents involving bicycles may also be caused by motorists who are under the influence of alcohol or who fail to give the right of way in traffic.

During the warm summer months, motorists should use extreme care. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the risk of fatality for bicyclists is greatest throughout the months of June through September. When driving in metropolitan areas with higher volumes of traffic, it is especially vital for motorists to exercise an increased level of caution.

Advice on How to Ride a Bike Safely

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has offered safety advice for bicycle riding, which may assist lower the likelihood of getting into an accident when riding a bike. Below are some pointers to consider:

  • Ride a bike that is both comfortable and functional for you.
  • Put on safety gear and clothes that make you more conspicuous, and draw attention to yourself.
  • Ride just one person at a time per seat.
  • Make a plan for your bike ride.
  • Keep in mind that you should ride in the same direction as the traffic.
  • Always pay attention to and obey traffic signs, signals, and markings.
  • Assume that the other individual is oblivious to your presence.
  • Do not text or engage in any other distracting activities.

Drivers Must Use Reasonable Caution to Prevent Collisions with Cyclists.

On the road, drivers must take appropriate precautions. They must, then, drive safely given the conditions and rely on their senses to perceive what is present. Regardless of who has the right-of-way, drivers who fail to see a bicycle and who is there to be seen might be held responsible for any injuries that result. Therefore, if a driver causes an injury to a cyclist by exceeding the speed limit, failing to stop at a stop sign, or running a red light, that driver will be at fault and may be held accountable for the harm done.

Final thoughts

Even with all the safety measures implemented, accidents do happen to cyclists occasionally. Please don’t hesitate to contact a Lynnwood bicycle accident lawyer if you are injured while riding on Lynnwood roadways and need the services of an expert lawyer.