Bicyclists Make Up the Fastest-Growing Group Dying on U.S. Roads

Bicyclists Make Up the Fastest-Growing Group Dying on U.S. Roads

In the past year, motor vehicle accidents resulted in the deaths of 24 bicyclists and injured another 776 in Pennsylvania alone. With the growing popularity of biking, both for sport and commuting, the number of fatalities is on the rise. In fact, bicyclists make up the fastest-growing group dying on U.S. Roads.  After celebrating National Bike Month in May, our attorneys at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. wanted to remind drivers and riders alike of the safety precautions we can all take to save lives. We also want to share the steps bicyclists should take in the event they are injured in a crash or collision with an automobile, which can help ensure they are properly and fully compensated for their injuries.

• Call 911
• Seek Medical Attention
• Preserve Evidence
• Protect Your Rights

Distracted driving and road conditions are two leading factors in devastating bicycling accidents. The accidents often cause catastrophic injuries that take the victim away from work, their daily routine and, in some of the worst cases, can be life ending.

Call 9-1-1

The very first thing an injured biker should do, if they are able, is to call 9-1-1. Having a police officer and emergency medical technician respond to the scene is very important. Even when an accident seems minor, failing to have documentation of the accident could prove to be detrimental to your case.

Seek Medical Attention

When first responders arrive, let them evaluate your injuries. In the case of an accident, adrenaline often takes over, leaving injured riders feeling little to no pain. It may take hours, days or even weeks to feel the full extent of the symptoms caused by your injuries. When you related your symptoms stemming from the crash to a doctor, make sure to go head-to-toe, detailing each and every injury you sustained. Being mindful of this and not downplaying your injuries is extremely important. Having medical documentation is another key component in winning a personal bodily injury case.

Preserve the Evidence

We can’t say it enough. Documentation goes a long way when it comes to fighting for compensation for your injuries, lost income and any damage to your property. Insurance companies, almost always, give less credence to injuries and claims that are not well-documented, than to those that are. For this reason, you should preserve any evidence at the scene.

1. Exchange Insurance Information
2. Talk to Witnesses and Get their Contact Information
3. Take A Lot of Pictures! The vehicles, the bike, the road, the signage, and the weather conditions all play a role when deciding whether an injured biker has a case.
4. Take Notes! The location, direction of travel and any other factor that may have contributed to the accident is worth documenting.

Protect Your Rights

Don’t ever admit fault, even if you’re unsure of what caused the accident. Accidents can be jarring, and those involved may not recall all the details right away. Be very careful of what you say to those involved, including the police officers and medical personnel at the scene. Also, never speak with the insurance representative for the at-fault driver. The goal of an insurance company in a situation like this is to minimize its financial exposure, and its representatives start working to achieve this right away.

In any accident, collision or crash involving bodily injury, talk to an attorney who handles these claims all day, every day. Making sure you are fully compensated for your losses and damages is of paramount importance.

While many bicycle accidents are caused by negligence on the part of a driver on the road, there are plenty of precautions cyclists should not only take, but are required to take by law.

• Ride in the Same Direction as Traffic
• Stay to the Right Side of the Road When Riding More Slowly Than Traffic
• Use Lights and Reflectors at Night
• Keep Brakes in Good Condition
• Signal Stops and Turns Appropriately
• Follow Relevant Traffic Laws When Riding in a Vehicle Lane

Wearing brightly colored clothing and a helmet is also a good practice when hitting the road. (Children under the age of 12 are required to wear a helmet.)

Call Georgelis First!

When you’re injured in any type of accident, working with the insurance company can be a tedious, complicated and overwhelming process. That’s why it is important to contact our highly experienced trial lawyers at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. We know how to build a personal injury case strongly to stand up to the insurance company’s scrutiny.

We also are very skilled in negotiating with auto insurance companies to maximize your financial compensation, to help you with your medical bills, and, when necessary, pursue formal legal action against any potential liable party, including a state or county if the accident was caused by poor road maintenance or other hazards.

We know bicycling accidents often happen in the evening or early morning hours. That’s why we make a promise to come to you. Whether it’s the accident scene, the hospital or your home, we will take the time to answer your questions, free of charge. We never collect money until we get compensation for you!  If you’re hurt in an accident, Call Georgelis First at 1-800-HURT-NOW.