We live in a beautiful place to ride bicycles. Washington Country often has perfect riding weather. It does not matter if you are a casual rider, an exercise rider, or someone who uses their bicycle for their main mode of transportation, we know you take steps to be safe when you go out and ride.
Unfortunately, you cannot control the behavior of those around you. Sometimes, the negligence of other drivers causes bicyclists harm. Do you know where to turn if you are injured in a cycling incident?
When you need a bicycle accident attorney, turn to the SMT Legal for help. Their experienced team will work with you to secure the compensation you deserve.
The Statistics
According to the latest statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the number of bicycle accidents has remained consistent over the last five years. The year 2017 saw 1,141 bicycle accidents. Out of those, there were 21 fatalities and 1,127 injuries.
Looking at the numbers, we can see that most bicycle accidents result in some kind of accident or injury.
Why is this?
Because, bicyclists do not have the same kinds of protections that passengers in vehicles do. There are no metal frames or airbags to lessen an impact. When a cyclist is hit, there is a high probability that they will surer from a major injury. This can include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Head and brain trauma
- Soft tissue damage or amputations
- Internal organ damage
These types of injuries often require extensive medical procedures to repair the damage. They can even leave a cyclist with long-term disabilities that could keep them from returning to work and making money.
Will insurance cover all of the expenses?
How They Happen
We recognize that not all bicycle accidents happen due to someone else’s negligence. We also know that there are times when they do.
One of the main problems that cyclists face in this state is drivers who ignore pedestrian right-of-ways or refuse to share the road. Sometimes these accidents happen at intersections, other times cyclists get sideswiped when they are legally using the roadway.
Drunk drivers are a major cause of concern on Pennsylvania roadways. In 2017, the number of alcohol-related crashes increased from 2016, with a total of 10,346. Drivers who are impaired often do not slow down before impacting bicyclists.
Distracted drivers are becoming more and more of a problem. Cell phone screens seem to be the thing that many drivers are watching, as opposed to the roadway.
