Throughout the United States, fatal bicycle injuries are much more common than most people assume. According to statistics compiled by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, 783 bicyclists were fatally injured in 2017 after being struck by motor vehicles. Due to the limited protection that cyclists have, injuries suffered in collisions with automobiles can be incredibly severe. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you should seek out quality legal assistance immediately.
Remaining Safe on Your Bike
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, an astounding 3,165 people were injured in bicycle accidents statewide in 2015. Of those injured, 26 people ultimately passed away due to their injuries. While many bicycle accidents can be unavoidable and occur due to the negligent actions of a driver, there are a few steps you can take to increase your personal safety:
- Wear Your Helmet: Despite extensive research that proves that helmets can save your life, many bicyclists neglect to wear a helmet. Because bicycles offer no protection to their riders, helmets are incredibly important to the safety of the rider. If you are struck by a motor vehicle while riding your bike, a helmet may be the only factor that can prevent severe brain trauma or even death.
- Avoid Riding at Night: While riding your bicycle under the stars may seem like a romantic way to spend your evening, it can actually be quite dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 20% of all fatal bicycle accidents occur between 6 and 9 pm, when visibility is diminished. If you do choose to ride your bicycle at night, be sure to wear bright colors, equip your bike with safety lights, and follow all traffic laws.
- Do Not Drink and Ride: After a night out with friends, many people think that riding their bicycle home is a safe alternative to driving. While riding your bike does lower the risk of injuring other parties, you are still at significant risk of injury in a collision. The NHTSA estimates that alcohol played a factor in approximately 35% of all fatal bicycle crashes in 2016. Due to the manner in which alcohol consumption can impact a person’s vision, reaction time, and decision making, it is never wise to drink and ride. Next time you go out for a night on the town, do yourself a favor and call a taxi.
Contact a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Every year, hundreds of cyclists in the greater Chicago area suffer serious injuries in collisions with motor vehicles. At Pullano & Siporin, we are dedicated to securing the injury compensation you deserve when you are injured in a bike accident. With an impressive track record of prior victories, including securing $2 million in injury compensation for a man that was struck by a delivery truck while riding his bicycle, we are confident in our ability to help you receive the compensation that fully addresses your damages. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a skilled Cook County personal injury attorney, call us today at 312-511-1100.
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