Cycling and scootering, especially with the rise of electronic bikes and electric scooters, can be fun recreational activities for many people, and for others, it's a convenient way to travel from one place to another in an urban area. As its popularity grows, so do the accommodations. Bike lanes are a common part of community, city, and state-wide planning. Now, bicyclists and scooters can be found on and off the road just about everywhere.
The increase in bicycles and scooters, however, have been followed by significant increases in bicycle and scooter accidents. Whenever a cyclist is involved in an accident, whether it's with another cyclist, pedestrian, or motor vehicle, due to the unprotected nature of bikes and scooters, serious injuries can result. As a victim, if the other party is found to be liable for the accident, you are 100% entitled to be compensated for your injuries and other resulting damages.
Common Causes of Bicycle & Scooter Accidents
Bicycle and scooter accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, for any number of reasons. There are, however, certain situations that have been found to tend to lead to more accidents.
- Getting struck by a car: the most common cause of bicycle & scooter accidents (as well as the most deadly), according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA)
- Hitting something in the road: also very common and can be the result of poor road conditions, poor road maintenance, or things like debris
- Swerving to avoid a person or an animal: the animal of which may be a domestic or wild animal
- Low visibility: bicycles and scooters are small and are difficult to see, especially at certain times of the day (dusk and dawn)
Determining the cause of the accident is a critical part to recovering fair and just compensation for your injuries. When the accident was caused by another person or entity, they are liable for the damages you suffered if they owed you a duty of care.
For example, a car driver owes bicyclists a duty of care on the road, which typically means following the rules of the road. Pedestrians owe a duty of care to be mindful of other people in and around the roads and bike paths. When pedestrians bring their animals on walks, they must control their animals and avoid interfering with the safety of others, like cyclists.
Common Bicycle and Scooter Injuries
Injuries from bike/scooter accidents can range from minor scratches to more serious injuries like broken bones, or in catastrophic cases.. death. Like any accident, the severity is dependent on the circumstances. Common injuries we see arise from bike and scooter accidents include:
- Facial or dental injuries
- Road rash
- Dislocated or broken bones or fractures
- Severe knee injuries, including tears of the ACL or MCL, from the impact with the car
- Severe hand and wrist injuries from the impact with the ground
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal injuries
Something unique to cyclists and scooters are injuries caused by “dooring.” Dooring occurs when someone in a parked car opens the door without looking first. A cyclist fails to see the door open in time and collides with the door. Injuries associated with this type of accident include the above but often also include:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
While wearing a helmet and other protective gear can help prevent more serious injuries, they are not enough to protect against automobiles. In worse case scenarios, wrongful death may occur.
Bicycle & Scooter Accident Personal Injury Claims
A bicycle or scooter accident often leaves the rider with severe injuries and property damage, both of which can be very expensive. Insurance companies typically make a settlement offer that they claim will cover the victim's losses. However, insurance adjusters often rush to offer a settlement without a full evaluation of the injuries (and the potential ongoing care that may be required). Without a full and fair understanding of all losses, any settlement offer will be too little.
An alternative to auto insurance settlement is filing a personal injury lawsuit. This process allows you the time needed to fully understand your current and future economic losses. It also allows you to compensate for the biggest hurdle in bicycle or scooter injury cases: the misconception of the people using it.
Cyclists and scooter users are often believed to be reckless. Insurance companies assume cyclists do not follow the rules of the road like their driver counterparts. They will attempt to use these misconceptions to help build their case against you, and sometimes it can work because it will often end up being your word against the other person's word. As a result, victims can be intimidated and/or manipulated into accepting reduced settlement payouts. That's why it is important to have an experienced attorney representing you, helping you through the process so that you can focus on recovering while they focus on obtaining you the full and maximum compensation possible.