Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Temple, Texas

Bicycling is a favorite form of recreation for children, but in recent years, adults have been getting in on the fun too. Adults are enjoying the benefits of exercise in addition to the inexpensive form of transportation. Along with the increase in popularity has come a substantial increase in bicycle-related injuries, especially collisions with motor vehicles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 800 bicyclists were killed and nearly 515,000 bicyclists sustained bicycle-related injuries requiring emergency care in 2010 alone. Unfortunately, over 50% of these injuries and deaths involved children and adolescents under the age of 20.

Bicycle Injuries

The CDC reports that the two most common causes of bicycle accidents are falls and colliding with stationary objects. In addition, accidents involving motor vehicles are responsible for 90% of all bicycle-related deaths and 10% of nonfatal injuries; the majority of deaths are caused by traumatic head injuries. While some motor vehicle/bicycle collisions result in less serious injuries such as road rash, contusions and lacerations, many result in far more serious injuries including death. Common injuries occurring in bicycle accidents include:

• Road rash / abrasions
• Swelling and bruising
• Sprains and dislocations
• Fractured and broken bones
• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

If You Are Involved in an Accident

Did you know that most motorists who kill a bicyclist or pedestrian are never charged or held accountable? A study conducted by the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition reports that only one in every four “at fault” drivers are given a citation for hitting or killing a bicyclist or pedestrian, and 22% of all drivers fail to even stop or assist the victims. If you are involved in an accident, the following tips can help you document your injuries and damages and may increase the amount of your settlement or award. You should:

• • Seek medical attention
  • File a police report if the police do not come to the scene
  • Get witness names and contact information whenever possible
  • Take photos of the scene if you can do so safely
  • Get a written estimate from a bike shop
  • Save any damaged property or document with photos
  • Report the accident to your car insurance since bicycle accidents may be a covered event
  • If you received a ticket, don’t pay it or go to court before seeking the advice of an experienced attorney
  • Do not post to social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc) about your accident or your injuries
  • Take care when speaking with your insurance adjuster, the other party, the police or the courts – everything you say can be used against you

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Have You Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident?

Stuff happens, but far too many bicycle injuries are not due to accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you need an experienced attorney to prove your case and represent your interests. The attorneys at Zinda Law Group have successfully represented many bicycle accident victims and we can help you too. Call us today at (800) 863-5312 for a free, no-fee consultation and let us help you.