Staying safe on a bike in Indiana

On behalf of Steven Crell of Steve Crell Law posted in Bicycle Accidents on Monday, December 21, 2015.

In 2013, over 900 bicyclists were killed and another 494,000 were sent to the hospital for injuries caused while riding a bike. While accounting for only 1 percent of all trips taken in the United States according to statistics, an individual on a bike is at higher risk of serious injury or death compared to someone in a motor vehicle.

Riders between the ages of 15 and 29 and over the age of 45 have the highest risk of suffering a fatal injury while on a bike. Those between the ages of 5 and 25 have the highest risk of suffering a non-fatal injury while on a bike. They account for 52 percent of all trips to U.S emergency rooms for injuries related to bike riding. Overall, males are more likely than females to die while riding a bike, and most accidents occur in urban areas.

There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the instance of serious injury or death after a bike accident. Children and adults alike should wear bike helmets, and laws can be enacted that require children to wear safety helmets to reduce the occurrence of head or brain trauma. Dedicated bike lanes may reduce the risk of drivers and bicyclists sharing the same space while wearing bright or reflective clothing can help make bicyclists more visible to others.

Individuals who have been hurt in bicycle accidents may be entitled to receive compensation for their injuries if the accident was the result of another person’s negligence. A personal injury can often be of assistance in preparing and filing a lawsuit against the responsible party seeking damages for medical expenses and other losses that have been incurred.