Bicycle collision statistics

On behalf of Steven Crell of Steve Crell Law posted in Bicycle Accidents on Thursday, September 22, 2016.

Indiana bicyclists are at risk of serious injury or death when they are involved in collisions with motor vehicles. In 2014, bicyclists who were injured or killed accounted for slightly more than 2 percent of all people who were injured or killed in traffic crashes.

In 2014, a total of 726 bicyclists were killed and an estimated 50,000 more were injured in vehicle-related accidents. Nearly 90 percent of those who were killed were male, and the average age of cyclists who died was 45. Of the fatal accidents, 71 percent happened in urban areas. Also of note was that 20 percent of the fatal accidents happened between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The number of cyclists who were killed in 2014 was 3 percent lower than the number who were killed in 2013. Researchers are uncertain whether the decline resulted because of safer conditions, fewer people bicycling or if people are simply choosing to ride in new locations.

When bicyclists are involved in collisions with motor vehicles, they have very little to protect themselves from serious injury. Unlike motor vehicle occupants, bicyclists do not have a frame around them. This makes it much more likely that they will suffer very serious injuries or death if they are struck. Cyclists who have been victims of such crashes may want to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. By doing so, the bicyclist might be able to hold a negligent driver liable to pay damages. Depending on the relevant facts of the case, the victim could recover compensation for medical costs, property damage and lost wages due to missed time at work.