California researchers recently reported that emergency room visits and hospital admissions that result from bicycle accidents have risen dramatically across the United States. During the study period from 1997 to 2013, 9,839 bicycle accident fatalities were reported and another 3.8 million bicycle accident-related injuries were reported. Estimated costs from 1999 to 2013 were $209 billion resulting from non-fatal bicycle accident injuries and $28 billion resulting from fatal bicycle accidents.
The study concluded that costs associated specifically with non-fatal bicycle accidents were increasing. Bicycle accidents can be costly for victims and their loved ones. Bicyclists are vulnerable to drivers of larger vehicles on the roadways and may suffer serious and debilitating, even fatal, injuries when they are involved in a crash with one of these vehicles. The lives of victims and their families may be changed forever in the aftermath of such a wreck, as the victim may require ongoing medical care and treatment, rendering him or her unable to work.
Victims of bicycle accidents may be left with substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering that is oftentimes associated with traumatic wrecks. As a result, when an individual has been harmed by a careless or negligent driver, he or she may want to consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against that driver. By doing so, a victim may be able to recover compensation for their damages. This can lift the financial burden that has been unfairly thrust upon him or her, allowing an individual to focus on his or her recovery.
It is important for bicycle accident victims to be familiar with the legal options available to them when they have been harmed by a negligent driver. The process can be challenging, though, especially when the evidence isn’t crystal clear about who was at fault. This is why accident victims need to be prepared with strong legal arguments backed by compelling evidence. Those who want to learn more about how to create such a legal strategy may want to speak with a personal injury attorney.