July 10, 2010
/24-7PressRelease/ -- From 1992 to 2001, 940 bicyclists were injured in crashes with cars or other motor vehicles in Utah. Of these, seven were killed. Nationally, Utah ranks in the top 10 of all states in terms of cyclist fatality rates; only Florida, Arizona, Louisiana, South Carolina, Alaska, North Carolina, Nevada, Delaware and California rank higher in cyclist deaths per million.
There are many things that can cause bicycle accidents. Among the most common causes are other drivers, especially drivers of motor vehicles. They can cause accidents by driving too aggressively around bicyclists, failing to yield to bicyclists at intersections, or simply by opening their doors into the paths of oncoming bicyclists. Poor road conditions are also a factor in bicycle accidents. While a small pothole may be insignificant to a car or bus, defective road surfaces can be treacherous for a cyclist.
In addition, bicyclists themselves can be at fault. Too many bicyclists forget that they are subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicle operators. Signaling before turning, driving on the right side of the road and following all road markings and signs are vital to safe cycling.
Finally, just as faulty brakes on a car can lead to an accident, so, too, can faulty equipment on a bicycle. Brakes, helmets and chains are the likely culprits of equipment failure, so be sure to inspect them regularly.
On the topic of helmet use, the state of Utah conducted a survey and found some disturbing trends. While helmet use has increased since 1994 (the beginning of the study), as of 2003, less than 20 percent of all bicyclists in Utah wore helmets. Only 12.7 percent of preschool children and 2.7 percent of secondary-school-age bicyclists used helmets, numbers that were below the national average. Adult cyclists in Utah wore their helmets close to 40 percent of the time over the course of the study, while those in elementary school were close to the study average of 20 percent.
For those injured in a bicycle accident, there are a few important things to remember. First, you have rights. Just as when two cars are involved in an accident, a bicyclist involved in an accident should contact the police. According to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, police officers only file reports in one-third of all bicycle accidents, but refusing to involve the police brings that number down to zero. Second, just as if a vehicle hit another motorist, hitting a bicycle is covered by liability insurance. To help obtain insurance compensation, a bicyclist who has been in an accident should consult a lawyer experienced in personal injury lawsuits.
Lawyers who have experience with bicycle accidents are familiar with local statutes and ordinances. These often have specific applications that should be analyzed to determine what compensation might be obtained for your case.
Article provided by Eisenberg & Gilchrist
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