When a person on a bicycle is in a collision with a moving vehicle, the individual on the bike is likely to suffer serious injuries. A cyclist is largely unprotected against the weight and force of a large vehicle, even when wearing a helmet and safety gear. Motorists have the responsibility of driving carefully and cautiously when in the vicinity of a cyclist.
Florida is a state where it is popular to travel, commute and sightsee by bike. However, there are statistics that indicate it may actually be a dangerous state to do so. Sadly, the state leads the nation in the number of fatal cyclist-involved accidents. If you are a cyclist, you may want to learn more about the dangers you could be facing and how you can stay as safe as possible.
The dangers of cycling
Since 1975, the rate of cyclist-involved accidents has tripled. This is a disturbing trend, with hundreds of bike riders experiencing serious or fatal injuries every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 16% of the total number of fatal bike accidents in the United States in 2017 took place in Florida.
If you are a cyclist, you know that many people do not understand the importance of safely sharing the road with bikes. It is the responsibility of both drivers and cyclists to show mutual respect, stay in the right lane and drive cautiously. However, many motorists still fail to share space with cyclists, and the end results are preventable accidents that can leave a person seriously injured.
Why do these accidents happen?
There are many reasons why the rate of bicycle accidents is higher than you may expect. You know how prevalent distracted driving is, and it’s important not to overlook how this can directly impact the safety of cyclists on the road.
One of the main reasons why bike accidents happen is because motorists make simple, avoidable mistakes. These include things like passing too closely, speeding, failing to yield the right of way and more.
The rights of injured cyclists
If you suffered injuries while riding your bike, you may be the victim of the reckless or negligent actions of another motorist. You may have valid grounds to pursue financial compensation through a civil claim, but it is smart to take quick action to pursue this. Personal injury cases are time sensitive, and you must act as soon as possible to protect your rights and interests.
