Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys Patterson Dahlberg
Cycling is a versatile activity many enjoy engaging in. It can be leisurely and fun, or an extreme adrenaline rush. It’s a fairly inexpensive sport, aside from the helmet and bike itself, and no license is required. You can walk into your local bicycle shop and ride it home. There are around nine million bicycle trips each day in the U.S., according to estimates by the Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center. While bicycling is an easy sport that many individuals enjoy, it’s not accident-prone. Bicycle and pedestrian accidents can and do occur.
The Impact of Bicycle-Pedestrian Accidents
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries for the victims or even lead to accidental death. Accidents that involve bicyclists and pedestrians are a significant issue in the U.S., especially in busy cities. And, while biking is a cheap, healthy, and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation, there are dangers involved. In 2018, over 6,280 pedestrians and 857 bicyclists were killed in the U.S. by motor vehicles. Together, these susceptible road users make up a growing contribution of total traffic fatalities in the U.S.
While it’s assumed that pedestrians have the right-of-way when they cross a street, especially when they do so in a marked crosswalk or intersection, the highest number of accidents involving pedestrians occur in these very places.
Bicyclists are frequently struck in an intersection by drivers who aren’t watching out for pedestrians. The more chaotic and congested the location is, the greater the chances of a bicycle or pedestrian accident, especially among bikers and walkers who are wearing headphones, and can’t hear drivers honking their horns.
Because victims of bicycle and pedestrian accidents lack the same type of protection that is provided by passenger vehicles, they’re more vulnerable to severe injuries, such as:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Loss of limb injuries
They’re also more susceptible to death.
Where & How Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents Occur the Most
Although most bicycle accidents occur in the bigger cities with higher populations, college towns seem to rank high as well. Many college students’ primary mode of transportation is their bikes. Bicycling is healthy, it allows them to get from one class to the next quickly, and it saves them money on gas and other things which most college students can appreciate.
Inattentive motorists often cause pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Bicyclists and pedestrians are often victims in motor vehicle accidents like:
- Crosswalk accidents
- Parking garage/lot accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Hit and run accidents
Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer for your Pedestrian & Bicycle Accident Case
Many pedestrian and bicycle accident-related injuries result in wrongful death. An experienced pedestrian and bicycle attorney can lead your fight for the compensation you require in the wake of a catastrophic accident like this.
While you can’t take back the damage done by a wrongful death, you can ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their negligence or misconduct. You can bring a little comfort to other grieving survivors.
Hiring a wrongful death attorney can help ensure you won’t suffer financially due to your loved one’s death. Your wrongful death lawyer will present a strong wrongful death case for you. They’ll maximize your chances of winning your case and potentially receiving a wrongful death settlement.
Collecting compensation after a bicycle and pedestrian accident can be complex. It involves negotiating with insurance companies. An experienced wrongful death attorney will have the resources and knowledge needed to make the process easier and obtain the best results possible on your behalf.
Often, motorists try to blame the pedestrian or biker for the accident, which is why it’s crucial you hire a lawyer. The lawyer will be a strong advocate for your loved one and will prove the negligent party responsible and hold them accountable for their dangerous and fatal actions.
If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian and bicycle accident-related wrongful death case, don’t hesitate to seek representation today. Our Southeast Minnesota wrongful death lawyers at Patterson Dahlberg Injury Lawyers, have the experience and skills you require to legally represent you in your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.