Bicycles are a popular way to get around during the summer and other times of the year. More than two million people in Texas use bicycles as their primary transportation. If you are among these millions, it is essential to understand the risks of riding your bicycle to take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents.
1. What’s Causing These Accidents?
Bicycle accidents can happen for several reasons. One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents is a car turning into the cyclist’s path. This is very dangerous, as cyclists typically have no room to swerve out of the way in time. Another common cause of bicycle accidents is a cyclist failing to yield appropriately. Cyclists must abide by the same rules of the road as drivers. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights, signaling when changing lanes or turning, and wearing proper safety gear.
2. Steps to Follow After a Bicycle Accident in Texas
If you are in an accident while riding your bicycle, the first thing to do is check to see if you or anyone else is injured. If so, call 911 and get medical help as soon as possible. After determining that you and others aren’t hurt, you should follow these steps:
Document the accident as quickly as possible: This can be done by writing down the details as soon as possible. If there are witnesses who can also write down their account of the accident, you should ask them to do so as well.
Keep all your receipts from medical treatment: This can help you get the proper treatment and compensation if you are involved in a lawsuit.
Get a copy of the police report: This can be used in court if you pursue a lawsuit against the other party. You should also be aware of the steps to follow in a bicycle accident claim.
3. Texas Bicycle Accident Statistics
As noted, bicycle accidents are prevalent, but Texas bicycle accident statistics stand out from the rest. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there are about 2,000 bicycle accidents in Texas every year. With increased cycling traffic, most of these accidents happen during the spring and summer. Bicyclists were involved in 5,687 crashes in Texas. There were 6,970 people injured in those bicycle crashes. 8 people died as a result of bicycle crashes. Bicyclists were at fault in 40% of the crashes they were involved in.
4. The Effects of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can have severe consequences for cyclists and other parties involved. For example, a cyclist may have difficulty returning to work after a severe accident. This is particularly true if they cannot return to their job after the injury heals. The person who caused the accident may face severe penalties, including fines and jail time. If a cyclist is seriously injured in an accident, they may be unable to work for an extended period.
5. Factors That Contribute To Bicycle Accidents
Several things can contribute to a bicycle accident. Cyclists should avoid these things when possible to prevent an accident. Poor road conditions are one factor that can lead to an accident. This includes potholes, debris in the street, or a poorly paved road. Cyclists should look out for these hazards and avoid them as much as possible. This can help prevent a bicycle accident.
6. How Often Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly one million people are injured in bicycle accidents yearly. These accidents resulted in more than 780 deaths in 2016. Several different factors contribute to the frequency of bicycle accidents. These include the growth of bike riding and the increased number of cyclists on the road. While the number of casualties is high, tragic deaths from bicycle accidents are much lower than other accidents.
7. How Dangerous Is Cycling Compared To Driving Or Walking?
Cycling, driving, and walking all have hazards. If you are biking, you risk being hit by a car or another vehicle. You risk crashing into someone else or being hit by a car when driving. Pedestrians must worry about being hit by a car or falling off their walkways. Cycling is less dangerous than driving, but there are still plenty of accidents and deaths. While cycling, you must always pay attention to your surroundings and follow road rules to avoid getting hit.
8. Who Is At Fault In A Bicycle Accident?
The party at fault for a bicycle accident is the person who caused the collision. This can be a cyclist or a driver. Fault can be challenging to determine because cyclists and car drivers may share some of the blame. In some cases, the accident occurs because of the negligence of both parties. This type of accident is referred to as a “tort” accident. Fault in a bicycle accident can depend on several different factors. Unfortunately, determining fault in a bicycle accident can be difficult because there are no witnesses.
Conclusion
Bicycle accidents can be hazardous, especially when involving other vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings while riding a bicycle to avoid these accidents. If you find yourself in a bicycle accident, follow the steps after a bicycle accident in Texas. This will help ensure you are properly compensated for injuries sustained during the accident.