May is National Bike Month throughout San Diego County and across the United States. People are taking advantage of longer days and warmer weather to enjoy time biking. Bright green bike lanes are popping up everywhere, and local municipalities are working with schools and community groups to make the roads safer for cyclists.
All these trends, however, are reflections of an underlying truth: Rates of cycling-related injuries and deaths are higher than ever.
Faster Bikes, More Injuries
You have probably noticed the big increase in bicyclists on the road. Sales spiked during the pandemic, leading to more riders of all types: Kids riding to school, parents running errands with their kiddos in tow, vacationers on sight-seeing group rides as well as serious athletes on training rides. Bikes are simply fun.
Until they aren’t. The sad fact is that bicyclist accidents with cars and other vehicles are not uncommon. When a biker crashes into a car, the car wins. The huge increase in e-bikes on the road means more people are going faster, which results in more severe injuries and more expensive property damage.
What To Do if You Are Involved in a Crash
If you or a loved one is involved in a crash between a bike and a motor vehicle, treat the situation like a car-on-car crash. Make sure to get the driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. Consider taking a clear picture of the front and back of each document. An injured bicyclist may be able to recover money for medical care, bike repairs, and other accident-related expenses.
Speak With An Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Before interacting with the motor vehicle operator’s insurance company, speak with an attorney who handles motor vehicle accidents. Even better, find a lawyer who handles bike accidents on a regular basis. Insurance companies want to settle with accident victims for as little as possible. They handle these matters every day and know every trick for minimizing the amount you get paid. It is important to seek an attorney who will fight for your rights and maximize your recovery.
The attorneys at Coast Law Group are cyclists who take great care to ensure that fellow riders get help from attorneys who care about getting people back on their bikes and maximizing recoveries. Call for more information on how we can help.