Each year, thousands of people are injured and killed while operating bikes. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to the reckless or negligent actions of another, contact a Doylestown bike accident attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC. We can be reached online or by calling 888-777-7098.
Types of Bike Accidents
There are many types of bikes and many types of bike accidents.
- Dirt bike accidents are becoming more and more common. Some dirt bikes are extremely powerful and can cause serious harm to drivers, passengers, and bystanders.
- Mountain bike accidents can occur when the rider strikes another rider or bystander. These types of bikes can travel at high rates of speed (especially when traveling down a hill or mountainside) and must be operated with extreme care.
- Electric bikes are becoming more popular and, therefore, electric bike-related accidents are also on the rise. These types of bikes offer riders powerful assistance and can become dangerous when operated by inexperienced riders.
- Child bike accidents often occur when the child does not recognize the danger that he or she is being put in. Children should be closely monitored while riding their bikes.
One of the most serious types of bike accidents is a motorcycle accident. Each year, thousands of riders are seriously injured and killed while operating motorcycles.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclist deaths occur 27 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles. The NHTSA found that 4,586 motorcyclists were killed on U.S. roadways in 2014. Forty-three percent of motorcycle riders who died in a single-vehicle crash were alcohol-impaired.
These statistics demonstrate that motorcyclists are at particular risk and should take extra steps to protect themselves. Furthermore, those who share the roadways with motorcyclists should stay alert for riders at all times.
The NHTSA also has some positive facts. For example, it is estimated that helmets saved approximately 1,772 lives in 2015. Furthermore, for the same year, the NHTSA estimated that “more than $3 billion in economic costs and over $19 billion in comprehensive costs were saved by the use of motorcycle helmets.”
Determining Liability for a Bike Accident in Doylestown
Bike accidents and accident-related injuries can have many different causes, and this means that many different parties can be responsible. When you hire a Doylestown bike accident attorney to represent you, one of the first steps your attorney will take will be to determine who (or what company) is liable for your injuries. Some of the possibilities include:
A Negligent Driver
Many bike accidents are the result of driver negligence. If you, your child, or another loved one was hit by a vehicle while riding a bike in Doylestown, there is a good chance that the driver is responsible. Careless driving, distracted driving, fatigued driving, speeding, and alcohol impairment are all common forms of driver negligence for which bike riders and their families can seek just compensation. These cases typically involve insurance claims, and most successful insurance claims settle out of court.
A Negligent Driver’s Employer
If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, then his or her employer could be liable. For example, a lot of bike accidents involve garbage trucks, delivery trucks, work vans, and other commercial vehicles. Under Pennsylvania law, employers are legally responsible for their employees’ conduct “within the scope of employment,” and this is true even if the employee was being negligent.
The Bike Manufacturer
Some bike accidents result from issues with the bike itself. This is particularly common with electric bikes, but defects can lead to accidents involving road bikes, mountain bikes, and children’s bikes as well. Along with e-bike malfunctions, other common issues that can lead to accidents include defects affecting a bike’s wheels, tires, brakes, derailleur, or lights.
The Helmet Manufacturer
While safety advocates and government agencies recommend wearing bike helmets, helmets have their limitations. They cannot protect bike riders from serious injuries in all circumstances. However, bike helmets should at least mitigate the effects of a bike accident in most cases; and, when a helmet fails to do its job, the helmet’s manufacturer may be liable for the rider’s injury-related losses.
A Government Agency or Property Owner
Road hazards and visual obstructions are factors in many bike accidents in Doylestown. If a bike rider loses control because of an issue with the road, or if a rider cannot see a hazard or oncoming traffic due to a visual obstruction, then the government agency or property owner that is responsible for the issue may hold (or at least share) liability for a crash. The same is true if a driver hits a cyclist because of a road hazard or visual obstruction.
Another Third Party
Various other third parties can hold (or share) responsibility for bike accidents in Doylestown as well. For example, if you (or your loved one) got hit by a drunk driver, you could have a claim against the establishment that overserved the driver before he or she got behind the wheel. Or, if you were riding with another cyclist who put you in harm’s way, that cyclist could be liable. There are many other possibilities; and, to make sure you pursue the right claim(s) against the right party(ies), you should discuss your case with a Doylestown bike accident attorney right away.
After the Accident: Contact a Doylestown Bike Accident Attorney
An accident can leave you in pain and disoriented. The most important thing to do after an accident is to get yourself safe and the medical attention that you need. Do NOT refuse medical attention if it is offered to you. Often those suffering are in the worst position to identify and treat the injuries.
If possible, record as much information as you can about the accident. Pictures of video of the accident can be valuable in helping us identify the responsible party. Furthermore, keep a log and accurate records of any medical treatment you receive. Documentation of your injury can be vital in helping us get you the compensation that you deserve.
Finally, contact a Doylestown bike accident attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC if you or a loved one has been bike accident. Please find us online or call 888-777-7098 today. We have the experience and resources to help you get the compensation that you and your family deserve for the injuries you have suffered.