Bicycle Accident Lawsuits: What You Need to Know

Bicycle Accident Lawsuits: What You Need to Know

According to the NHTSA, although the number of bicycle accidents has gone down overall, there are still almost 800 fatal bike accidents in the United States each year. However, the same source estimates that an average of 15 bicyclists are killed each week by traffic collisions with motor vehicles.

Many vehicle drivers don’t realize that cyclists have just as much of a right to be on the road as they do. Some motorists are intolerant of cyclists. If you’re a bicyclist who’s been injured in a traffic accident, you have the same right to seek compensation for your damages as another motorist. You need an experienced attorney familiar with bicycle accident lawsuits to help. Please contact me today to discuss your case.

Rules of the Road for Cars and Bicycles

Bicycles traveling on public roads must obey the same traffic laws as automobiles. In general, operators of cars and bicycles must:

• Travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic
• Obey all traffic signals and signs
• Signal before turning or changing lanes
• Yield to pedestrians
• Yield to vehicles already on the road before pulling into traffic

Every state has laws prohibiting the operation of a vehicle or bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.