According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, bike injuries have been on the rise since 1998. While bike riding is often noted for its health benefits, riding also presents unique challenges and increased risk of accidents. Just recently, five bikers were killed in a devastating accident when a truck hit them, according to Fox News. Initial reports suggest that the truck driver may have been driving “erratically” before the accident.
Overall, between 1998 and 2013, bike injuries increased by 23%. This included an increase in head injuries. Older bikers also saw an increase in injury.
Head injuries can result in traumatic brain injury. These injuries can range from mild to severe. In some cases, individuals need life-long care after a brain injury. With milder traumatic brain injury, doctors may not immediately diagnose the injury in the emergency room. It can take days or weeks before patients see the full effects of their injuries, which can include memory problems, trouble sleeping, mood changes, perceptual problems, and other difficulties. If you or a loved one was involved in a bike accident and has been experiencing these symptoms, it may be a good idea to speak to a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis. If another person’s negligence or a driver’s failure to obey the law resulted in the accident, you may be entitled to receive a recovery to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is why you may need to contact an attorney. The Florida Bike Guy represents cyclists all over Florida, for instance, and finding similar ones in Minneapolis, Minnesota would definitely be a good idea in such a situation.
One of the reasons why more people are being injured on bikes is due to biking’s increase in popularity. More people are using bikes to commute. Yet, bike riding also brings risks, especially to older adults. Older adults are more likely to experience more significant injuries following a bike accident than younger riders. Recent bike accidents involving John Kerry and U2 singer Bono, show how bike accidents can lead to injuries and hospitalizations among older adults.
Bike injuries are also not always reported. When bike accidents involve cars, if victims don’t think they are seriously injured, they may not always make a police report. The reality is that if you’ve been hit by a car while on your bike, you should always report the incident to the police. Some injuries are not immediately apparent after an accident takes place and some injuries can take days to weeks to manifest. If a driver hit you on a bike, take the time and report it, even if you’ve only suffered bruises. Proper reporting also gives lawmakers more data to better understand traffic patterns, injuries, and places where bike lanes may need to be created.
To stay safe, bike riders should wear helmets, wear reflective clothing, and follow the rules of the road. Communities can also take measures to widen bike lanes, create bike lanes, and raise driver awareness.
The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota who can assist bike victims and their families. If you’ve been hurt in a bike accident, you may be entitled to receive a recovery under the law. Protect your rights. Contact an accident attorney today if you’ve been hurt.