The True Cost of Bicycle Accidents

In 2018, the United States lost 857 people to fatal bicycle accidents. Even bicyclists who survive accidents face life-changing injuries and astronomical medical costs. The costs and consequences of bicycle accidents are difficult to overestimate.

That’s why we’ve dedicated our firm to helping victims and their families recover after bicycle accidents. Unfortunately, what we do here at Casey Law Offices, S.C. is not enough. To prevent these inexcusable injuries and deaths, we need roadways that are safe for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The Financial Toll of Bicycle Accidents

For now, America’s roadways are dangerous, and fatal and non-fatal bike accidents cost the United States billions of dollars each year. While some may attribute an increase in bicycle accidents to an increase of cyclists, new transportation methods should not mean more death and destruction. Instead, it should mean culture and infrastructure that adapts to changes in transit – especially when cycling is a healthy and eco-friendly way to get around.

Without adequate infrastructure, the financial burden is staggering:

• Non-fatal bicycle accidents: $209 billion annually
• Fatal bicycle accidents: $28 billion annually

These figures represent just the financial costs. The emotional and psychological toll on victims and their families is immeasurable.

The Need for Safer Infrastructure

As cycling continues to grow in popularity as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation, the need for safer infrastructure becomes increasingly urgent. Current roadways are often ill-equipped to accommodate cyclists, leading to a higher incidence of accidents and collisions. The lack of dedicated bike lanes, poor road conditions, and inadequate signage are just a few of the factors contributing to the risks that cyclists face daily.

A researcher from the University of California – San Francisco sheds light on this issue, emphasizing the significant financial burden that cycling injuries impose on society:

“While the health benefits of cycling far outweigh the health risks, our results demonstrate the scope of the financial impact of cycling injuries…To me, it clearly makes a strong case for investment in safer cycling infrastructure… Many of these injuries are preventable with safer roads.”

Investing in safer roads and dedicated bicycle lanes is not just a matter of public safety; it’s also a financially prudent decision. When we reduce the number of bicycle accidents, we not only save lives but also decrease the economic costs associated with medical care, lost productivity, and long-term rehabilitation.

The Human Cost of Bicycle Accidents

If you’ve been in a serious bicycle accident or lost a loved one to a collision, you know how devastating they can be. Even one fatal bicycle accident is one too many and being seriously injured or losing a loved one can change your entire life.

After a bicycle accident, victims and their families often face a multitude of challenges, including:

• Medical bills: The cost of emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment can be overwhelming.
• Lost wages: Time away from work during recovery can lead to significant income loss.
• Rehabilitation and recovery: Long-term care and physical therapy are often necessary for recovery.
• Reduced earning potential: Serious injuries may limit the ability to work in the future.
• Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional pain of an accident can be immense.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Injuries can prevent victims from enjoying life as they once did.
• Funeral and burial expenses: The unexpected costs of losing a loved one add financial stress to an already difficult time.
• Loss of companionship and support: The emotional toll on families is profound.

At Casey Law Offices, S.C., we understand that no legal action can undo the pain or bring back a lost loved one. However, we can help you secure your financial future so that you have the resources to focus on healing and recovery.

Tips for Bicycle Safety

Bicycle accidents are often preventable with the right precautions and awareness. To reduce the risk of injury, both experienced cyclists and beginners should adhere to basic safety guidelines. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safer ride:

• Always Wear a Helmet: Regardless of whether your state mandates helmet use, wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries.
• Enhance Visibility: Equip your bike with front and rear lights, especially when riding at dawn, dusk, or night. Bright, reflective clothing can also make you more visible to drivers.
• Use Hand Signals: Clearly signal your turns and stops to alert drivers and other cyclists of your intentions.
• Ride with Traffic: Always ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes where available. Making eye contact with drivers at intersections ensures they see you.
• Avoid High-Traffic Areas: When possible, choose routes with less vehicular traffic. Slow down and be extra cautious at intersections, where many accidents occur.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Avoid riding too close to parked cars to prevent “dooring” accidents, where a car door suddenly opens in your path.
• Follow Traffic Laws: Cyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. Understanding and adhering to these rules is crucial for safety.

In recent years, innovations in bicycle safety technology have further enhanced rider protection. For instance, a Swedish company has developed an airbag system designed specifically for cyclists. This airbag is housed in a collar worn around the neck and deploys in just one-tenth of a second when sensors detect a potential crash. Such advancements are paving the way for a safer cycling experience, but the responsibility also lies with each rider to stay informed and vigilant on the road.

Important Regulations to Keep in Mind

When pursuing litigation for a bicycle accident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it’s crucial to be aware of the specific regulations that may impact your case. Wisconsin follows a “modified comparative fault” rule, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. For instance, if the court determines that you were 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.

An experienced Milwaukee bicycle accident attorney will carefully evaluate your case, taking into account local laws and regulations, such as Wisconsin Statute 346.80, which outlines the rules of the road for bicyclists, including the requirement to ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway. Additionally, Wisconsin law mandates that cyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs, and that bicycles used at night must be equipped with a front white light visible from at least 500 feet and a rear red reflector or light visible from 50 to 500 feet.

Failure to comply with these regulations can severely impact your case, as the court may attribute a significant portion of fault to your actions, potentially reducing your damage recovery. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is essential to maximizing your potential compensation in a bicycle accident claim.

Take Action to Protect Your Rights

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal options. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (414) 272-5564 or contact us online to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.