Nebraska Bicycle Injuries

Bicycling is a recreational activity that has gained much popularity.  Riding a bicycle has many benefits that you don't receive when driving a car:  the first being the sheer fun of it!  Also, it is an excellent form of exercise.  Bicycling can even provide a faster method of traveling if traffic conditions are excessive. 

Approximately, 43,000 cyclists in the United States were injured in traffic accidents in 2007.  This represents 2 percent of all traffic-related injuries.  Statistically, cyclist fatalities are more likely to occur in urban areas between the hours of 5 and 9 P.M., and during the warmer months. 

The Cause of Vehicular Bicycle Accidents

In many bicycle accidents that involve a motorized vehicle, the operator of the motor vehicle is at fault and can be held accountable for any harm caused to the cyclist.  Such accidents are often caused by negligence.  When operating a vehicle, it is the driver's responsibility to pay proper attention to his or her surroundings.  Ignoring stop signs, speed limits, stop lights, and even pedestrians and cyclists themselves are only a few examples of such negligence. 

However, it is also the cyclist's responsibility to pay adequate attention to their surroundings and respect rules and signs that govern cyclist behavior.  Bicycle accidents may also be caused by other cyclists and/or pedestrians who are not paying attention.  A distracted pedestrian may wonder into a cyclist's lane or path causing an unsuspecting cyclist to alter their course in a potentially unsafe manner.  It is not only the operators of motor vehicles who must obey the rules of the road. 

Bicycling in the State of Nebraska

Fortunately, in the state of Nebraska, the total percentage of deaths involving a cyclist is considerably lower than the national average.  However, 253 accidents involving cyclists occurred in 2007; 252 involved injuries, 20 of which were disabling injuries. 

An Attorney Can Help!

If you or someone you love has been involved in a bicycle-vehicle accident, an attorney can help.  You should consult with an attorney immediately after receiving medical attention for any injuries.  You shouldn't talk to anyone else, or sign any papers until seeking legal counsel.  The bicycle accident attorneys at Dyer Law, PC are experienced in dealing with traffic related accidents.  Our attorneys strive to help obtain compensation for your injuries.  And while reparations may not erase your injuries, it may help avoid financial turmoil caused by the accident itself.