Why Bicycle Accidents Are So Serious
When a bicycle and a motor vehicle collide, the cyclist usually takes the worst of it. In fact, according to the NHTSA’s 2023 bicycle crash data, 49,989 bicyclists were injured in traffic crashes nationally. Riders have very little protection, which means even a low-speed crash can cause major injuries.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Some cyclists recover in weeks. Others face surgeries, therapy, and long-term pain.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Fitchburg?
Many bicycle crashes happen because a driver fails to share the road safely. In Wisconsin, drivers are required to give a bicyclist at least 3 feet of clearance when passing.
Common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Drivers who fail to yield
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Unsafe passing
- Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path
- Poor visibility
- Dangerous road conditions
Every crash is different, and the cause matters because it affects who may be legally responsible.
Who May Be Liable After a Bicycle Accident?
The driver is often the first place to look, but not always the only one. Depending on the facts, a bicycle accident claim may involve:
- A negligent driver
- An employer, if the driver was working at the time
- A government entity responsible for unsafe road design or maintenance
- A property owner who created or failed to fix a hazard
- Another third party whose actions contributed to the crash
The goal is to identify every source of responsibility and every available insurance policy.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If someone else caused your bicycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for losses such as:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damage to your bicycle and other property
The value of a bicycle accident claim depends on the facts, including how serious the injuries are and how they affect your daily life.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident
The steps you take after a bicycle crash can make a real difference.
Get Medical Care
Your health comes first. Even if you think you can push through it, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, especially head injuries, do not always show their full effects right away.
Report the Crash
Call the police if possible. An accident report can be important later when dealing with insurance companies and proving what happened.
Take Photos and Keep Records
If you can, take pictures of:
- The bike
- The vehicle
- The scene
- Visible injuries
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs or signals
Keep your medical records, repair estimates, receipts, and any messages from insurance companies.
Do Not Rush Into a Settlement
Insurance companies often try to resolve bicycle accident claims quickly and cheaply. Be careful before giving a recorded statement or accepting money before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
When a Government Entity May Be Involved
Some bicycle crashes are caused in part by unsafe intersections, poor road maintenance, missing signs, or dangerous bike infrastructure.
If a government agency may be responsible, the case can be more complicated. Typically, a lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date of the accident under Wisconsin law, but there are important exceptions and nuances that can affect the applicable deadline — including separate notice requirements and shorter timelines when a government entity may be involved. You can review the general 3-year deadline under Wisconsin law, but that is one reason it is important to speak with a lawyer as early as possible.
Why Choose Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm?
At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, we take a straightforward approach. We investigate what happened, gather the evidence, identify who may be responsible, and deal with the insurance companies so our clients do not have to do it alone.
We prepare every case as if it is going to trial because insurance companies know which firms are ready to fight.
We do not get paid unless you do.
