While the residents of many states are welcoming the return of “bicycle season,” here in Florida, it never ended. Fine weather year-round means a multitude of cyclists are on the go at any given time.
Many motorists, unfortunately, do not know how to share the roads with their non-motorized counterparts. A car accident that involves a cyclist can be a very traumatic event, although rarely is the driver of the car adversely affected. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a bicycle crash in Melbourne or elsewhere in Brevard County, the following information may be of interest.
Bicycle accidents by the numbers
Attention bicycle crash victims: you are not alone. In 2015, nearly 2 percent of all traffic accidents in Florida involved a bike. That may not seem like a large percentage, but the actual number of crashes totaled 7,120. Viewed from another perspective, that averages to nearly 20 accidents each day.
Apart from a helmet, cyclists do not have a lot of personal protection in most cases. It is little wonder, then, that almost 94 percent of bicycle accidents result in an injury. Sadly, 154 riders passed away after being in a traffic accident in 2015.
Here in Brevard County, there were 199 reported bicycle crashes in 2015. That total ranked 11th among all counties in the state. Those accidents accounted for 186 injured riders and, unfortunately, two fatalities.
A bike accident is difficult to walk away from
Bicycle crashes frequently cause serious injuries to the unlucky riders. Although the speed of a bike is low compared to a motor vehicle, there is still plenty of potential for devastating injuries, such as:
- Severe road rash
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal injuries
Sometimes more than one major injury occurs, and extensive hospitalization may be required.
Picking up the pieces after a bicycle crash
Treatment for serious physical trauma can take a lot of time, and a lot of money. Even after going home from the hospital, the victim may need physical and/or occupational therapy, and possibly home care. Returning to work can also be problematic or even impossible. Between missing work and major medical bills, the financial burden of a bike accident can be difficult to manage.
There is no need to shoulder the load alone, however. A skilled personal injury lawyer who knows your community may be able to help. By bringing his or her experience and knowledge to bear on your case, it may be possible to secure a compensation settlement that will allow you or your loved one to recover with piece of mind.
