Bicycle accidents can be caused by defects like poorly designed tires or malfunctioning brakes, but a common causes of bicycle accidents involve motorists who act negligently and fail to share the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in 2011 that two percent of all traffic fatalities for that year (677 deaths in all) were from bicycle accidents. Nine percent were bicyclists under the age of 14, and 69 percent were males.
Drivers are more likely to cause a bicycle accident if they fail to check for bicyclists when making a turn, fail to see bicyclists in their blind spots, or fail to adhere to traffic regulations and laws. Additionally, a driver who is speeding or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is more likely to cause a bicycle accident. Some injuries occur if a driver opens his or her car door without realizing that a bicyclist is traveling alongside their vehicle.
Drivers may not always share the road with bicyclists, although they are legally obligated to do so. As a result, a bicyclist may be at an increased risk of injury or death, more so than those involved in vehicular accidents since there is nothing but a helmet or pads to protect the bicyclist from bodily harm. Those who have been injured may consider working with an Iowa bicycle accident attorney to pursue a claim against the responsible party. It is important to consider that there may be more than one individual liable for your injury, including:
- The manufacturer of the bicycle
- The other driver
- The retailer of the bicycle
- The manufacturer of the vehicle’s parts
- The mechanic responsible for inspecting the vehicle
For instance, if you were riding your bicycle and noticed that a driver was swerving in front of you and your brakes failed as you tried to avoid the car, you may have a case against the manufacturer of your bicycle. If the motorist was driving under the influence when he or she hit you, you may also be eligible to pursue a claim against them as well. For this reason, it is important to seek legal counsel from an Iowa bicycle accident attorney today to increase the chance that you will receive the maximum compensation to which you may be entitled.
Contact an Iowa Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Attorney Group for Iowa provides free case evaluations to bicyclists who have been injured on the road. We can help determine if one or more parties should be held responsible for your condition, and we can connect you with an affiliated Iowa bicycle accident attorney. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you could potentially recover damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and out-of-pocket medical expenses.
