Too many hurt or killed in bicycle accidents every year

Biking is a favorite past-time for many Illinois residents. As enjoyable as it may be, it is also quite dangerous, Every year, too many people are hurt or killed in auto versus bicycle accidents. Those who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones in such events may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses through legal means.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bicycles account for only 1% of vehicles on the road, but their operators have a much higher chance of being injured or killed in an accident. Upward of one thousand cyclists are killed in auto collisions in a year, and hundreds of thousands are hurt. Those who do survive are often left suffering in various ways for the remainder of their lives.

Those most likely to be involved in fatal bicycle accidents are males between the age of 50 and 59. Those most likely to be injured in auto-bicycle collisions are individuals in the age range of 5 to 19. Alcohol use seems to be a factor in numerous bicycle accident cases, but other common causes of such events include speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield the right-of-way and failure to look.

Cyclists in Illinois can help protect themselves by wearing helmets, following traffic rules and wearing bright and/or reflective clothing. Those cyclists who have taken all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and still end up involved in bicycle accidents due to driver negligence may seek relief by filing personal injury claims in civil court. In the event of fatality, the victim’s surviving family members may seek compensation by filing wrongful death claims against the individual believed responsible for their losses.