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Bike Accident Injuries in Wisconsin
Bicycles have become increasingly popular over the past decade as the cost of gas has risen and people have taken a more active interest in the health of the environment. In fact, according to statistics published by a bicycle industry magazine, bike sales have increased more than five percent over the past three years alone. While this increase in biking may be good for the planet, it can also pose a serious risk to pedestrians. Many pedestrians are not as careful watching for bikes as they are with cars, but bicycle-pedestrian collisions can still cause serious injuries. With more cyclists on the roads and sidewalks, it can be important for pedestrians to understand the dangers and know how to react.
Bike Accident Injuries
Most people do not worry about being hit by a bike in the same way they worry about being struck by a car. After all, bikes are smaller, lighter, and cannot travel as fast. Nevertheless, bikes can still cause serious harm to pedestrians, and can even inflict fatal injuries in some cases. The most common injuries that result from bike accidents are contusions, lacerations, and broken bones. These can be severe, painful injuries that require expensive medical treatment. Beyond those sorts of injuries, pedestrians who suffer falls during the accident can often hit their heads on the way down. At the speed bicycles travel, this can result in a traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries occur when the brain is jostled around in the skull, and they can lead to nausea, concussions, seizures, and even coma or death if the injury is serious enough.
Responding to a Bike Accident
Responding to a bike accident requires specific actions to be taken. The first step is to check and see if anyone needs medical attention and to call for help if necessary. Once that is done, parties can alert the police to file a report about the accident and exchange information, just like with a car crash.
Unfortunately, responding to a bike accident can be made more complicated by the same problem that makes them more likely in the first place: many cyclists and pedestrians do not understand what rules of the road the bikes are required to follow. This can lead to more accidents since riders and walkers do not always know what the other is going to do, and it can increase the likelihood that the rider will leave the scene of the accident since the rider may not realize he or she is legally required to stay and help. If this happens, the best thing to do is get as much identifying information about the driver and rider as possible and file a police report.
If you have recently been involved in a bicycle accident and would like to learn about your options for pursuing compensation for your harm, contact an experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney today.
