RI Bike Paths – Common Causes of Bicycle
More and more people are choosing to ride bicycles to commute to work. That isn’t it. Bicycles are also a common mode of transportation for other errands as well as leisure-related activities. It isn’t entirely surprising that bicycle accident fatalities have significantly increased over the years. According to Governors Highway Safety Association, bicyclists who die in motor vehicle crashes increased from 621 in 2010 to 722 in 2012 and 985 in 2021. The numbers keep increasing.
What causes these accidents? And how can a bicycle accident lawyer help? Keep reading to find out.
Rhode Island Laws for Bicyclists
While there is no federal law that subjects bicyclists to wear helmets, there are state laws that do. In Rhode Island, bicycle helmets are mandatory for passengers 15 years old and younger. The law also specifies how to wear those helmets.
For one, they must fit the person’s head and should be secured by straps, especially while riding the bicycle. Furthermore, the helmet must adhere to the current requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for helmets.
A Major Cause of Bicycle Accidents in Rhode Island
One of the major causes of bicycle accident fatalities is the lack of bike paths to keep bicyclists safe. Most accidents occur at intersections, and most deaths are due to accidents on major roads that aren’t freeways or highways. While a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for injuries endured, it’s better to observe caution in the first place.
Over the last 2 decades, the RIDOT (Rhode Island Department of Transportation) has built a vast network of bike paths to secure its bicyclists. This extensive network offers over 60 miles of off-road cycling.
In short, bicyclists have the same obligation to obey traffic laws as other vehicle drivers. Many bicycle accidents occur because motor vehicle drivers fail to respect the right of other bicycle riders to share the road. Motorcycle accidents are also frequently caused by the failure of public agencies to maintain safe road and bike pathways.
Additional Causes of Bicycle Accidents In Rhode Island
While the lack of bike lanes is a major cause of accidents, it isn’t the only one. A bicycle accident lawyer, on average, deals with cases stemming from various different causes. Some of them include:
Rider’s inattention: Motorists who are distracted, drunk, or simply not attentive are more likely to cause or experience a collision with a bicyclist.
Riding the wrong way: Cyclists who ride the wrong way run a higher chance of being involved in an accident with an automobile since the driver is not expecting them to be going the wrong way.
Bad road conditions: A cyclist may lose control and crash due to potholes, debris, and uneven pavement in the road.
Bicycling while intoxicated: Cycling while intoxicated can affect a cyclist’s judgment and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Riding at night without lights: Poor visibility can make it difficult for drivers to see cyclists, especially if they are not using proper lighting.
Equipment failure: A cyclist may lose control and collide due to faulty brakes, tires, or other bike parts.
Inexperienced riders: New cyclists may not be familiar with the rules of the road or how to handle their bikes in certain situations, which can lead to accidents.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?
If you’ve been a victim of a bicycle accident and endured injuries, a personal injury lawyer, Providence, can help in a number of ways. Their job doesn’t end at simply representing you in court. They investigate the accident, determine the party at fault and then do the following to build a case in your favor:
- Review medical records
- Find and interview witnesses
- Review police reports
Furthermore, when insurance companies give you a hard time, a bicycle accident lawyer can step in and negotiate on your behalf. They ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Even if negotiations fail, they can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf to obtain a favorable verdict. They also advise you on your rights and options as a victim.
That isn’t it. They can also navigate the legal process smoothly and educate you about the potential outcomes of your case, and answer any questions you may have.
Being involved in a motorcycle accident isn’t just about seeking compensation for injuries. It’s also about seeking emotional support since you’ve just experienced something traumatic.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can provide that support, too, by listening to your concerns and helping you navigate the legal process. Overall, these lawyers ensure that you have the tools to focus on your recovery while they fight your case.
For over two decades, lead attorney Rob Levine has been leading RLA with his aggressive approach to personal injury litigation in the tri-state area. Under his guidance, several advocates have led and won cases of various natures. When it comes to hiring a personal injury lawyer, Providence has many options to choose from. However, not all of them are well-versed in leading complicated cases.
Bicycle accidents may not seem like serious cases, but they can have major consequences. Even a small accident can result in severe injuries, costly medical care, lost pay, pain, and suffering, in addition to a broken or wrecked bicycle.
Over the years, our attorneys have not only led but also won cases related to bicycle accidents in Rhode Island. Their expertise does not simply end at representing you in court. They also guide you through the legal proceedings and get you the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys are of the opinion that you must never deal with insurance companies on your own and let professionals make the difference.
If you’re unsure about your next steps following a bicycle accident, call us right away.
