According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, upwards of 1,000 people die each year in bike accidents across the United States. The same statistics found that the only state with more fatal bike accidents than California was Florida. If you have questions about these accidents, keep reading to see if we answer them below. Otherwise, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Why Are There So Many Bike Accidents in California?
While it’s impossible to know for sure, there are a few factors that experts believe are causing the increase in bike accidents throughout the state. First, more people are biking to work and the more bikes there are on the roads, the more accidents that are likely to be. Second, bikes often do not realize that they have to yield to bikes as they would to a car, or that bikes have a right to the road too. Finally, many streets do not have bike lanes or even clearly marked lines in the roads.
Who is Most at Danger of Being Involved in a Bike Accident?
Statistics also show that most fatal bike accidents happen in an urban area and that they are most likely to occur between 3 PM and 6 PM on a weekday or from 6 PM to 9 PM on a weekend. The average age of those who die in bike accidents is 45. Of those who are killed in these accidents, 85% were male and males make up 80% of those injured as well. The average age of a female bike rider who is injured in a bike accident is between 20 – 24.
What Are the Risk Factors for Accidents Between Cars and Bikes?
One of the most common factors in a collision between a bike and a car is alcohol. In fact, one study showed that more than one-third of bike / car collisions involved either a driver or bike rider who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reckless driving is another common contributing factor. This includes speeding and distracted driving.
What Laws Protect California Bicyclists?
There are a number of laws that are designed to keep bicyclists safe in California. For example, the Three Feet for Safety law requires that drivers give a bike rider at least three feet of buffer space between their car and the bicyclist when passing said bicyclist. Other laws to protect bike riders are the same that drivers have to protect other drivers: Stopping at red lights, riding in the same direction of traffic, etc.
What Do I Do If I Am Injured in a Bike Accident?
This answer is the simplest of all: Contact a personal injury attorney for a free legal consultation. You can reach Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 today.
