When you hear about bicycle crashes, it is usually when someone has been seriously injured or killed. There is no denying that bicycle crashes are devastating for the victims, and we know they happen at high rates.
A new article from Outside Magazine tells us that the media tends to write about these crashes in a way that takes away the severity of driver error.
At the Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C., we want to help when you need a Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorney. Let our team get to work on securing the compensation you deserve.
How We Talk About Bike Crashes
The Outside Magazine article talks about bicycle crashes as if, when they happen, it is the bicyclists’ fault. Of course, most articles rarely say that, but they will say things like:
“Bicyclist was Hit by a Car.”
“Bicyclist was not wearing a helmet.”
“Bicyclist was wearing dark clothing.”
According to the article, this kind of language shifts the blame away from a vehicle driver and onto the bicyclist, regardless of whether or not the driver was at fault. The article points out that whether or not a bicyclist has a helmet on or is wearing dark clothing, it does not take the blame away from a driver who is distracted by their phone or is impaired by alcohol.
The fact is that drivers often ignore cyclists in and around the roadway even though the cyclist has a right to be there. In many cases, bicycle crashes happen at intersections, bike paths, or crosswalks.
What The Stats Say
For the Latest Reporting Year in Pennsylvania, there were 1,141 total bicycle crashes. Out of those, there were 1,127 injuries reported. You read that correctly – nearly every Bicycle Crash Results in an Injury.
Bicyclists have no protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into them, and we often see the following injuries as a result of these crashes:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or Amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
A victim’s expenses in the aftermath of a crash can be tremendous. Aside from medical bills that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, a victim can lose their income if they cannot work while they recover.
Dealing With The Aftermath
There is no denying that bicycle crashes can have devastating results. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle crash caused by another person’s negligent behavior, we are ready to help.
At the Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C., our knowledgeable and experienced team will investigate the incident and work to secure coverage for:
- Your medical expenses related to the incident
- Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against those responsible
If you need a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling (215)-799-9990