Bicycling is a healthy, environmentally friendly, and economical mode of transportation. Unfortunately, bicycles have to share the roadways with much larger, heavier, and faster vehicles like cars and trucks. Still, bicycling is growing in popularity, particularly in urban areas. The downside of this trend is that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bicyclist fatalities have increased by 30 percent over the last decade, now accounting for approximately two percent of all traffic deaths in the U.S. annually. The NHTSA states that 45,000 to 50,000 bicyclists are injured in traffic accidents each year, but the actual number is likely much higher because many go unreported.

 What many cyclists may not know, is that they have a legal right to ride on most public roads, just like motor vehicles. However, they are usually prohibited from riding on interstates and high-speed freeways. Cyclists are also afforded certain protections under law. For instance, in most states, motor vehicle operators are required to give bike riders at least three feet of space when passing. Riders injured due to driver negligence also have the right to sue motor vehicle drivers and their insurance companies to recover medical costs, lost wages, and other personal injury damages. Drivers can also be cited for such acts as failing to yield to a bicycle, dooring (opening a car door into a bicyclist’s path), and distracted, reckless, or impaired driving that causes harm to a rider.

 As in most cases where legal action is being pursued to get compensation from a negligent party, the chance of recovering an adequate settlement increases with the representation of a qualified attorney. Attain Law’s tenacious legal team will not accept an award that isn’t in a client’s best interests and will not hesitate to go to trial if needed. If you or a family member are injured while riding a bicycle, it is vital that you contact Attain Law for a FREE, NO-OBLIGTATION, CONSULTATION.