The coronavirus pandemic completely changed the way we live. With country and worldwide shutdowns limiting what we can do and where we can go, cycling was a needed relief from safer at home orders, and a great way to get safe, outdoor exercise. However, with more cyclists on the road, the risks of bike and vehicle crashes increase. And without a car’s safety features and seatbelts, people on bikes are vulnerable during a motor vehicle accident.
If you or someone you love was hurt in an accident while biking during coronavirus lockdown, and it wasn’t your fault, you have options. In this blog, we’ll highlight bike ridership trends during COVID-19 and offer bike crash victims some next steps after an accident.
Bicycle Ridership Increased in Mississippi and Alabama During the Coronavirus Lockdown
During the lockdown, many people avoided public transportation. Biking became a safe, inexpensive alternative for essential workers who need to get to work. But it wasn’t just commuters that were hitting the road on two wheels.
With the proper precautions, biking is also one of the most reliable ways to exercise, especially during a lockdown. Children’s bicycle sales this year rose by 56% compared to 2019, and adult leisure bike sales jumped by 121%. Bike shops are selling out of affordably priced equipment and gear, and many are reporting months-long wait times for mid-range new bikes.
But does this mean cyclists are safe on the road? Not exactly. While traffic accidents and the overall number of vehicles on the road decreased during the safer at home orders, some Alabama drivers were taking the opportunity to driver faster than ever. In some places, the police pulled over cars going triple-digit speeds. Speeding puts cyclists at extreme risk; according to ProPublica, when cyclists are struck by cars at speeds over 25 miles per hour, their chances of survival decrease significantly.
The bicycle trend doesn’t seem to be going away, even as our states’ safer at home restrictions loosen. That also means that we’re going to see more car-bike accidents on Alabama and Mississippi’s streets. Keep reading to learn what to do if you or someone you love were injured by a car while riding your bike during the coronavirus lockdown.
RELATED: Understanding Alabama’s Bicycle Safety Laws
3 Ways to Protect Your Bicycle Injury Case After a Car Accident
Getting injured is never easy, especially when it wasn’t your fault. If you’re not sure how to protect your case after getting in a crash with a vehicle, here are some essential steps.
1. Call 911 and Go to the Doctor
After an accident, you should always call 911 and report it. A police report will help document the circumstances surrounding the collision, identify some of the at-fault parties, and serve as valuable evidence during a personal injury claim.
It’s not always clear when you’ve suffered a severe injury after a car-bike crash. If you’re experiencing any discomfort, you should seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt. The doctor might discover a hidden injury that would otherwise cost you time, money, and pain in the future. If you’re worried about paying for the cost of your care, remember that you can include medical bills in your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Additionally, unless you have life-threatening injuries, you may be able to schedule a telemedicine appointment, where you meet with your doctor over video. This can reduce your risk of infection, while ensuring that you get the medical treatment you need.
2. Hang on to Your Damaged Gear
After a crash, it’s tempting to get rid of objects filled with bad memories, like your damaged bike, cracked helmet, or blood-stained clothes. However, these items are valuable evidence, and when properly preserved, can potentially help your bike crash case. Before you scrap your un-rideable bike or wash your clothes, save your damaged gear and talk to your Mobile motor vehicle wreck lawyer about preserving them as evidence.
3. Call an Experienced Lawyer
When a negligent driver injures you in a crash, you may be owed compensation. However, going up against the big insurance companies is notoriously challenging. When you work with an experienced crash lawyer, they can help you understand your options, protect your case, and make the best decision for you and your family moving forward.
RELATED: What Are the Most Common Bike Accident Injuries in Alabama?
Need Help After a Bike Crash? Don’t Wait to Call the Andy Citrin Team
At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we believe the road should be safe for everyone, no matter what you ride or drive. To learn more about your options after a crash, don’t hesitate to contact our offices. We can meet with you remotely to learn more about your case and provide our honest assessment. These consultations are 100 percent free and confidential, so there’s no risk to give us a call. To make your appointment today, give us a call at 251-888-8888 or fill out this brief form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
References
Groeger, L. (2016, May 25). Unsafe at Many Speeds. ProPublica. Retrieved from https://www.propublica.org/article/unsafe-at-many-speeds
Kirby, B. (2020, April 29). Coronavirus side effect – Alabama highway traffic wrecks plummet. Fox10.
Lindsey, J. (2020, May 13). More People Are Cycling During COVID-19. That Matters. Outside Online. Retrieved from https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/bikes-and-biking/more-people-cycling-coronavirus-pandemic/?scope=anon
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
Andy is the owner and CEO of Citrin Law Firm, P.C. He founded the firm in 1995 with the goal of helping injured people put their lives back together. His passion for protecting injured people has only grown since he opened the doors of Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, and he has a history of winning numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients.