Given its climate and its population, Phoenix is expected to be bicycle friendly. While many roads offer bicycle lanes, and motorists are expected to share the road with these riders, the sad reality is that far too many bicyclists are unexpectedly struck by negligent drivers.
There are certain trends with regard to bicycle accidents that help us better identify those who are most at risk. For example, the CDC indicates that those bicyclists between the ages of 50 and 59 are most likely to be killed in a bicycle accident. Also, children between the ages of five and 19 account for the most non-fatal bicycle accident-related injuries. Men are more likely to be killed in bicycling accidents, and they are four times more likely to be injured in one of these wrecks. Additionally, most fatal bicycle accidents take place in an urban setting like the one found in Phoenix.
Although not all bicycle accidents are caused by negligent motorists, a significant number of them are. In fact, alcohol plays a factor in more than a third of all fatal bicycle accidents. Those bicyclists who are injured in an accident, or their family in the case of fatality, may be able to recover compensation from reckless, negligent, and drunk drivers if those driver are responsible for the harm suffered. This compensation may help cover such damages as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Although knowledge of the trends mentioned above may help raise awareness, public safety initiatives and laws have been doing the same thing for years and innocent bicyclists continue to be injured and killed. This is another reason why it is important for accident victims to take legal action. While it may help them recover the money they need to reclaim their health and financial well-being, it can also shine a lot on a problem that continues to be overlooked.
