Arkansas Injury Lawyer Blog
A California doctor was sentenced last month to five years in prison for a 2008 road rage incident that involved bicyclists. The driver slammed on his brakes in front of two cyclists, injuring both.
Unfortunately, similar bicycle incidents occur in Arkansas. I have heard from clients who were yelled at while riding a bicycle on an Arkansas road and cyclists who were run off the road by cars as they passed. This conduct is dangerous and should be reported to local Arkansas law enforcement. Bicycle accidents can lead to life-threatening or serious personal injuries.
It should be remembered by bicyclists and car drivers that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Cyclists can increase the safety for themselves and for fellow motorists by riding in a predictable pattern, using hand signals for turns, merges, and stops, and by making sure they are visible through the use of bicycle lights, reflectors, and avoiding dark-colored clothing. Motorists should not pass a bicycle when it’s not safe and should allow plenty of space to safely pass. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration lists the following facts regarding bicycle crashes:
* More than one-fifth of all bicyclist deaths occur among school age youth ages 5 to 15.
* More children go to hospital emergency departments for bicycle-related crashes than for any other sport.
* Although most deaths occur as a result of bicycle and motor vehicle crashes, crashes can happen anywhere- in parks, on bicycle paths, and in driveways. Many crashes do not involve motor vehicles.
* Head injuries are the most serious type of injury and the most common cause of death for bicyclists. Bicycle helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of head and brain injury when a crash occurs by as much as 85 to 88 percent.
Arkansas bike accidents that result in personal injuries happen more often than most people think. Arkansas law allows an injured bike rider to recover for their medical bills, pain, suffering, and other compensatory damages from the insurance company for the driver of the car that caused the bike accident. If you or a loved one is involved in a bike accident caused by a vehicle or another cyclist on a bike, please contact an Arkansas bike accident lawyer.