Why Virginia Bicycle Accidents Lead to Catastrophic Injuries

At Wind Law LLC., our Virginia personal injury attorney knows that the pleasant spring and summer climate here encourages outdoor activities, especially biking, as people seek to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

With more free time available during vacations, school breaks, families often enjoy biking outings together, and individuals may have more time to explore trails and bike routes in their area.

Not surprisingly, this time of year is also when bicycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities increase.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, last year, there were 160 bicycle-involved crashes on Virginia’s roadways in the first five months of the year alone, resulting in the deaths of nine bicyclists and injuries to 156 others. This is a 125% increase in bicyclist-related fatalities compared to the previous year.

Unlike motor vehicle occupants, who are surrounded by protective metal shells, bicyclists have minimal protection in the event of a collision. This lack of protection leaves cyclists vulnerable to severe injuries upon impact with vehicles, objects, or the road surface.

Unfortunately, that is not the only reason Virginia bicyclists suffer catastrophic injuries. Here, we explain some of the others and how we can all help riders stay safe.

Why Catastrophic Injuries Often Result from Bicycle Accidents in Virginia

One of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries that occur during a bicycle/car collision is the speed differential between the vehicles. The higher speeds typically associated with motor vehicles can exert significant forces upon cyclists upon impact, leading to more severe injuries.

Other reasons catastrophic injuries often result during bicycle crashes include:

• Vulnerability in Traffic

Bicycles are smaller and less visible than motor vehicles, making them more susceptible to being overlooked by drivers, especially in busy traffic environments or intersections. This increases the likelihood of collisions and the severity of resulting injuries.

Moreover, negligent or reckless behavior by drivers, such as distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, can significantly increase the risk of bicycle accidents. When drivers fail to observe or respect the rights of cyclists on the road, serious injuries or fatalities can occur.

• Limited Protection Gear

While helmets can somewhat mitigate head injuries, many cyclists may not wear them consistently nor wear other protective gear, like padded clothing or gloves. This lack of protection can result in more severe injuries, particularly to the head, neck, and extremities.

• Impact Forces

In a collision, cyclists may be ejected from their bicycles and thrown onto the road, or into other vehicles or stationary objects. The impact forces involved in such incidents can cause severe trauma, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal organ damage.

Tips for Bicyclists and Motorists to Stay Safe on Virginia Roadways

Looking out for each other is vital when traveling on Virginia roads in a vehicle or on a bicycle.

Tips for Bicyclists:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Check your bike equipment before heading out.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Obey traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
• Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others.

Tips for Motorists:

• Look for bicyclists before making turns, either left or right.
• Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.
• Pass bicyclists on the road carefully; allow at least three feet of clearance.
• Respect designated bicycle lanes; don’t use them for parking, passing, or turning.
• Yield to bicyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.

Given the potential for catastrophic injuries in bicycle accidents, cyclists and motorists must exercise caution, obey traffic laws, and share the road responsibly to minimize collisions and ensure the safety of all road users.

At Wind Law, we are committed to the safety of all Virginians and strive to minimize accidents on our roadways. However, when accidents do occur, we are dedicated to fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for any injuries sustained.

Have You Been Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Virginia Bicycle Accident?

Contact our dedicated bicycle accident and injury attorney in Richmond, Virginia, today to discuss your case during a free consultation. We want to hear your story to ensure your voice is heard and work diligently to ensure you are treated fairly and get justice in your case.