Buffalo residents ride bicycles everywhere when the weather is nice--to work, to the corner store and to the nearest park. Unfortunately, when a bicyclist shares side and main streets with vehicles they are at risk for suffering an injury caused by negligent drivers. While wearing a helmet and equipping a rider with all the necessary safety equipment significantly helps reduce the chance of serious injuries if you are hit by a car, you can still find yourself in the hospital with broken bones, severe lacerations or damage to your spine.
If you have been hit by a car while riding your bike, contact a personal injury attorney at William Mattar today by calling 844-noswap444-4444. We can help you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses associated with your crash. If you cannot visit our office for a consultation due to your injuries, we will gladly come to the hospital or your home to start the process of obtaining the compensation you need and deserve.
Why Hire a Buffalo Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
We view our clients not just as clients but as fellow bicyclists who enjoy staying healthy while seeing the interesting places Buffalo has to offer. Our lawyers have a deep understanding and compassion for victims of bicycle/vehicle crashes and remain steadfast in representing your legal rights as a bicyclist. We also appreciate the frustration victims feel after being hit by a careless driver who failed to look or heed traffic signs and signals. When you hire a William Mattar personal injury attorney, you are not only hiring an attorney to represent your case but you are also gaining the assistance of someone who truly cares about your circumstances, your loved ones and your ability to make your life whole again.
Why Do Cars and Trucks Hit People Riding Bicycles?
Some drivers of trucks and cars simply think they "own the road" and that pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists should give them the right of way at all times. However, this is not what the law says. In fact, some vehicle drivers responsible for bicycle accidents actually say they believed the law states it's always the fault of someone walking or riding a bike on a street.
Other reasons why vehicles hit bicyclists include being drunk behind the wheel, texting while driving, failing to account for slick road conditions and simply being reckless. Drivers who are not paying attention to their surroundings is the main cause of bicycle accidents, with drivers claiming they never saw the rider because of its small size or that glaring sunlight prevented them from seeing the individual.
Another reason involves a vehicle driver's expectations of a bicyclist. In other words, a vehicle driver may presume a bicyclist is going to turn or perform some other action and continue driving without taking the necessary precautions. While bicyclists should always use hand signals to indicate if they are turning or stopping, these hand signals may be misinterpreted or not seen by distracted drivers.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicyclists not wearing protective gear increase their risk of suffering traumatic brain injuries if they are hit by a car or truck. Wearing a helmet with interior padding may help your head from striking asphalt and causing severe concussions or open skull injuries. Although most people wear helmets, most of us do not wear knee pads or other gear to protect vulnerable areas of the body. Consequently, being thrown off a bike due to a collision with a vehicle may cause internal injuries, broken arms due to falling and trying to shield the body from concrete and facial trauma. These injuries and others could put a bicyclist in the hospital for weeks and out of work for even longer.
If you have been hit by a vehicle and suffering serious injuries while riding a bicycle, you need the assistance of a Buffalo bicycle accident lawyer. 844-noswap444-4444 or fill out our free consultation form to get started today.