While riding a bike is excellent exercise and a wonderful way to commute, bicyclists face many dangers on the road. These dangers often include road hazards, which may be the responsibility of local governmental entities to eliminate.
Road Hazards Pose a Threat to Bicyclists
Bicycle accidents happen frequently and for several reasons. However, one of the most common causes of bike accidents is road hazards.
Road hazards are dangerous conditions bicyclists encounter while riding their bikes. Sometimes, bicyclists don’t see these hazards until it’s too late and an accident is unavoidable. Road hazards can disrupt balance and result in loss of control over a bicycle and sudden, dangerous stops.
Potholes
Potholes are common on roads. They may not pose much of a threat to car and truck drivers, but riding along a road with a significant pothole can easily cause an accident for a bicyclist.
A pothole often forms from long-term wear and tear on the road. Additionally, potholes can form as a result of temporary or bad repair work on a road, causing the asphalt to quickly crack and sink.
Some potholes are deep enough that a cyclist’s bike tire can get stuck. Oftentimes, an accident involving a substantial pothole can result in a bicyclist getting thrown off the bike entirely.
Debris
Debris on the road can pose a significant risk to cyclists. Depending on the type of debris on the road, it can become lodged between the bike’s tire and frame, causing the wheel to stop suddenly.
Some debris on the road can be difficult for cyclists to spot ahead of time. Debris is normally left on roads from bad weather, landscaping, or construction jobs.
Sewer Grates
Sewer grates are essential for proper water drainage. Still, improperly designed or placed sewer grates can pose a risk for bicyclists.
Grates have gaps that are often about the width of a bike tire. When sewer grates are placed parallel to bicycle lanes, the tires of a bicycle can easily get caught in these gaps, causing the bike to stop suddenly.
Loose Gravel and Sand
Gravel and sand may not seem like a major issue for bicyclists, but they can affect how bike tires work.
Bicycle tires are designed to grip the road, allowing cyclists more balance. Gravel and sand can reduce a bicycle tire’s grip, causing a bicyclist to lose control of the bike and fall off or collide with other vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians.
Uneven Road Surfaces
Roads should be properly cared for, as proper road maintenance can help prevent accidents. When a bicyclist encounters uneven road surfaces, such as cracked, raised asphalt, their chance of losing balance and experiencing an accident increases.
Who’s Liable for a Bicycle Accident Resulting From Dangerous Road Conditions?
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident caused by a road hazard, it’s normal to wonder whether there’s anyone you can hold accountable. Depending on the situation’s specifics, you may have legal recourse and the opportunity to hold someone liable for your injuries and losses.
Often, road hazards result from negligence by the city or other governmental entities. For example, if your bicycle accident resulted from cracked asphalt or potholes, it may be the government’s responsibility to conduct regular road maintenance. When they fail to do so, they open themselves up to liability for accidents.
It is entirely possible to take legal action against the government. Although holding a governmental entity liable can be challenging and require different procedures, a skilled personal injury attorney can assist you with your case.
Pursuing Compensation After Bike Accidents
A bicycle accident can have negative repercussions, leaving you to face a long road to recovery and a change in lifestyle. Pursuing compensation can help you cover your necessary expenses and alleviate some of the financial burdens caused by your collision.
Some of the damages you may be entitled to pursue include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Property damage
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Emotional distress
Your lawyer can determine the value of your case by reviewing several critical factors, like the severity of your injuries and the impact your injuries have on your life. Figuring out how much your bike accident case is worth is one of the keys to obtaining the best possible case result.
Getting Help From a Personal Injury Attorney
A bicycle accident case can be challenging to navigate on your own. Fortunately, you don’t have to. The legal team at Schrier Law Group can provide the highest quality legal representation to help you get the favorable outcome you deserve. Contact our firm today to schedule your consultation.
