While the rate of bicycle crashes involving automobiles is small compared to other collisions, the fatality rate is much higher. Cyclists are highly vulnerable and often sustain life-threatening or fatal injuries.
You could be eligible for a payout for the injuries and other losses if a negligent driver caused you harm. Meet with a skilled Joliet bicycle accident lawyer for more information. Our seasoned personal injury attorney could help with your case.
Car Culture and How it Affects Bicyclists
Car culture in the United States is a unique phenomenon known for its substantial fervor towards cars and driving. The influence of the culture impacts bicycle accidents significantly and in various ways, including the following:
Car-Centric Roads
Many roads and highways in Illinois, particularly those outside the urban areas, are primarily designed for motor vehicles. They typically lack adequate dedicated bike lanes or shoulders, and the roadways prioritize the speed traveled by cars rather than cyclists.
Lack of Motorist Awareness
Many motorists lack awareness and vigilance and are often unprepared to share the roads with bicycles. A car-first mentality frequently contributes to aggressive driving behaviors, such as following too closely or failing to yield to cyclists, increasing the risk of severe collisions.
Societal Attitudes and Perception of Cyclists
Prioritizing automobiles has been deeply ingrained in American culture for many years. In addition, many view cyclists as impediments to traffic flow, causing hostility and impatience, which can quickly turn tragic.
Addressing these avoidable and hazardous risks requires a multifaceted approach, including infrastructure improvements, driver education, and a shift in attitudes. Our Joliet bicycle accident attorney could investigate to gather the crucial evidence needed to establish the cause and responsible party and successfully obtain a settlement.
Driver Distractions
Driver distractions pose a significant threat to everyone sharing the roads, and that is particularly true for bike riders, who are much more vulnerable to sustaining life-altering injuries.
Using a cell phone to make calls, text, or browse the web are common distractions and can significantly increase the risk of motorists failing to see cyclists traveling near them. Other hazardous distractions leading to collisions on the roadways include the following:
- Eating or drinking beverages
- Adjusting the radio or temperature
- Talking to passengers
- Reaching for objects in the car
- Personal grooming while operating vehicles, such as applying makeup or shaving
- Daydreaming
- External distractions, such as reading signs or turning to look at accidents, also called rubbernecking
- Adjusting the navigation system
Bicycle riders have minimal protection compared to those traveling in cars, which can often have deadly consequences.
Contributing Factors
Other contributing factors in bicycle-related accidents include the time of day, such as morning, noon, or night, and where the cyclist travels. Intersections can be hazardous during times of high traffic congestion. According to information provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the state has a significant number of bike-related crashes leading to cyclist fatalities annually.
Unfortunately, the rate of increase is higher than the national average. Because of this, the state aims to raise awareness and prevent accidents by enacting laws restricting drivers from using cell phones and performing other distractions. A seasoned bicycle accident lawyer in Joliet understands the typical causes and could help injured parties get the justice they deserve.
Speak to a Knowledgeable Bicycle Accident Attorney in Joliet
While medical professionals highly recommend cycling as a healthy and enjoyable activity, taking the necessary precautions and understanding the risks is essential. Sadly, the number of severe incidents involving bike riders in the state continues to rise.
When a negligent motorist causes others to suffer injuries, the civil court will hold them financially responsible. If you have questions or need help with a claim, call our compassionate and experienced Joliet bicycle accident lawyer today to schedule a consultation.
