Rhode Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Rhode Island state law affords bicyclists all the same rights and duties of motor vehicles. According to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the state has over 60 miles of off-road cycling paths.
While bicycles are becoming increasingly popular forms of transportation both for leisure and for commutes to and from work, bicyclists are extremely susceptible to serious injuries when involved in accidents. People riding bikes have virtually no protection when struck by or colliding with motor vehicles.
Need an Injury Lawyer Rhode Island represents clients in Cranston, East Providence, Coventry, Cumberland, North Providence, Newport, Westerly, South Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, West Warwick, Johnston, Bristol, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Kingstown, Woonsocket, and Warwick.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Rhode Island
Drivers in Rhode Island cannot pass bicyclists unless there is enough room for them to fall without being hit by the vehicles.
A significant majority of bicycle crashes stem from some kind of motorist negligence. Some of the most common examples of driver negligence include, but are not limited to:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of liquor or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Improper turns
- Failure to obey traffic signals or traffic control devices
Another common kind of bicycle accident, particularly in urban areas of the state, is “dooring” crashes. In a dooring incident, the occupant of a motor vehicle opens the door to an automobile without any regard to oncoming bicyclists, who are often unable to avoid striking the doors and can thus collide with the doors and be thrown from their bikes.
When you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash in Rhode Island, your first priority needs to be getting medical attention. Even if you think that you were not hurt, it is important to remember that some serious injuries involve delayed symptoms and it is important to have a medical professional identify these injuries as soon as possible in order to receive proper treatment.
Additionally, an insurance company will almost certainly use any delay in treatment to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. You should also avoid speaking to any insurer after an accident until you have legal representation. Contact Need an Injury Lawyer Rhode Island as soon as possible.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Rhode Island
Bicyclists are far likelier than occupants of motor vehicles to suffer fatal injuries in most accidents. Even when victims are fortunate enough to survive, many still sustain catastrophic injuries.
Some serious injuries can include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Disfigurement
- Amputations
- Herniated Discs
- Internal Organ Damage
- Road Rash
Rhode Island Bicycle Accident Attorney
Did you suffer serious injuries or was your loved one killed in a bicycle crash in Rhode Island? You will want to contact Need an Injury Lawyer Rhode Island right away.
Our firm is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to schedule a free consultation at which you can have our experienced personal injury attorneys review your case and answer all of your legal questions.