Dothan, Alabama, is no stranger to tragic bicycle accidents on U.S. 431, U.S. 231, or one of our local streets. Sometimes, a bicyclist is at fault for the accident, but in many cases, a driver is responsible. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, 44 percent of all bicycle crashes were caused by the bicyclist, meaning that 56 percent of these accidents had some other cause. In 251 bicycle crashes over a year, 178 people suffered an injury, while 14 were killed.
Many bicycle accidents are caused by a driver who fails to yield when appropriate or is too distracted to notice a bicycle. If a negligent driver injured you, you could be able to collect compensation for your losses, and a Dothan bicycle accident lawyer may help.
Gartlan Injury Law is known for honest representation, aggressive trial strategies, and proven results. If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident in Dothan, Alabama, contact Gartlan Injury Law today at (334) 600 1882 to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Dothan?
Common causes of bicycle accidents in Dothan, Alabama, include the following:
- Failure to yield to a bicyclist when the bicyclist has the right of way
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Failure to signal a lane change
- Poor road conditions
- Defective bicycle parts
Poor road conditions are the fault of the municipality or government agency responsible for the road. Defective bicycle parts are the responsibility of the manufacturer and possibly the retailer. Failure to yield, drunk driving, speeding, failure to signal, and other instances of at-the-wheel negligence are all the driver’s fault.
You can reduce your chances of being involved in a bicycle crash by following these safety recommendations from Alabama Public Health:
- Traveling in single file in the direction of traffic
- Obeying the same traffic laws as motor vehicles
- Using turn signals
- Wearing a bike helmet
- Staying alert
- Using reflectors and bright colors to ensure drivers can see you
Where Do Most Dothan Bike Accidents Happen?
According to Alabama Public Health Department’s Bureau of Prevention, Promotion, and Support, 86 percent of all bicycle accidents happen on urban streets, but 14 percent occur on rural routes.
In addition, over 70 percent of crashes involving a car and a bicycle occur at:
- Intersections
- Driveways
- Alleys
- Parking lots
What Injuries Happen the Most in a Bicycle Accident?
The most common injuries in a bicycle accident include:
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Road rash
- Fractured bones
- Spinal injuries
According to Alabama Public Health, 74 percent of fatal bike accidents include head injuries, and 17 percent of bicycle fatalities involve bicyclists 14 or younger. Despite these facts, only 35 percent of Alabama bicyclists wear helmets. Alabama Public Health‘s publication on bicycle-related injuries lists head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and traumatic spinal cord injuries as common results of a bicycle accident.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Struck While Riding Your Bicycle?
If you’ve been struck while riding your bicycle, you should immediately:
- Move out of traffic and check to see if you are injured
- Call 911 to let police and emergency medical services know about the crash
- Ask the driver for their name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information
- Get contact information for any witnesses
- Take pictures or video of the accident scene and any injuries
- Get medical attention as soon as possible
- Contact a bicycle injury lawyer immediately
