Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable in crashes with motor vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Racine, the Racine personal injury attorneys at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. have the skills and resources necessary to help you pursue full compensation for all damages by filing a claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
Racine has been voted one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation. Unfortunately, Racine is also the location for many serious bicycle accidents.
According to the data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, every 10.2 hours a bicyclist in Wisconsin is injured or killed. Almost all these injury accidents involve collisions with motor vehicles.
60 percent of crashes involving adult bike riders are the result of a motorist’s negligent driving behavior, whether speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or another act. A third of all crashes between motorists and bicycles involve bike riders who are riding against the direction of motor traffic. Males are three times more likely than females to be involved in fatal crashes. If you have lost a loved on in a fatal bicycle accident, contact our Racine wrongful death attorneys for skilled legal support with your case.
Types of Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Almost any collision between a bicyclist and a motor vehicle has the potential to cause serious or fatal injuries. Common injuries include:
- Fractured and broken bones, including the clavicle, hand, arm, leg, and elbow
- Dislocations
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Injuries to the jaw and teeth
Who is Liable in a Bicycle Accident?
If your accident was caused by a motorist, you can file a claim against their automobile insurance – or a lawsuit against that driver as an individual. At Cannon & Dunphy S.C., we are recognized as a premier personal injury law firm in Racine and can help you seek full compensation for all damages. The first step is to identify all liable parties, which may include:
- If the motorist who caused the accident was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, that party must be held accountable. You can seek compensation in a civil lawsuit.
- If your accident was caused by road surfaces that were unsafe, you may be able to file a claim against the entity responsible for road maintenance.
- If your accident was caused due to a defective bicycle, you may be able to pursue a claim against the parties who sold or manufactured it.
Bike Share Accidents
It is common for bike share services to post policies, or ask you to sign an agreement, requiring that those who use their bicycles assume liability for injuries and damage (including damage to the bike). These agreements are called “exculpatory contracts” and are generally non-enforceable under Wisconsin law. Regardless, if another driver was negligent in operating his or her vehicle, a Racine bicycle accident lawyer can help you file a claim or lawsuit to recover compensatory damages. The amount of the compensation pursued will reflect the degree of the injuries and the long-term consequences.
Contact A Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Racine
Our team of attorneys at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. has extensive experience in bicycle injury cases and are not afraid to take a case to trial when necessary. It’s best to contact a Racine bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident, so we can begin the process of taking witness statements and other critical actions. This will also help us gather evidence to support your case.
If you have had a bicycle accident in Wisconsin that has left you with serious or life-changing injuries, connect with us for a no-cost consultation. All cases are taken on a contingency fee basis – no fees unless we are successful in your case. Call (262) 782-2700 today or contact us online.