Attorney
Unfortunately, the number of fatal bicycle accidents in the U.S. appears to be on the rise, according to a study conducted by the Governors Highway Safety Association. 
The Washington Post, using data provided by the association, reported that the number of fatal bicycle accidents involving other vehicles on the roadway increased by 16 percent from 2010-12.
The newspaper reported that in 2010, 621 cyclists were killed in vehicular crashes nationwide. That number increased to 722 in 2012. This increase comes as there has been a “62 percent surge in bicycle commuting since 2000”, according to the Post.
Additionally, the paper speculated that the number could be rising as federal and state governments have promoted cycling as a way to reduce vehicle emissions and improve public health.
The Post reported that the increase comes after the number of cyclist deaths dropped every year since 1975. The study found that 88 percent of fatal accidents involved males in 2012, and that of those killed, nearly two-thirds were not wearing helmets.
As we reported last week, it is important that you utilize bike lanes, and make sure you follow safety guidelines and roadway rules if you are riding a bike. Additionally, drivers need to make sure that they respect cyclists by avoiding distracted driving, drunk driving or reckless driving.
Any driver who strikes and injures or kills a cyclist can be held liable through a lawsuit.
My Loved One Was Killed in a Bicycle Accident. Can I Sue the Driver?
Remember, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one is killed by a driver’s recklessness. Compensation from a lawsuit can be used to pay for burial costs and medical bills associated with the death of your loved one.
If you have been injured or have had a loved one killed in a bicycle accident, let the experienced attorneys at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis handle your case.
Our attorneys help victims in Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County and Arlington County.
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.
Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys
Sponsored by: Attorney William P. Lightfoot