Accident Resource Center of Michigan
With the increase of the number of bicyclists enjoying bike routes and trails throughout the State of Michigan, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of bicycle accidents. Nationally, there were 1,155 bicycle-related deaths in 2023, the highest number ever recorded, and approximately 405,688 bicycle-related emergency department-treated injuries associated with bicycles and bicycle accessories. The number of bicyclist deaths has increased by 86% since 2010, with bicyclists accounting for 2.6% to 2.9% of all traffic fatalities nationwide. Most bicycle fatalities occurred among adults aged 20 and older (90% in 2023), while deaths among bicyclists younger than 20 have declined 88% since 1975.
Many catastrophic injuries, primarily head injuries, sustained in bicycle accidents are a result of a collision with a motor vehicle. Children are at a great risk of being injured by a careless driver while riding a bike. Fractures in arms and legs are common injuries seen in children involved in bike accidents. Head, neck and brain injuries are common causes of death or serious injury in both children and adult riders. In 2023, 81% of bicyclist deaths occurred in urban areas, with bicyclist deaths peaking during the hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (21%). Bicyclist fatalities were highest during September, October, and July (11% each) followed by August (10%). Among bicyclists ages 16 and older who were killed in 2023, 19% had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08%.
To help avoid death or injury while riding a bicycle, always wear a properly fitting helmet. Bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head and brain injuries by approximately 63% to 67% in the event of a crash. Wear fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing in the evening. Installing active lighting on your bicycle will help to alert drivers to your position in the roadway. Male bicyclists accounted for 89% of all bicycle deaths, over eight times the fatalities for females.
It is difficult to imagine the possible consequences of a serious bicycle accident: hospitalization and long-term medical care, lost wages or time missed from school, pain and suffering from injuries, and the inability to perform daily routines without assistance.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact The Law Offices of Henry M. Hanflik at 1 (888) 905-4632 or complete the online form for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys have exceptional skills in the area of personal injury and trial law and will fight for justice for the injured.
We can help you now!