Learning to ride a bicycle is one of the most exciting moments in a child’s life and their first step towards more independence. Bicycling is also a great way for a child to stay active and healthy and spend time with their family and friends. However, bicycling also comes with risks and according to Stanford Children’s Health, each year 254,000 children are injured in bicycle accidents and about 100 children are killed.
At Mike Agruss Law, we represent clients in Illinois who have suffered personal injuries from a bicycle accident, as well as family members who have lost a loved one in a road accident caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of another person. We know that when a bicycle collides with a vehicle weighing at least 2,000 pounds, the odds are not in the cyclist’s favor and the results can be tragic.
Bicycle vs. Motor Vehicle Accidents
Most child bicycle accidents occur when a child falls from the bike, the most severe injuries occur when the child is struck by a motor vehicle while riding their bicycle. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017 children under the age of 15 accounted for 7% of all pedalcyclists killed.
Liability in a children’s bicycle vs. motor vehicle accident can be tricky to determine. Children do not always know the rules of the road and the driver of the motor vehicle has a duty to watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motor vehicles. Each municipality has different rules regarding bicycle accidents thus it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine who may be at fault for your child’s accident.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Child Bicycle Crashes
Bicycle accidents often result in bumps, bruises, lacerations, and even broken bones, but these types of accidents can also result in something much more severe: traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
The Brain Injury Association of America states that TBI’s are the leading cause of disability and death in children and adolescents in the United States and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the two age groups that are prone to these types of injuries are 0-4 and 15-19 years old and approximately 564,000 children under 19 are seen in hospital emergency rooms every year for brain injuries.
Symptoms of a TBI vary with each incident and the location of the injury, and sometimes these symptoms are not always immediately apparent. If your child suffered a traumatic brain injury, some symptoms they may display can include:
- Mood swings
- Short-term memory loss
- Impaired concentration
- Cognitive Issues
- Vision problems
- Headaches
- Limited attention span
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Emotional problems
If your child displays any of these symptoms, it is important to discuss them with your doctor and begin treatment as soon as possible. You should also consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer to review your case and determine what damages they may be entitled to.
It’s important to consult with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against a reckless or negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact Mike Agruss Law, for a free consultation.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at Mike Agruss Law, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at [email protected] or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
