Bicyclists over the age of 45 are more susceptible to suffering serious injuries, results of a study published by the University of California San Francisco found.
The report, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), looked at nationwide statistics from 1998 to 2013 and found that injuries to bicyclists in general increased by 28 percent and that the number of hospitalizations more than doubled.
The proportion of injuries suffered by those 45 and older went up from 23 percent to 42 percent and hospital admissions in that age group went up from 39 percent to 65 percent.
Increase in Injuries
Researchers at the university used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, which presents a sample of about 100 emergency departments nationwide.
The study’s authors say these numbers reflect an increase in older adult cyclists in recent years and that the overall increases were possibly caused by a rise in street accidents and an increase in sport cycling associated with faster speeds.
In addition, the study found that the proportion of cyclists with head injuries increased from 10 percent to 16 percent and 35 percent of injuries overall occurred in women.
Motorist Negligence
Under California Vehicle Code, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles. However, very often, motorists forget that they share the road with bicyclists.
A number of bicycle accidents occur because motorists fail to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists, fail to see bicyclists while changing lanes or open the car door without looking for bicyclists who may be passing by. All of these accidents have the potential to result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.
Compensation for Injured Bicyclists
If you are a bicyclist who has been injured in a collision, it is important that you understand your legal rights and options. Injured bicycle accident victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury attorney who has successfully represented bicycle accident victims and their families. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.