Nebraskans report hundreds of bicycle accidents every year. These accidents leave injured parties with physical and emotional injuries, high medical bills, and a lower quality of life.
By understanding bicycle accident statistics in Nebraska, riders will be better equipped to handle the aftermath of the trauma and seek the necessary legal assistance to help recover from the devastating effects.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident in Nebraska, reach out to an experienced Nebraska bicycle accident lawyer near you.
Where Do Bicycle Accidents in Nebraska Happen?
Nebraska has often held the title of “Least Bike-Friendly” state in the USA. Factors such as high speed limits, a lack of bike lanes and paths, and drivers who are not used to sharing the road with bicyclists contribute to this designation.
Since 2000, bicycle accident statistics in Nebraska have shown the following areas to be the most dangerous for riders:
- Bike lanes: Nebraska’s few bike lanes are often poorly maintained, narrow, and do not adequately protect cyclists. This makes them prone to accidents caused by debris, potholes, drivers, or other road hazards.
- Intersections: Most bicycle accidents happen at intersections where motorists fail to yield the right of way or make turns without checking for cyclists.
- High-traffic areas: Due to the increased number of vehicles on the road, high-traffic areas, such as downtown or major roadways, are more likely to see bicycle accidents.
- Rural roads: While Nebraska is known for its picturesque rural landscapes, these roads can be dangerous for cyclists due to narrow or non-existent shoulders, poor visibility, and higher speeds.
- Crosswalks: Bicycle accidents frequently occur at crosswalks, especially when drivers fail to stop for pedestrians or cyclists crossing the street.
- Private driveways: Surprisingly, many bicycle accidents in Nebraska occur in private driveways. Drivers often back out without checking for cyclists or children riding bikes on sidewalks.
- Parking lots: Similar to private driveways, collisions between bicycles and vehicles can occur in parking lots when drivers are not paying attention or fail to check for cyclists.
- Shared bike and car lanes: In Nebraska, it is legal for cyclists to ride on roads alongside motor vehicles. Unfortunately, the lack of proper bike infrastructure increases the risk of accidents.
- Construction zones: Road construction creates hazardous conditions for cyclists riding near vehicles and heavy equipment. Even with the best safety precautions in place, accidents can still occur.
Complex traffic laws add to the danger for cyclists in Nebraska, as many drivers and cyclists may not be aware of the specific rules regarding bicycles on the road.
As such, it is vital to contact a Nebraska personal injury lawyer if involved in a bicycle accident to ensure that all legal rights are protected and that compensation for injuries sustained is obtained.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Nebraska?
Statistics vary as to the cause of bicycle accidents in Nebraska, but recent insights from the Nebraska Department of Transportation reveal some common factors, including but not limited to:
- Human error: Bicycle accident statistics in Nebraska highlight human error by cyclists and drivers as a leading cause. This can include distracted driving, failure to follow traffic laws, or not using proper hand signals while cycling.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug use contribute significantly to bicycle accidents in Nebraska. Drivers under the influence are more likely to swerve into traffic, lose control of their car, or make other critical errors.
- Dooring: “Dooring” occurs when a cyclist is riding alongside a parked car, and the door suddenly opens, causing the cyclist to collide with it. This is a common cause of bicycle accidents in Nebraska and can lead to severe injuries.
- Inadequate lighting: Lack of proper lighting on the cyclist’s bike and the surrounding area can result in accidents, especially during dawn or dusk when visibility is reduced.
- Aggressive driving behavior: Aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or running red lights can put cyclists at risk. These types of behaviors often result in collisions with cyclists.
In addition to these common causes, other factors can contribute to bicycle accidents in Nebraska, including but not limited to:
- Lack of reflective gear: Without reflective gear, cyclists are less visible to drivers, especially at night or in low-light conditions, leading to a greater risk of bicycle accidents in Nebraska.
- Weather conditions: Poor weather diminishes visibility and also reduces defensive maneuvering on both vehicles and bicycles, making it more difficult for drivers and cyclists to see and react to one another before an accident occurs.
These factors may influence a determination of fault in a bicycle accident, ultimately affecting liability and compensation. For a better understanding of legal rights in the event of a bicycle accident in Nebraska, contact a personal injury lawyer in Omaha, Lincoln, or any other major city to discuss legal options that hold drivers accountable for their actions.
Bike Accident Statistics in Nebraska: Common Injuries and Costs
Because Nebraska has no helmet laws, head injuries typically top the list of common injuries in bicycle accident statistics.
Head injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries, which may result in long-term disabilities and exorbitant medical expenses ranging from a few thousand to several million dollars in lifetime costs.
Other common physical injuries and their estimated treatment costs reported for bike accident statistics in Nebraska include:
- Lacerations – Up to $10,000 in medical costs
- Spinal cord injuries – Lifetime costs can exceed $1 million
- Internal organ damage – $10,000 to $150,000+
- Road rash and abrasions – $500 to $2,000+
- Broken bones – Non-surgical treatment: $600 to $3,000+/ Surgical treatment: $10,000+
These physical injuries on their own could bankrupt injured parties, especially when insurance is insufficient or non-existent to cover costs.
Unfortunately, they aren’t the only medical costs to consider after a bicycle accident in Nebraska. In addition to medical bills for the injuries sustained, injured parties and their families may also be on the hook for:
- Paramedic/ambulance care: $600 to $5,000+
- Emergency room visit: $1,000+
- Overnight hospital stay: $2,500+ per night
- Diagnostic testing (MRI, x-ray, CT scan): $300 to $3,500+ per test
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation: $150 to $500+ per session
- Specialist consultation and services: $150 to $500+ per visit
- Medications and medical devices: $50 to $25,000+ per prescription/device
Beyond physical injuries, bicycle accident statistics in Nebraska highlight the risk of emotional and psychological trauma after a crash. The shock, pain, and suffering that injured parties experience can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and well-being, affecting:
- Productivity and ability to work
- Quality of life and relationships
- Daily activities and independence
These non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify but can significantly impact an injured person’s well-being. They may also result in additional financial costs, such as therapy or counseling fees ranging from $100 to $300+ per session.
Cyclists injured from a bike accident in Nebraska may be eligible for compensation for economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
By contacting licensed personal injury attorneys in the state, injured parties can begin a journey toward physical and financial recovery to get back to living their best life.
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Who Is Most At Risk of a Bicycle Accident in Nebraska?
Children
Kids represent a good chunk of the population at risk for serious bicycle accidents in Nebraska due to their inexperience, small size, and potential lack of awareness about road safety. Furthermore, bicycle accident statistics related to TBIs, or traumatic brain injuries, highlight children as a high-risk age group.
Elderly Adults
While children may be at a higher risk for sustaining severe injuries in a bike accident, elderly adults are also vulnerable due to their decreased reaction time and physical fragility. This demographic may also be more likely to experience emotional and psychological trauma after a crash, especially if they rely on biking as a form of transportation or for daily exercise.
Commuters
Those who regularly commute by bike are also at a higher risk for accidents due to the increased time spent on busy roads and intersections. The rush hour traffic, distracted drivers, and poor road conditions can all contribute to a higher risk of collisions and injuries for bicycle commuters.
Tourists
Nebraska’s beautiful scenery and popular tourist attractions make it a sought-after destination for travelers, including cyclists. Unfortunately, unfamiliarity with the roads and lack of experience navigating traffic can put tourists at a higher risk for bike accidents.
What To Do After A Bicycle Accident In Nebraska?
Statistically, anyone is vulnerable to the effects of a bicycle accident in Nebraska, so no matter the age or condition of the cyclist, it’s essential to take the following steps after a bike accident in Nebraska:
- Seek medical attention. Paramedic care is available at the scene for those involved in a bike accident in Nebraska. However, injured cyclists should make multiple visits to the doctor for follow-up care. This is crucial to ensure physical recovery AND to document delayed injuries and their corresponding medical expenses for a personal injury claim.
- Request a police report. Regardless of the accident’s location, getting a police report is crucial. It can provide vital evidence for a personal injury claim or lawsuit and help determine fault in the accident.
- Document everything. Take pictures of the scene, the damage to a bike, and any visible injuries sustained. Keep track of medical records, receipts for related expenses, and other relevant documents supporting the case.
- Keep a pain journal. It’s essential to document pain and suffering after a bike accident in Nebraska. Keeping a journal will help track the extent of injuries and their impact on daily life, providing critical evidence for non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress.
- Contact personal injury attorneys in Nebraska. Seeking legal representation is critical to receiving just compensation for bicycle accident injuries and damages. Nebraska personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of bike accident cases and can help navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for a successful outcome.
It is also wise to avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies or posting about it on social media until consulting a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may use any information they get to minimize a claim’s value, and anything posted on social media is admissible in court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Statistics in Nebraska
1. Where is the best place for Cyclists in Nebraska?
Though Omaha is touted as the most bike-friendly city in Nebraska, many other areas have great cycling opportunities. Lincoln, Kearney, and Grand Island also have many bike lanes and trails for cyclists to explore. That said, these cities still see high rates of bicycle accidents and injuries, so it’s essential to contact a personal injury lawyer if involved in one with a car or truck.
2. What if I am at fault for the bike accident?
Nebraska utilizes the contributory negligence rule when determining fault in an accident. This means that if the cyclist is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced. It’s crucial to seek legal representation in these cases to ensure a successful outcome of a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
3. When do bike accidents occur in Nebraska?
Bike accident statistics in Nebraska spike during warmer months when more people are out and about enjoying the better weather. Most bike accidents occur during the day, but many incidents still happen at night in areas with less visibility.
4. When should I contact a personal injury attorney in Nebraska about a bike accident?
Though Nebraska generally has a four-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, contacting a lawyer immediately after the accident is essential. Doing so ensures that evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed, rights are protected, and adequate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering is obtained. And, there are several exceptions to the four-year limitations period, which may reduce your window to assert your claim to as little as one year.
Bicycle Accidents Shouldn’t Bankrupt Anyone
From high medical bills to lost wages and property damage, bicycle accidents have the potential to financially, physically, and emotionally bankrupt injured parties.
However, with the help of a Nebraska personal injury lawyer, injured parties can understand how to avoid common mistakes that could result in a reduced settlement or no compensation at all.
Anyone who has or knows someone involved in a bicycle accident in Nebraska should contact a personal injury lawyer for more information about recovering damages, filing a claim, and navigating the legal system. With their help, injured parties can start their journey towards justice, compensation, and recovery.
