It is estimated that hundreds of people commute to work by bicycle in Fairfax County every day. Fairfax Connector buses and Metro buses allow people to bring bikes without restrictions, and bike racks and lockers are available in most park and ride lots. Fairfax County encourages people to commute by bicycle as a “healthy, clean, economical, and fun way to get to work,” but it’s important to understand the safety risks involved in this type of commute. 
Potential Dangers of Commuting by Bike
When you travel to and from work by bicycle, you’re without the protective metal and safety features motorists have when riding in a car or truck. If you are involved in a crash while riding a bike, it’s likely that you’ll be the one who gets hurt because:
- Another driver was distracted and failed to see you in time to prevent a collision.
- Another driver was drunk or under the influence of drugs and lacked the reflexes to prevent a collision.
- Another driver was drowsy and didn’t see you or couldn’t stop before causing a collision.
- Another driver was aggressive and in a rush and made a mistake that resulted in your collision.
It takes just a second for a serious bike accident to happen and for you to suffer a serious bicycle accident injury such as:
- A brain injury
- A spinal cord injury
- A broken bone
- An internal injury
- An amputated limb
Some bike commutes could even end in death if a motorist fails to drive with reasonable care and use caution while behind the wheel.
When You’re in a Bike Crash
If you’re hurt in a bicycle crash, it’s important to take critical steps to protect your health and your legal right to recovery. When you’re in a bike accident, you should:
- Call 911. The dispatcher will send police officers and medical first responders to the scene of the crash and provide you with important advice about staying safe until help can arrive.
- Allow the police to investigate the accident. The police report could be important to your case with evidence or information you may have missed.
- Allow the medical first responders to treat you, and get all the medical care you need. If the first responders recommend that you go to the hospital, you should do it. Even if you do not go to the hospital, you should follow up with your own doctor as quickly as possible to make sure you are not suffering from injuries that you do not yet know about.
- Take pictures. Your pictures may be relevant to your ultimate recovery. Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the crash before they are moved and of anything else that is relevant to the cause of the crash.
- Get the names and contact information for all witnesses. This includes other drivers, passengers, and eyewitnesses to the accident.
After you leave the scene of the crash, it is important to get the medical attention and the legal help you need to put your life back together.
What You May Recover in a Bike Accident Case
After a bicycle accident, you may be able to recover for your past, current, and future:
- Health care expenses
- Lost income
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Miscellaneous expenses
This recovery is not always easy, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side to help protect your claim. To schedule a free and confidential case review please reach out to us via this website or by phone at 877.652.1553.
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