Cycling should be an enjoyable pastime and a convenient means of getting from one place to another. However, 70% of fatal cycling accidents on America’s roads occur in urban areas and there are multiple non-life-threatening accidents in these locations each year, too. The US has some treacherous roads, dotted with multiple potholes which make cycling and even walking particularly hazardous. Additionally, motorists are a leading cause of bike accidents with cyclists being doored an increasing occurrence.
America’s pothole crisis
America has a massive pothole problem which is a major talking point for residents and the government. In 2016 the President pledged to fix the country’s highways with a $1 trillion plan but 2017 has come and gone and the roads are still in the same state as they were in 2016. Now, the roads are in a critical state. The American Society of Civil Engineers has graded the country’s roads a substandard ‘D’ rating and estimate that more than $4.5 trillion needs to be invested in order to bring the nation’s highways back up to a reasonable stabdard.
The risks of potholes to cyclists
With potholes able to cause substantial risk to vehicles, many motorists will try to avoid them whenever possible. But sudden swerving cars and trucks can have awful consequences for cyclists traveling on the same stretch of road and can result in vehicles maneuvering directly into them and knocking them down. It’s not always easy to spot a pothole until you’re immediately in front of it which makes it too late and unsafe for a cyclist to avoid and so their only option is to ride over it and risk being thrown off their bike.
Dealing with cycling injuries
A cyclist with significant injuries sustained on a poorly maintained road may seek legal action, especially if their injuries impact their quality of life, their ability to perform day to day activities or attend their place of work. Cyclists shouldn’t be afraid to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney if they have sustained injury as a result of potholes while on their journey. An attorney can give professional advice, their honest opinion on the likelihood of a successful lawsuit and provide invaluable information regarding how best to proceed with their claim. Call the Goetz Law Firm at 858-481-8844 if you are injured in a bike accident.
America urgently needs to take action to protect cyclists from sustaining preventable injuries on the nation’s poorly maintained roads.
September 2017 LA Times
Los Angeles OKs $6.5 million to settle lawsuit after cyclist hit a pothole
Los Angeles will pay $6.5 million to settle a lawsuit from a man who suffered severe injuries after his bicycle hit a pothole in Sherman Oaks, lawmakers agreed Wednesday.
Two years ago, Peter Godefroy lost control of his bicycle when it hit a pothole on Valley Vista Boulevard, throwing him to the ground. The crash left him with broken bones and a severe traumatic brain injury, according to his suit.
San Diego Reader December 2016
Torrey Pines cyclists’ pothole nightmare continues
“I hate to state the obvious, but this is completely avoidable.”
The City of San Diego is poised to pay out another large sum for failing to maintain safe bike lanes and roads for pedestrians.
On Tuesday (December 13) city councilmembers are expected to finalize a $235,000 legal settlement to Cathleen Summerford, who was seriously injured after her bicycle struck a pothole in 2014 on Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla. The money will be paid from the city’s public liability fund.
Oakland – Mercury News
Oakland to pay $3.25 million to cyclist in pothole crash
After failing for years to address complaints about a pothole-laden thoroughfare in the Oakland hills, the city will pay $3 million to a cyclist who suffered severe injuries after crashing on the street.
In a closed session Tuesday, the Oakland City Council agreed to a $3.25 million settlement with Dulcey Bower, who crashed while bicycling downhill on Mountain Boulevard between Ascot Drive and the Highway 13 onramp.