The Flathead Beacon just published an article online where author Bill Schneider describes some of the dangerous driving he’s seen drivers exhibit around bicyclists. As he writes:

The vast majority of motorists courteously and safely share roadways with cyclists, but a very small minority not only aren’t courteous, but for some unexplainable reason fill up with rage whenever they see cyclists on the road ahead. Anybody who regularly rides bicycles on paved roadways knows about this minority. They not only think cyclists have no right to use public roadways, but also show their anger by shouting obscenities and giving out the universal salute and even do all sorts of outright dangerous things like coming up behind cyclists blaring their horns, purposely passing inches from handlebars at high speed, or throwing beer cans and other objects, which become lethal missiles for somebody on a bicycle.

This sort of dangerous driving isn’t just impolite, it’s dangerous. In 2007, there were 43,000 bicyclist injuries in the U.S. (according to the NHTSA). I don’t have any hard facts, but I suspect a lot of those injuries were the result of drivers not being respectful enough of bike riders. A bike accident can be not only a very frightening experience but the injuries involved are usually serious and long-lasting requiring thousands of dollars in medical treatment and significant future medical expenses. Cyclists suffer all sorts of injuries due to driver negligence. It is not uncommon for bike riders to be injured by car doors (“doored”), or hit by cars that do not respect the right-of-way, and often, drivers who were just not paying attention.

If you or someone you know has sustained serious personal injuries in a bicycle accident caused by the reckless or negligent conduct of another person I urge you to contact an accident attorney immediately. Cycling crashes almost always involve severe scrapes, cuts, and bruises, but may also much more serious injuries such as broken bones or even paralysis. The fact that you were riding a bike in traffic in no way means that your right to be compensated for your injury is diminished. Contact a Montana Injury Lawyer today to find out more.