Though cycling is something that can be enjoyed by all ages, there’s something special about riding a bike as a child. Many can remember the first bike they ever received. That first day they managed to pedal without training wheels. Heck, even the first day they fell and skinned a knee. Biking brings a certain freedom and adventure a child would otherwise never have.
Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before a child has an accident with their bike. Usually, it involves taking a turn too quickly, breaking too hard, or clipping a curb. These types of bicycle accidents generally result in scrapes and bruises, and the child is back on their bike in no time.
When a bike accident involves a car, however, things can become much more dangerous for a child.
As an accident attorney office in Hamilton, Ohio, we’ve helped many parents whose children have been injured by motor vehicles. Today, we’d like to raise awareness on the dangers of bicycle accidents involving children, how they can be avoided, and what to do if your child has been injured.
The Reality of Bicycle Accidents Involving Children
Bicycle accidents involving children occur more frequently than we would like with children accounting for 15% of all bicycle injuries involving traffic. Even if they stay close to home, as soon as a child is even near a road, there’s a chance of an incident involving car.
This is why it’s so important for parents to properly train and prepare their child for the potential dangers out there. Of course, the responsibility doesn’t entirely fall on you.
It is equally important that drivers watch for bicyclists and take caution when driving around anyone on a bike, especially children. Drivers should slow down and pay closer attention when driving in neighborhoods or around schools where children are more likely to be present.
When rules are ignored and safety is taken for granted, things can go wrong very quickly.
Common Injuries in Child Bicycle Accidents
Children (and adults) should always bike with a helmet. A helmet can greatly reduce the risk of a fatal accident or permanent damage. Knee and elbow pads can further reduce the chances of injury.
However, even with proper protection, the collision of a bike and a car will likely result in some degree of injury. These include:
- Cuts and abrasions
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Beyond physical injuries, a bike accident involving a car is likely to cause emotional damage as well, especially for a child. Thankfully, accidents involving cars can generally be avoided if your child takes the appropriate actions.
Safety Tips for Parents and Kids
If your child has a bike, it’s essential to equip them with more than just a helmet. You need to prepare them with knowledge and habits that can reduce their risk. Even if your child only bikes in a seemingly safe neighborhood, danger is always lurking.
A few simple tips can be the difference between a healthy bike ride and a serious injury.
Teach the Rules of the Road
Traffic laws aren’t just for adults with a driver’s license. If a child is old enough to ride a bike, they’re old enough to start learning the rules of the road. This includes what the different lanes are, what traffic signs mean, who has the right-of-way, and more.
Beyond that, there are some basic best-practices you should teach your child:
- Ride with traffic, not against it
- Stop at stop signs and obey traffic signals
- Look both ways at every intersection
- Walk their bike across busy crosswalks when necessary
Stay Visible and Aware
Drivers often say they “didn’t see” the bicyclist after an accident. Make your child easier to see by encouraging them to:
- Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during early morning or evening hours
- Avoid riding at night
- Never wear earbuds or headphones while biking
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of vehicles
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t simply assume that a driver sees you or that they’ll follow basic rules like signaling a turn. It can be difficult, but teaching your child to anticipate potential incidents can help them to avoid serious injury.
Keep the Bike in Good Condition
A safe bike is just as important as safe riding habits. As a parent, it’s important that you regularly inspect your child’s bike and ensure everything is working correctly.
This includes:
- Brakes are working properly
- Tires are inflated
- Handlebars are aligned and secure
- Reflectors are clean and visible
Make sure your child knows how to report if something feels “off” about their bike.
Where and Why These Accidents Happen
Bicycle accidents can happen anywhere, but certain locations tend to be more dangerous for young riders. Based on the cases we’ve seen, high-risk zones include:
- Neighborhood intersections where visibility may be limited
- School zones during drop-off or pickup
- Driveways and parking lots where drivers are backing up without checking surroundings
- Trail crossings where bikes meet traffic abruptly
- Residential streets where kids may dart into the road
These are generally situations where a driver might be unable to see a cyclist. Unfortunately, that isn’t the only reason why a driver might hit someone on a bike. Too often, it comes down to distractions and impairments.
These include:
- Texting or using a phone while driving
- Eating, adjusting music, or other distractions
- Failing to yield at intersections
- Not checking blind spots before turning or backing up
- Speeding through residential areas
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
It only takes a split second of distraction for a driver to change a child’s life forever. And when that happens, families deserve answers and accountability.
Do You Need an Attorney for Bicycle Accidents?
If your child has been hurt in a bicycle accident, you may find yourself overwhelmed. Your first priority should always be the well-being of your child. Depending on the severity of the accident, this may include medical appointments, physical therapy, and even meeting with a child psychologist. Though you aren’t the one injured, you may find yourself missing work while taking care of your kid.
And then there’s the matter of dealing with insurance companies, the other party involved in the accident, the mounting bills, and everything else that comes with an accident.
This is why it’s a great idea to reach out to an attorney sooner rather than later. An experienced personal injury attorney can handle the more technical aspects while you look after your injured child. Even if the accident is relatively minor, an accident attorney can help you understand your options and what you’re owed.
Most accident attorneys offer free consultations, so there’s no reason to not reach out.
Of course, you don’t want to necessarily choose the first law firm you come across. When it comes to an injured child, you need an attorney who will listen to your specific needs, answer your questions, and treat you as an individual. That’s where we can help.
The Richards Firm was founded to make the legal system more accessible to those in need. We’re here first and foremost to listen. Your initial consultation is always free, and should you move forward with our legal services, you won’t owe anything unless we win your case. With The Richards Firm, you will always work directly with your attorney from start to finish.
If your child has been injured due to the actions or negligence of a driver in the Greater Cincinnati area, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 513-461-0084 or click here to visit our contact page.