Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
The severity and number of bicycle injuries has increased with the popularity of cycling for fitness, to save money amid high gas prices and to avoid congestion, according to a report presented in Chicago this week at the American College of Surgeons’ 95th annual Clinical Congress.
The Chicago bicycle accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes have also seen an increase in the number of serious and fatal bicycle accidents the firm is asked to represent. Click here to visit our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog for more information about our work with bicyclists.
Researchers studying 329 bicycle accidents found the length of hospital stays has increased substantially over the years as has the number of serious injuries, including chest injuries (up 15 percent), abdominal injuries (up 300 percent) and head injuries, which were reported in about one-third of cases, according to the LA Times.
ABC7 reported the most serious injuries continue to come from bicyclists who are struck by cars.
Nationwide, bicycle accidents last year killed 716 and injured 52,000, compared to 701 deaths and 43,000 injuries in 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In Illinois, 27 people were killed last year, up from 18 in 2007 and the most in the 5-year study period for which statistics are readily available. Half of those deaths occurred in Cook County.
Click here for more information on the extensive work being done by the Chicago Department of Transportation on the city’s bike trails, as well as safety advice, event information and other resources geared toward Chicago bicyclists.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a Chicago bicycle accident, contact the personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free appointment to discuss your rights. (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.