Automobile accidents can be very dangerous. The sheer force of two cars colliding at almost any speed can cause some very serious injuries. However, in a car accident there is a certain amount of protection afforded by the cars. This is not the case when a car collides with a bicycle.
Unlike cars, bicycles are not enclosed. They provide no protection to the rider during a collision. There is also no seatbelt or airbag to lessen the impact. This makes it far more dangerous when a car hits a bicycle.
The force of the impact when a car hits a bicycle is equal to the mass of the car times the velocity at which it is traveling. Because the car weighs so much more than the bicycle, the force of impact is already high. The faster the car travels, the more danger there is involved in the collision.
Most car and bicycle collisions occur because the driver of the car does not see the cyclist or does not realize how quickly the cyclist is traveling. Bicycles can often travel in excess of 30 mph. They are also very small compared to cars. Drivers should always be aware of this, and always be on the lookout for cyclists.
Contact a Minneapolis Personal Injury Lawyer
When a car hits a bicycle, the aftermath can be terrible and often results in serious injury or death. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident like this, contact the Minneapolis personal injury attorneys of Terry, Slane & Ruohonen at 612-362-0000.
