New Biking Dangers Put Americans’ Quality of Life in Jeopardy

If you enjoy biking, it pays to sit up and take notice of the recent headlines. In the last three months, a number of bicycles and bike accessories were recalled due to safety issues. As a whole, the safety issues were caused by a multitude of design flaws and manufacturing defects with the potential to cause cyclists bodily harm. The list of faulty components included, but wasn’t restricted to the following:

• Bicycle Brakes and Rotors
• Spindles and Seat Posts
• Steering Tube Assemblies
• Tow Bars and Handlebars
• Pedals and Pedal Extenders
• Suspension Forks and Wheels

Last autumn, Washington Post writer, Katherine Shaver, pointed out how dangerous biking can be in her column, Dr. Gridlock. She noted an increase in biking related deaths, which is supported by statistics available through Governing magazine, IIHS-HLDI, NHTSA and the CDC. Understandably, the deaths cause emotional turmoil as well as a potential loss of income for those left behind.

Other dated publications gave insight into the countrywide, financial repercussions of such tragic occurrences. Not surprisingly, they total in the billions. And those reports primarily looked at the indirect and direct healthcare costs associated with various accident outcomes, not income reduction.

Cyclists are entitled to know that the items they are purchasing are safe and defect free. They also have the right to enjoy the best quality of life possible. So those injured in biking accidents may have recourse against the designers, manufacturers and others behind the faulty products.  Furthermore, they may be able to inquire about restitution against additional people involved in the accident. Examples include but don’t end with trail designers, city maintenance departments and motorists.

To learn more about recovery options for people injured in biking accidents, please contact the Law Office of Gary Brustin. We will gladly review incidents that occurred in California as well as offer victims and their families counsel.