According to a recent study conducted by Ice Bike, West Virginia currently ranks fourth among all 50 states in bicycle safety. With an average of only 1.05 deaths per 100,000 state residents, the bicycle fatality rate in West Virginia is 55 percent below the national average. The state has only reported 19 cycling deaths in the last 10 years.
West Virginia’s cyclist safety statistics are vastly different from the rest of the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports a 26 percent increase in cyclist fatalities nationwide over a decade, from 623 deaths in 2010 to 846 deaths in 2019.
While cyclists in the Mountain State are safer than most, they are still at risk for serious injury by careless motorists. If you were injured while biking on West Virginia’s roadways, the personal injury attorneys at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC are ready to help. We can take charge of your bicycle accident claim and demand that you receive the compensation you deserve.
West Virginia Bicycle Accident Statistics
Over the last 10 years, West Virginia has become much more cycling-friendly. According to the League of American Bicyclists, West Virginia now ranks 28th of the 50 states based on its laws and policies for bicycle safety. This is an improvement from a ranking of 34th in 2019 and 50th in 2008.
The change in rank is due in part to the Bicycle Safety Law. Passed by the West Virginia Legislature in 2014, it requires drivers to give bicycles three feet of distance as they pass cyclists on the road.
What Makes Certain Areas Safer Than Others for Pedestrians and Cyclists?
Although West Virginia bike accident statistics illustrate the improvements in bicycling safety in the state, cycling is not without risk. Smart Growth America says this is due to America’s streets being “dangerous by design.”
Our city streets and roadways are almost exclusively designed to move motor vehicle traffic quickly and efficiently. Bicycling safety is, at best, an afterthought – and certain areas are safer than others. Cyclists should use bike lanes or sidewalks when available and be on the lookout for streets with wider shoulders. Watch out at intersections and whenever making left turns against traffic.
What to Do If You Are in a Bicycle Accident in West Virginia
Despite better safety for cyclists on West Virginia roadways, too many innocent people are hurt through no fault of their own. If you were hit by a vehicle while riding your bike, you could be owed compensation for your injuries and other losses.
The personal injury attorneys at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC understand that pursuing compensation for your injuries from a bicycle accident can seem daunting without an attorney in your corner. We want you to know that you don’t have to stand against the insurers alone. Instead, we can aggressively seek a fair resolution of your claim from the at-fault party so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Contact us today for a free case consultation with a bicycle accident attorney in West Virginia.
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
