How GPS May Change Bicycle Crash Cases

One of the most tragic aspects of crashes involving motor vehicles and bicycles surrounds the fact that bicyclists have little protection and often suffer serious or fatal injuries. In addition, bicyclists may be considered at fault when an accident occurs, since, like motorcyclists, bicyclists tend to be viewed by drivers as having fewer rights when occupying the roadways. This is not true, but this viewpoint could sway the outcome of a bicycle crash case.

Fortunately, GPS and helmet-mounted cameras could significantly change bicycle crash cases, and provide bicycle accident victims with the evidence they need to seek fair and just compensation.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 741 bicyclists lost their lives in collisions with motor vehicles in 2013. Of those killed, 84 percent were 20 years of age or older, an increase of 195 percent since 1975. Much of this increase could be attributed to the higher number of bicyclists now sharing heavily-traveled streets and roads with cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

All motorists must remain attentive and alert if accidents with bicyclists are to be avoided; however, bicyclists also need to take certain precautions to protect themselves. As 63 percent of the bicyclists who suffered fatal injuries in 2013 were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident, helmet use is as important as refraining from drinking and driving, texting and driving, or engaging in any other driver distractions.

GPS and helmet-mounted cameras can be an essential data-gathering resource for bicyclists, particularly those who were involved in accidents with motor vehicles. Similar to the dashcams many drivers have mounted in their cars, a GPS-enabled helmet camera could allow a bicyclist to record the moments prior to the collision. This information would then be available for inclusion in an insurance claim or lawsuit against a negligent driver.

How GPS Could Benefit Your Case

To a bicyclist, a helmet-mounted camera and GPS tracking system can provide an extra set of eyes in the case of an unfortunate accident. Even a downloaded, smartphone app that uses your phone’s built-in GPS can suffice. Rather than being forced to fight false accusations about your riding behavior from a negligent driver and his or her insurance company, the following data could be downloaded to establish who was actually at fault:

  • Elevation
  • Latitude and longitude
  • Bicycle speed
  • Average speed
  • Maximum speed
  • Total ride time
  • Distance traveled

A bicyclist who was using GPS at the time of an accident would be able to provide the gathered information to a skilled attorney, who could have a crash analysis expert review the data as one aspect of investigating the case and establishing fault. GPS data could dramatically improve your chances of recovering the maximum damages for your injuries and losses.

Speak with a Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyer Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, regardless of whether you were using GPS or a helmet-mounted camera at the time, contact Cooper Law Partners now to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer. At Cooper Law Partners, we are committed to helping accident victims and their families seek justice, and we will stop at nothing in our efforts to pursue the positive outcome you deserve.