In recent years we have seen a worrying trend: the number of injury cases involving cyclists is increasing significantly. According to a recent report by legal service provider DAS, which was published by the AD, there has been an increase of almost 15 percent in the first months of this year. It is striking that cyclists on e-bikes or fat bikes are increasingly involved in these accidents.
Increasing Accidents with E-bikes and Fatbikes
DAS reported that 256 injury cases involving at least one cyclist took place between January and April this year. This is an increase of almost 15 percent compared to the same period last year, when there were 225 cases. For comparison: in 2019 there were 985 cases of cyclists with injuries, while this number increased to 1222 in 2023. These figures represent an increase of almost a quarter in four years.
Traffic expert Rembrandt Groenewegen of DAS attributes this increase to two important factors: increasing traffic congestion and distraction of both cyclists and motorists by telephones, music, navigation and messaging apps. This significantly increases the risk of accidents.
The Role of E-bikes in Traffic Accidents
Another significant problem is that the speed and movements of e-bikes and fat bikes are difficult for motorists to estimate. While a regular bicycle usually travels between fifteen and twenty kilometers per hour, e-bikes can reach speeds of 25 to 30 kilometers per hour. Many drivers are not yet prepared for this, which leads to dangerous situations and accidents.
Need for Government Measures
To reduce the number of cycling accidents, Groenewegen calls on the government to take measures. This can be done, among other things, by clamping down on supercharged fat bikes and making it mandatory for e-bike users to wear a helmet. In addition, moving fat bikes to normal roads can contribute to safety, as they are often wider and look more like mopeds, which creates dangerous situations on cycle paths.
Legal Steps for Personal Injury
As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I often see the complexity and severity of the consequences of such accidents. It is crucial to act quickly and correctly after a bicycle accident to protect the rights of the victims. Here are some important steps to consider:
- Gather Medical Evidence: Immediately after the accident, it is important to seek medical attention and keep all medical documents carefully. This forms the basis for your personal injury claim.
- Establish Liability: Determining who is responsible for the accident is a crucial step. This can range from another road user to poorly maintained roads or inadequate traffic signals.
- Calculate the Damage: Make sure that you include both direct medical costs and indirect costs, such as missed work days and future medical treatments, in your claim. This can be complex, so calling in a specialist can help. Read more about how personal injury compensation is taxed and why specialist advice is crucial.
- Seek Legal Help: Due to the complexity of personal injury cases, especially with increasing incidents involving e-bikes, it is advisable to engage a specialized lawyer. An attorney can help you navigate the legal procedures and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible. Discover why hiring a lawyer is also necessary for minor injuries in our article Is hiring a lawyer also necessary for minor injuries?
Have you or someone you know suffered injury as a result of a bicycle accident? It is important to take action quickly to protect your rights and obtain appropriate compensation. Contact MCJ Advocatuur today for a no-obligation consultation.