Wichita Falls resident Les Akins is recovering from being struck by a car while riding his bicycle earlier this month. According to KFDX News Channel Three, Akins was cycling on the I-44 access road, just south of Bacon Switch Road, when a car struck him. The wreck happened on February 8th as he was cycling his usual route.
Cyclist Suffers From Multiple Injuries
The impact of the crash sent him flying. KFDX News Channel Three also reports that he landed 50 feet away from the initial point of impact. In addition to head-to-toe road rash, he suffered from a variety of injuries including broken vertebrae, broken rib and severely bruised tailbone.
Brad Altman on Texoma Bicycle Collisions
Our own Brad Altman, also President of the Wichita Falls Bicycling Club, pointed out that distracted driving is to blame for the recent increase in collisions between vehicles and bicyclists. He also noted that in the past five years, there have been more than 70 collisions between bicycles and automobiles.
U.S. Bicycle Crash Facts
- In 2012, 726 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes.
- In 2011, 682 cyclists were killed in car crashes.
- Cyclists accounted for two percent of all traffic fatalities in 2012.
- An estimated 49,000 cyclists were injured in crashes in 2012.
- In 2012, nearly half of all cyclist fatalities occurred between 4:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
Distracted Driving Puts Cyclists in Wichita Falls at Risk
There’s no doubting that distracted driving puts cyclists and other roadway users in Wichita Falls at great risk. Whether it’s a fatal pedestrian crash or a multi-car pileup caused by distracted driving, texting and engaging in other distracted behaviors behind the wheel puts everybody at great risk.
After a Bicycle Accident
After any kind of bicycle accident, your top priority needs to be your health. Get your immediate medical needs addressed first. Whether you were transported from the scene to the hospital or met with your physician after the crash, your health comes first. Your next priority needs to be speaking with a skilled personal injury attorney. You’re likely facing lost wages, medical bills and the pain and suffering that goes along with a lengthy recovery period.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, contact the experienced attorneys and cyclists at the Altman Legal Group at 940-761-4000 for a free case consultation today.