Getting around town by bicycle is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation one can practice. However, without the right safety measures in place, a jaunt through the city can easily turn deadly when someone is involved in a bicycle accident.
Although the personal injury lawyers at the Bober Law Firm specialize in helping injured cyclists, we’d prefer the members of our community to be safer than sorry.
If you or a loved one rely on a bicycle to reach your destinations, here are some tips for maximizing your traveling safety.
MAKE SURE OTHER DRIVERS CAN SEE YOU
This is especially important for all of the night riders out there. Don’t wear clothing that inherently blends in with your surroundings.
Dress brightly, and if possible wear a piece of clothing that has reflective elements so that you’ll be caught in the headlights before an accident is able to occur.
WEAR A HELMET
Safe riding is the best riding. As old-fashioned as it sounds, one must always wear a helmet no matter where they are riding.
When you’re cycling near traffic you are at your most vulnerable. Bicycle accidents are among the most common that result in serious injuries, so your helmet could be the piece of equipment that saves your life. Don’t gamble with your future on a bicycle, wear your helmet and stay protected.
MAKE SURE YOU AREN’T DISTRACTED
As tempting as it may be to ride around with headphones in or to briefly glance at that last text message, these are actions that could get you mixed up in a horrible accident.
Stay alert when riding around pedestrians or moving vehicles. You’ll always need to have your wits about you in order to hear a screeching vehicle, honking horn, or see an oncoming stall in traffic.
MOVE WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC
Riding with the flow of traffic isn’t just safe for you, it’s safe for other cyclists on the road. Bicycle lanes in public areas are not the largest part of a road and that’s why there are local bicycle laws in place to protect riders.
So, if you decide to break the law and travel in the opposite direction of traffic, you could collide with a law-abiding cyclist and be the cause of their disastrous bicycle accident.
WHAT IF YOU GET IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT?
If you are in a bicycle accident, make sure the first people you call are the police and a personal injury lawyer. Make sure to document your injuries, the state of your bicycle, as well as take down all essential information from the other parties involved.
The road to recovery from a bicycle accident can be long, painful, and expensive, so you’ll want to give your lawyer as much information as possible for the impending insurance battles. Whatever you do, don’t claim guilt or leave the scene. Stick around, go through the essential motions and let your lawyer do all of the arguments for you.
FINANCIALLY RECOVER FROM YOUR ACCIDENT INJURIES WITH BOBER LAW FIRM
If you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident, don’t walk away without contacting the police and a personal injury lawyer. You may not be in pain now, but injuries can surface at any time and you’ll need legal advice on your side when they do.
Trust the personal injury lawyers at the Bober Law Firm to help you fight insurance companies for any lost wages accumulated as a result of your injury. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our firm. We don’t use gimmicks and work with our knowledge of the law to help you earn what you’re owed.