Bicycle Safety Basics
Bicycling is a popular way to exercise and have fun for many Americans, young and old. A lot of people also rely on their bicycles as their primary mode of transportation, relying on the bicycle to get to work and to run errands around town. Bicycles, like all types of vehicle, pose certain inherent risks to riders. When a bicyclist is involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, a pedestrian, another bicyclist, or even a stationary hazard in the roadway, he or she can suffer an injury. Although there is no way to completely prevent being injured on your bicycle, there are steps you can take to reduce your chance of being involved in this type of accident.
Dangers Bicyclists can Face
Examples of the hazards you can face while riding include:
- Potholes;
- Uneven pavement;
- Bicycle malfunction;
- Driver negligence, which can include anything like speeding, failing to yield, driving drunk or distracted, and failing to share the road with bicyclists; and
- Negligence on the part of other bicyclists and pedestrians.
A bicycle accident can lead to injuries like broken bones, sprains, strains, traumatic brain injury, and cuts. These injuries can be serious and even life-threatening in certain cases. If your accident was caused by another party’s negligence, whether that party was a driver, the public or private entity required to maintain the area where your accident occurred, or even the manufacturer of your bicycle, that party may be liable for your damages suffered as a result of the accident.
Protect yourself on your Bicycle
You can take steps to lower your chance of being involved in a bicycle accident. The most important precaution to take is to always be aware of your surroundings. Do not ride while using your cell phone and always look in all directions before crossing a street.
Other ways you can protect yourself from injury include:
- Wearing a helmet. Helmets cushion the skull, protecting riders from brain injuries in the event of a fall or collision;
- Wearing the correct gear for riding a bicycle, such as protective shoes and long pants;
- Making yourself visible, especially at night. Use lights and reflective tape to accomplish this; and
- Obeying posted traffic signs. Traffic signs are there for motorists and bicyclists alike.
Know your Rights and Work with a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Although you can take all the possible precautions to keep yourself safe on your bicycle, you cannot completely eliminate your risk of being injured in an accident. If you are injured in a bicycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, seek medical attention for your injury as soon as possible. Then, speak with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer at the Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas about filing a personal injury claim.