Bicyclists become almost addicted to their sport. It’s great exercise and many find it a convenient and very inexpensive way to make their daily commute. For children, of course, a bike is freedom.
Unfortunately, the roads are crowded and drivers do not always pay attention as they should. It’s not necessary for a car to crash into a bicyclist or be going very fast to cause a serious or even fatal injury. Bicyclists need to be aware of the most dangerous situations and take extra care to protect themselves.
The Facts
New York did a bicycle safety study and published the following results.
A head injury occurred in 74% of fatal accidents.
Almost every bicyclist who died (97%) was not wearing a helmet, highlighting the importance of wearing a helmet for bike riders of all ages.
Almost all deaths of bicyclists were a result of a motor vehicle accident.
One-third of fatal crashes involved a large truck or bus.
Almost all fatal accidents were caused by human error.
The most dangerous place for a bicyclist is at or near an intersection.
Boys and men accounted for 91% of the fatalities, with middle-aged men most at risk.
Protect Yourself From the Right Cross
The Right Cross is the most common type of bicycle/vehicle accident. It occurs when a vehicle enters the road from the bicyclist’s right and hits the bike. auto accident lawyers, the car can suddenly pull into the road and block the bike’s right of way, leaving the cyclist no choice but to crash into the car. Negligent drivers fail to be aware of what’s around them and fail to yield to the right of way of the bicyclist.
The best defense from the Right Cross is to be as visible as possible to drivers.
Use a headlight or a flashing light on the bike, even during the day.
Expect vehicles to enter from the right.
Yell, wave or make eye contact with any driver who appears unaware.
Preserve as much maneuverability as possible by staying further to the left and maintaining as much visibility as possible.
What to Do After an Accident
Seek immediate medical treatment. Even a minor accident can result in chronic neck and back injuries or concussion.
Have a friend go back and take pictures of the scene of the accident and try to obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Consult a Bicycle Accident Attorney before talking to an adjuster from the insurance company. Do not make any recorded statements.
Do not sign any release presented by the insurance company until it is reviewed by your attorney. While the check may be tempting, first offers are the lowest.
Each experienced Personal Injury Attorney at The Harrington Law Group P.C., located in Warwick, RI, dedicates their practice to fighting for the rights of accident victims. Bicyclists often sustain severe injuries with life-changing consequences. When you need help the most, contact this firm.