Bicyclist who venture out onto the road to enjoy nature, practice an eco-friendly way to travel, or to leisure around town deserve to be free from suffering an accident. Sadly, in the hustle and bustle of today’s world vehicle drivers may be more distracted and speedy now more than ever. So, bicyclists must take extra precautions when sharing the road to help decrease their chances of being clipped by a driver who was not paying attention. Here in this article, we have talked further about ways to play it more safe, and when it is time to consider seeking a legal professional if you are ever hit by a car.
What are some ways I can be more safe when riding my bike?
Depending on the type of terrain you are riding your bike, can determine your approach to safety. If you like to bicycle down mountainsides through trails, you may want to put on more gear for joint protection, than compared to biking through an easygoing downtown street. If you decide to share a lane and ride in the road with cars, you must obey the same rules when it comes to stopping at street lights and stop signs. Here is a list of overall safety strategies you may want to consider incorporating into your bike routine:
#1 – Try to avoid wearing darker toned articles of clothing, as this can make you less distinguishable to the driver’s eye.
#2 – Add an automatic blinking light to your bike, so cars can easily see you as the sun is going down and into the night hours. You can place this little light under your seat so it blinks outwards behind you.
#3 – Examine your bicycle regularly for parts that need replacing, or other maintenance that must be done.
#4 – Always buy a helmet that has never been used, and is safety-approved. Also, pick a helmet that fits well for your head and is appropriate for the type of terrain you will be riding on.
#5 – Keep an eye out for parked cars, as a driver or passengers may not look for a bicyclist riding by before opening their door.
#6 – Avoid riding in intense weather at all costs. Try to wait until rain, storms or ice on the ground has passed or melted before going back out.
#7 – Avoid wearing headphones for music while riding a bike. It may be nice to enjoy music as you cruise along, but it can put you at a great risk for not noticing when a potential threat has come your way.
Let’s say I get hit by a car while on my bike, should I sue the driver?
Depending on the scenario, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the driver if he or she was at-fault for the bicycle accident happening. Many bicyclists may consult with a Canoga Park bike accident attorney about how to go about getting repayment of their injury medical expenses and repairs to fix their bike. An attorney understands how the legal system works, and can provide you with advice and guidance about seeking justice.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Barry P. Goldberg for their insight into bike accidents laws.