The Law And Bicycle Injuries
Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around, save money on gas, and stay healthy. But it’s important to remember that when you’re on a bike, you’re sharing the road with cars and trucks, which can be dangerous if you’re not careful. To stay safe while riding your bicycle, it’s important to know the law and what to do if you’re involved in an accident.
Don’t forget your bicycle safety checks, otherwise, you increase your chance of having an accident and having less of a leg to stand on should another accuse you of causing their injury.
Bicycle laws vary from state to state, but some general rules apply in most places. For instance, cyclists are typically required to ride on the right side of the road, obey all traffic signs and signals, and use hand signals to indicate when they’re turning. Cyclists are also not allowed to ride on sidewalks and must yield to pedestrians.
Now let us consider what else there is to think about regarding the law and cycling. This is whether or not you are already in a position to need to know it.
What to Do in the Event of a Bicycle Accident
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, the first thing you should do is stop and check for injuries. If you or the other person is injured, call 911 immediately. Once the police arrive, they will likely ask for your side of the story and may also speak to witnesses. You must give a clear and accurate account of what happened so that the police can properly investigate the accident. Ensuring that your bicycle is insured gives you one less thing to worry about if you do get into an accident. You can see what is included in bicycle insurance and the types of bicycles that are covered by looking on sites such as https://www.insurancecloud.co.uk/bicycle/ to ensure you get the best coverage for you.
The Need for an Attorney
If you’re not injured, or if the injuries are minor, you may be able to handle the claim on your own. However, if the accident was serious or if you sustained substantial property damage, you may need to hire an attorney. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the insurance claims process and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
How To Avoid a Bicycle Accident
There are some steps you can take to avoid getting into a bicycle accident in the first place. First, make sure you’re visible to drivers by wearing bright clothing and using lights at night. Second, be predictable and ride in a straight line. Don’t swerve in and out of traffic or ride on the wrong side of the road. Third, avoid riding in bad weather conditions if possible. And fourth, always be on the lookout for hazards, such as potholes, broken glass, and debris.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in a bicycle accident. But even if you take all the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s important to know the law and what to do if you find yourself in an accident. With the right help, you can get through it and be awarded compensation.
Carry Out Regular Bicycle Checks To Prevent Accidents
Negligence might be able to be proven if the appropriate steps have not been taken to prevent an accident. This can mean not receiving compensation and the other party being due it, instead, from you or your insurer.
For instance, certain bicycle checks should be carried out that will prevent accidents and protect cyclists from the accusation of negligence. We should, after all, do all we can to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. This is whether in a car or on a bike.
Typical bicycle checks might include:
Checking that the tires are roadworthy. This includes ensuring that they are properly inflated and have no cuts or bulges.
Checking the brakes to make sure they are working properly. Ensuring that the bicycle chain is not rusty and is of the correct tension.
Ensuring that the handlebars and seat are at the right height. Make sure that the bicycle is the right size for the rider.
In short, regular bicycle checks can help to prevent accidents and injuries from happening in the first place. And if an accident does occur, these checks can help to prove that you took all reasonable steps to avoid it. Bicycle accidents can be serious, but if you take the necessary precautions, you can help to avoid them.
Bicycle injuries can be a major problem on the roads, particularly when cyclists and motorists are not aware of the law. We’ve looked at some bicycle injury claims and how to prevent them through proper checks before riding. Make sure you know your rights as a cyclist and what to do if you’re injured in an accident. Know the law in case something happens, or when it has, and always try to stay safe at all times.