Precautions for Bicycle Riders After an Accident

In the last two years, the global spotlight has been putting continuous pressure on collecting data following a proactive investment in the infrastructure of cycling. This data is collected to help maintain low-traffic neighborhoods and spend capital on bicycle lanes in smaller and larger cities. The data collected also focuses on making legislative changes to keep bicycles on the road.

How Many Bicyclist Deaths Occur in the USA Yearly?

Without a doubt riding a bicycle daily has many perks and pros attached to it. But, it is also undeniable that the potential risk of bicycle crashes and accidents is always present. As per recent statistics, about 1,000 cyclists die each year. With motor vehicles on roads in the United States every year, it is estimated that around 130,000 get injured in accidents that occur due to bicycle crashes.

Even though bicyclists these days are very vigilant while riding bicycles and staying in their bike lane, wearing bike helmets and protective body gear, the number of casualties and bike accidents is considerably increasing. It has been found that bicycle accident injuries usually exceed $23 billion in the USA annually. Bicycle-related deaths mostly peak in the warmer months from May through October.

Common Forms of Bicycle Injuries

Bicycle injuries can occur due to falls, accidents, crashes, or damages that cause repetitive or excessive strain on the body from cycling. The types of cycling injuries can vary in their severity and could range from minor bruises and cuts to more severe injuries. Have a look at some common bicycle injuries:

• Contusions and Abrasions: Contusions are bruises caused by blunt force trauma. Abrasions are scrapes on the skin caused by contact with rough surfaces or by falling from a bike.
• Bone Fractures: In some cases, bicycle accidents can also lead to broken bones and fractures, most commonly in the collarbone, wrists, arms, and legs. 
• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries and head injuries are a significant concern for cyclists, especially if they do not pay proper attention to their bicycle safety and wear a bicycle helmet. A head injury can include concussions, skull fractures, or brain hemorrhages.
• Soft Tissue and Internal Injuries: Ligament tears, strains, and sprains are the most common bicycle injuries. These soft tissue injuries can happen due to falls, abrupt movements, or overexertion.
• Skin Injury: Skin injury, also known as road rash, is common among bike injuries. A skin rash appears when a person's skin gets a rash after getting rubbed against a rough surface.
• Joint Dislocation: Another common injury in cycling accidents is joint dislocations, particularly in the finger joints or shoulder.
• Spinal Injuries: Spinal injuries are one of the most severe forms of injury due to a bike accident. It includes spinal cord damage or fractures and could cause loss of mobility and sensation.
• Overuse Injuries: Many cyclists suffer from issues like bursitis, tendonitis, or stress fractures if they engage in repetitive or longer rides.

Wearing helmets and appropriate safety gear is essential to reduce bicycle injury risk. Moreover, it is important to follow traffic rules, maintain proper bicycle equipment, and know your surroundings by knowing your lanes and bike routes to avoid sudden collisions.

Bike Riding Safety Tips

Bicycles are considered vehicles in many states in the US. Therefore, cyclists have similar rights and responsibilities to follow the rules and laws as motorists. Keep a few tips in mind when riding:

Follow Traffic Flow

When riding, be sure to be on the right side and in the same direction as other vehicles. Never go against the traffic flow to prevent potential crashes and prevent injury.

Obey Traffic Laws

Bicycles should follow all traffic laws, signals, and signs like other vehicles. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights. Additionally, use appropriate hand signals when turning to indicate your direction of travel.

Stay Visible

If you're a cyclist, you should consider yourself a driver, as a bicycle is a vehicle. Therefore, the same rules of a car or any other vehicle driver apply to you. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signals and markings.

Give Way When Appropriate

Drivers on smaller roads should almost always yield to traffic on a larger road. Slow down your vehicle if you're coming out of (parking lots, driveways, bike paths, or from a sidewalk), and there are no traffic signals or stop signs. Always look both ways to see if the path is clear and you are good to move your bike.

Be Predictable and Stay Alert

Riding in a bicycle lane or straight line is essential for a bicycle rider. Riding in and out of vehicles can be highly risky. Always signal your movements to other drivers, maintain eye contact, and stay alert.

Moreover, always follow traffic lights and use your ears to hear ongoing traffic. Wearing headsets when you ride could be dangerous. Watch out for obstacles like cracks, potholes, wet leaves, train tracks, and storm grates that could result in losing control of your bike.

Steps to Take After a Bike Accident

When riding a bicycle, safety is paramount, but risk is always involved. It is better to be prepared if any situation arises where the odds are against you and you get into an accident. Knowing your next steps in the aftermath can make a huge difference in a bike accident.

The following factors should be considered after a bicycle accident:

1.  Wait For Police Arrival

Both parties are legally bound to remain at the scene of an accident and wait for the police to arrive. Police will perform their expertise to find and make a report if there’s any property damage or injury.

Sometimes, a person may not realize they have been injured until later. Therefore, it is highly advisable to wait for the police and let the legal authorities figure out the accident's severity. After leaving the accident scene, it may not be possible to track down the motorist involved in the accident.

2.  Hire An Attorney

Secondly, negotiating with the motorist is never a good idea. Even if they accept the blame or apologize for their mistake, you may be unaware of the total damage to your bicycle or yourself. And there is always a possibility that the driver may change their stance later or even deny the accident altogether.

3.  Obtaining Necessary Information

Obtaining driver's information is a crucial factor for legal purposes. Always get details of the driver's contact number, address, license number, license plate number, and insurance policy number. If there are any witnesses to the accident, getting their info is also wise, as it could be helpful if you pursue legal proceedings.

4.  Documenting And Preserving Evidence

Documenting and recording by writing, drawing, or capturing what happened at the scene on a video camera could be highly useful. This way, you'll know every little detail about the accident and the factors that contributed to the cause of the accident. Such as the person involved in the accident, traffic or weather conditions, etc.

Preserving evidence like damaged clothing and bike parts is necessary for legal purposes. If you must get your bike repaired, you must document all damages through pictures and written evaluations by a local bike shop.

5.  Seeking Medical Attention

Even if you believe you only suffered minor injuries, seeking medical attention is essential. You should also get a written evaluation after consulting a doctor. Recording your symptoms and injuries over several days by taking pictures is also an intelligent choice.

Contact Bike Legal for Assistance in Resolving Your Bicycle Accident Case

Have you been injured in a bicycle accident? Reach out to Bike Legal today. Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers are ready to help you navigate through the complexities of your case. They will scrutinize every detail, ensuring you understand your rights and potential compensation.

Our team is dedicated to assisting cyclists, advocating for your needs, and fighting for the justice you deserve. With us, you won't have to face this challenge alone. We provide comprehensive legal support to resolve your case in the most beneficial way possible. Contact us today at 877-245-3534 to schedule a free consultation.

FAQs

What Should I Do if the Driver’s Insurance Company Reaches Me Personally to Discuss Negotiations?

It's better to avoid negotiating with the driver's insurance company or contacting your insurance company before meeting with a bicycle accident attorney. If you negotiate individually without involving any lawyer or a law firm, chances are high that insurance companies will use any statements against you.

When Is the Right Time to Contact an Attorney After Suffering From a Bike Accident?

In all bike injuries and accidents, having an attorney to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf is advisable. A bicycle accident attorney will also help hire an expert in bicycle accidents to investigate the accident and make an accident report. You may also need an attorney to represent you in a lawsuit when necessary.

Will I Also Be Facing Legal Consequences and Liabilities for Being a Bicyclist in an Accident?

Even though cyclists have the same rights as vehicle drivers, they have similar responsibilities. All bicyclists are supposed to keep bike riding safety tips and measures in mind. Always ride with due diligence to avoid any legal proceedings against them.