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Bicycling is a popular form of transportation and recreation in California. Many people ride their bicycles year-round in many areas of the state. However, bicycling seems to increase during the summer months when school is out for the summer break. Therefore, it is a good time for our California bicycle accident attorney to review some of the basic bicycle safety tips.
Bicycling Safety Tips to Keep You Safe
- When you need to cross a roadway, try to cross in a crosswalk or at an intersection. Drivers are already slowing down as they approach the intersection, which can make it safer than crossing the road in other locations.
- Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with a headlight and a tail light. Also, it can increase your visibility to drivers if you add reflectors to your bicycle.
- Always wear a helmet, knee pads, and shoulder pads when riding. Bicycle helmets and other protective gear reduce the risk of injury in a bicycle accident.
- Avoid riding your bicycle at dusk, dawn, or night when visibility is much lower.
- Riding in groups can also help reduce the risk of an accident because multiple cyclists are harder for drivers to miss seeing compared to a single rider.
- Remain alert when riding a bicycle. Do not use earphones. Also, do not talk on a cell phone while riding.
- Always keep both feet on the pedals and your hands on the handlebars.
- Use the correct hand signals to alert drivers of a change in direction.
- Wear brightly colored clothing.
- Make sure to check your bicycle before each ride to ensure that your bicycle is in good working order.
- Do not carry passengers if your bicycle is equipped for one person.
- Obey all traffic lights, signs, and rules.
- When riding in the city, watch for motorists and passengers opening car doors in your path.
- Tell someone where you are riding if you go out for a long day of riding your bicycle. You should also tell that person when to expect you to return from your ride.
- When riding in a group, ride single file in the direction of traffic.
Additional information about bicycle safety in California is available from:
- Â Â Â California Department of Motor Vehicles
- Â Â Â NHTSA
- Â Â Â California Bicycle Coalition
- Â Â Â AAA
What Should You Do If You Are Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles should be reported to the police just like an auto accident. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency services. If you do not go to the hospital from the accident scene, it is a good idea to see a doctor within 48 hours. To file an injury claim, a physician must document your injuries.
Carefully document your financial losses, including medical bills, loss of income, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Be careful about discussing the claim with anyone, especially a representative of the driver’s insurance company.
Contact a California Personal Injury Attorney for Help with a Bicycle Accident Claim
Being injured in a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. You are worried about your injuries and the financial losses incurred because of a negligent driver.
Do not allow an insurance adjuster to pressure you to accept a settlement until you discuss your claim with a California personal injury attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation with a California bicycle accident attorney. Our attorneys can give you reliable, trustworthy advice regarding the value of your claim and your legal options for recovering compensation for damages.