Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicyclists who get into an accident on the road are prone to any number of resulting injuries, including broken bones, road rash, major head trauma, brain injury, neck and spinal injury, serious wounds, and paralysis. If you or someone you know is injured in a bicycling accident, you must always seek treatment even if you don’t feel any symptoms of pain at first. Issues can develop after the fact and you could be left paying medical costs out of pocket if you don’t file a claim in a timely fashion. Always seek out medical attention right after an accident, there are many medical conditions that might be caused as a result of the incident and you should have any issues diagnosed before they become bigger problems. With your life and livelihood at stake, it pays to be safe on the road. Every driver has a responsibility to operate his or her motor vehicle in a safe and respectful manner so as not to injure other drivers going about their way.
Consult California Injury Law Group
Staying Safe
Anytime you are riding a bicycle, no matter where it may be and no matter where you are going, it’s a smart plan to take some sensible precautions so you always stay safe.
Wear a helmet
Headwear such as a bicycling helmet is the best protection for you head in the event you are thrown from your bike in an accident.
Using hand signals
Always let others know what you are doing on the road. Simple hand signals indicating a left or right turn are among the most crucial methods of communication that you must employ.
Sufficient visibility
If you can’t see where you are going, you will have a very difficult time getting anywhere. If you are unable to see on either side, you will have a very difficult time seeing what’s around you. Your chances of getting into an accident are increased as a result. That’s why you want to have a headlight and mirrors on your bicycle.
Obey the rules of the road
Moving with the flow of traffic is the best rule of thumb. The only reasons not to do so are when you are attempting a left turn, or you are trying to pass another bicyclist or motorist.
Avoid distractions
Distracted bicyclists are more likely to get into an accident. Do not use your phone for any reason while you are operating a bicycle.
In the Event of an Accident If you are involved in a bicycle accident, what you do and say next can have a serious impact on any claim you might decide to file should you be entitled to damages due to negligence on the part of others.
You should proceed carefully after an accident. For starters, be sure to check if you have suffered any injuries. Even small lacerations can become larger concerns if they become infected. Neck and back trauma may not reveal themselves at first, but you could experience pain shortly afterward. In any event, seek our medical attention for any injuries that you may have sustained.
For accidents where there are one or more parties with severe injuries, dial 911 and wait for help to arrive. A police report should also be completed detailing the facts of the accident. You should also get the information of the driver behind the wheel of the vehicle or vehicles involved in the accident. This includes name(s), insurance information, license plate numbers, and so on.
Above all, do not admit wrongdoing. Do not apologize to anyone, do not take fault for what has occurred. Simply stick to the details of the incident when speaking with the driver and/or law enforcement.