We are all familiar with accidents on the road as they are among the most common causes of fatal casualties. The most common vehicle types often involved in an accident include cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses. Did you know, however that most victims of bicycle accidents tend to lose their lives more viciously compared to accidents of any other type.

 

The chances of recovery or saving a life in a serious accident involving a bicycle are rare. Not only that, aside from bicycle accidents leading to severe injuries or death, they can also cause  a temporary or lifetime disability. Some of the most common types of damages due to bicycle accidents include the following: 

  • Severe head injury

  • Bone fracture and dislocation

  • Spinal cord injury

  • Jaw dislocation

  • Soft tissue injuries and trauma

 

A substantial percentage of bicycle accidents are reported yearly, and many victims or their families claim compensation for severe and life-threatening injuries or death as per Personal Injury Firm records. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Records, that is the IIHS, every year about two percent of the fatal motorcycle collisions include bicyclists. In 2013, about 740 bicyclists were injured fatally in collisions with motor vehicles. This accounts for about a two percent increase from the year 2012. (You can see details at https://www.bicycleaccidentsnyc.com/avoid-bicycle-accidents/). 

 

Over the years, with the increase in the number of vehicles, the congestion in road traffic, and inattentive driving or riding, the number of accidents is continuously increasing. Thus, bicycle accidents are becoming quite common. Hence, following the safety rules in cases of injury are being considered more strictly now to evaluate fault and to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of such accidents. Here are some of the quick and pragmatic tips for you to consider that focuses on bicycle accident prevention in most situations. 

 

First, ensure that the bicycle is safe enough-

The first step in avoiding any accidents while riding a bicycle is to ensure that it is in good condition. It is essential to check all the equipment and accessories such as tires and brakes are properly functioning. Also, make sure that your seat is well adjusted. This shall ensure a large percentage of your riding safety. 

 

Make sure to avoid any road hazards-

Ensure that you are aware of any road conditions and other visible risks whether or not there are signs of them such as oil spills, broken branches, dead animals, or any other types of obstacles. 

 

Obey all of the signals and signs- 

As a bicyclist, you will need to follow all the rules and regulations of the road. Hence, you will need to stop when you see that red signal no matter how much of a hurry you are in. Also, if you are riding a bicycle, be sure to wear a helmet and that your brakes are working. Make use of hand signals when you are taking a turn or switching over from or into the bicycle lane. 

 

Make sure your bikes are adjusted to fit-

 

You need to adjust your bicycle to reasonably fit your frame as the rider in terms of height and weight among other factors. You can do this by standing on your bicycle. There must be about a one to two-inch gap between the top tube bar and you. If you have a mountain bike, the gap should be between three to four inches. The seat must be level from the front to the back. The seat's height must be adjusted to allow a little bend at the knee when your leg on the bicycle pedals are fully extended. The height of the handlebar must be of a similar level to the seats. 

 

The time of riding-

 

The time of riding is also significant. You must avoid riding a bicycle at night time, especially when the lighting is not bright enough, making it harder for you to see and be seen or when the weather condition is bad, which can make riding and driving conditions more dangerous. Suppose that you have been a victim of a bicycle accident or you know somebody who has been injured as a result of one In either case, it is essential to get in touch with a lawyer immediately to navigate through the case strategically and help you attain compensation for your medical bills and other losses. 



 

You can connect with an experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer Los Angeles at Prosmushkin & Davis P.C. for more information about how to handle filing a claim following a bicycle accident. We have an excellent legal team to provide all of the help needed to bicycle accident victims.