Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Points You Need to Know if You Are a Bicyclist

Image Source: http://media.oregonlive.com/

Bicycles, like any other means of transportation, are susceptible to road accidents. In California, thousands of bicyclists get injured or killed each year due to bicycle-related accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority, in 2009 alone, 99 California bicyclists were killed due to traffic accidents.

Even if a person survived a bicycle accident in California, he or she is still not free from physical injuries. Commonly, bicycle accident victims sustain various bodily injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple fractured bones, severe bruises and lacerations, and road rash.

There are various reasons why bicycle accidents happen in California. According to road safety researches, the following are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in the State:

•    Road debris and hazards
•    Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs
•    Motor vehicle driver’s failure to notice the bicyclist
•    Bicyclist’s failure to use designated bicycle lanes

California bicycle riders are advised to follow these safety measures to avoid fatal bicycle accidents:

Use designated bicycle lanes – Bicyclists must utilize bicycle lanes as much as possible because motor vehicle drivers can easily notice them if they are using such lanes.

Do not ride on sidewalks – Cycling on sidewalks can put the rider’s life in much danger because drivers who are pulling their vehicles out from a parking lot or driveway cannot immediately notice them.

Do not drink and ride – Bicyclists should never ride intoxicated because alcohol can impair their senses and make them vulnerable to road accidents.

Wear a helmet – In California, bicycle riders under the age of 18 are required to wear their helmet when riding. Older bicyclists must also wear helmet for their safety even though they are not required to do so.

Wear bright-colored outfit – Wearing bright-colored clothing can make bicyclists noticeable while on road, greatly eliminating the chances of getting hit by a motorist.

If you are a California bicyclist and you get hit by a car, you are advised to accomplish these procedures:

•    Promptly seek medical attention
•    Report the incident to the police
•    Take photos of the accident scene, as well as your injuries
•    Get the driver’s personal and contact information
•    Contact a personal injury attorney

California bicycle accident victims are advised by Los Angeles attorneys to file a personal injury lawsuit against liable individual or group of people involved. Successfully filing an injury claim can warrant victims to receive different types of compensatory damages like pain and suffering damages, loss of income damages, and medical treatment damages.

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