August 19, 2022

Summer Cruzin’ Bicycle Accident Prevention

Bicycle accidents are a big problem in the U.S. According to the CDC report, bicycle accidents represent 2% of all people that die in accidents. On average, there are over 130,000 people injured in bike accidents and 1,000 bicyclists die each year.

Despite these things, there are cases where a bicycle accident happened because of another person’s fault. There are a lot of possibilities that your injury from the accident is not your fault at all. This is when you will need a personal injury attorney that Manzoor Law Firm, Inc. can offer to help you with your case.

California Bicycle Laws

One of the best ways to avoid injury while cycling is to take precautions that will keep riders safe on the street. California bicycle laws state that those cycling need to take additional precautions:

• The law states that those that ride bikes must ride as close to the right side of the street as possible;
• Bicyclists must travel on the right side of the road, going in the same direction as vehicular traffic;
• Gas-powered bicycles that go over 20 MPH can travel along bike lanes with a helmet unless there are signs posted contrary to the former. Anyone under 16 years of age is not allowed;
• No one can stop and obstruct a bicycle path;
• Cities and counties determine whether bicyclists can ride on local sidewalks.

Types of Bike Accidents in Summer:

With more people out enjoying the warm weather, there are more bikers on the streets which translates to more bicycle accidents. Here are some of the most common types of bicycle accidents:

• Left Hook Accidents: Most drivers are looking for other vehicles, not bicycles, which can impose a risk to bicyclists that are sharing the road on the same side. When crossing an intersection, be sure to check for vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians before completing the turn into the intersection.
• Vehicle Door Accidents: Many bicyclists prefer to drive on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, many do not look for passenger vehicles that could open a door on the bike’s route, causing an accident. Those in the vehicle are usually not hurt, but bicyclists could get hurt badly.
• Hit by a Driver: Many areas have bike lanes where bicyclists can ride on the right side of the street. With vehicles so close, it is easy to get clipped by a driver who may be going fast. The closer a bicyclist drives to traffic, the more likely they could get clipped by a vehicle.
• Not Abiding by the Rules of the Road: One of the best ways to avoid injury while biking is to follow the rules of the road. The rules of the road are important for both vehicles and bicycles. This means that both must stop for stop signs, light signals, and local speed limits.

How an Attorney Can Help?

No matter how cyclists take many precautions, many still find themselves involved in an accident. If this happens to you, the best thing to do is seek medical care if injured and call a Roseville personal injury lawyer. Here are some additional things to keep in mind following the accident:

• Bike riders tend to be more severely injured than those in a vehicle because they have less protection and, when hit, hit the cement.
• Get medical care even if you do not think you got injured, symptoms might happen later on.
• Keep medical records of all medical visits, procedures, etc.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
• Be careful what you say to the insurance company. They try to get out of paying what the injured party deserves. That’s why having a lawyer is important.
• A lawyer will advise you on what costs you can recover, like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the replacement cost of the bicycle.

The Manzoor Law Firm, Inc. does everything we can to help guide our clients through the legal process. We will review the case and look for the best resolution for everyone involved. We are a top Sacramento personal injury attorney in California and will see that you get the protection of your rights.

If you or someone you know got injured while riding their bike, make sure to call the Manzoor Law Firm at 916-909-1349. We are some of the best Roseville personal injury lawyers in town.