The presence of a bicyclist can easily go unnoticed by vehicle drivers, who may be driving without watching out for these pedestrians on two wheels. Bicyclists do not have a protective shield to keep their body safe if a direct impact were to occur. A bicycle does not have a built in seat belt, airbag or other safety features like the vehicle car. This is why it is so important that a rider is aware of potential threats before voyaging out onto the roadways. In the article to follow, we have gone into further detail about the various threats to bicyclists, in addition to how to keep yourself more safe when going for a ride. To learn more about bicyclist accidents, you should contact a bicycle accident lawyer Atlanta, GA .
Should a bicyclist ride against or with the flow of traffic?
A bicyclist should always ride with traffic. It is estimated that 1 in every 4 bicycle accidents happens when a rider is going against the flow of cars. Riding towards cars can easily lead to head-on accidents, which can cause very painful, severe and even life-threatening injuries.
When riding with the flow of traffic, how can a rider be more safe?
One of the risks of riding in the street with other cars is getting hit from behind, where a car overtakes a bicyclist. A driver may be distracted, intoxicated, or speeding and cannot not stop in time to a rider ahead. Injuries to the bicyclist can be substantial, and most often happens at night because the rider is even less visible in the dark. A bicyclist can be more safe by installing mirrors either onto their helmet or the bike itself. This can help a rider keep an eye out for cars and swerve out of the way of an oncoming driver if necessary. Additionally, a bicyclist can help prevent accidents by wearing neon and reflective gear, particularly when out and about at night time.
Are parked cars a potential threat to bicyclists?
Yes, parked cars do pose a threat to bicyclists. An accident can happen when a driver or passenger opens their car door without looking first and hits a bicyclist riding by. It is more common for a rider to get hit by a parked car door in very urbanized cities, where cars, pedestrians and bicyclists have to coexist in much more dense areas.
What kind of injuries may a bicyclist suffer from when involved in an accident?
Depending on the scenario, a bicyclist may endure a range of painful and disorienting injuries. The most common kind of injuries for bicyclists are listed as follows:
- Road rash
- Fractured skull
- Broken bones (hands, wrists, fingers, toes, ankles)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Cuts, scrapes & heavy bruising
- Knee injuries
- Dislocated shoulders
- Neck & back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
When would it be reasonable to seek legal assistance regarding a bicycle accident?
Many bicyclist meet with a bicycle accident lawyer Dekalb County GA residents trust about their legal options after being hit by a car. The driver at-fault for the accident may be held liable for any injury costs. An attorney can offer strategy, advice, guidance and representation during the lawsuit.
Thank you to attorney Andrew Lynch, P.C. and his team for the above information.
