Thousands of people are injured and killed in preventable bicycle accidents each year. Many of these accidents result when careless drivers fail to share the road. Bicycle accidents can result in catastrophic injury to the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, which can be devastating not only physically, but emotionally and financially as well. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to protect yourself and reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.
Here’s what you can do to avoid a bicycle accident:
- Obey all traffic laws. Bicyclists are required to obey all the same traffic laws as the average motorist. This means stopping at red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, and yielding to pedestrians.
- Avoid riding on congested streets. If possible, stick to riding in residential neighborhoods and areas where there aren’t as many cars.
- Make yourself more visible. Many accidents can be prevented by increasing your visibility. Wear brightly colored clothing and gear and add reflectors to your bike to make yourself more conspicuous to other drivers.
- Use hand signals. Use the proper hand signals when stopping, turning, or changing lanes so that other motorists can be aware of your intentions before you make them.
- Be careful at intersections and driveways. These are both areas where accidents are more likely to occur
- Use the whole lane. If you are riding in the street, use the whole lane instead of riding off to one side. This will make you more visible and predictable to other motorists.
The Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley represents victims of bicycle accidents and their families. If you have been injured or are seeking help for a loved one, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Northern California personal injury attorney. We are prepared to investigate your accident and determine whether you are eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Fill out an online case evaluation form or call our office at (530) 413-0245.
We serve clients throughout Northern California from our offices in Chico, Redding, Sacramento, and Roseville, CA.