Attorney Advice: How to Stay Safe When Riding Your Bike
Posted on February 15th, 2019 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.
Bike Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents are not a rare occurence on the road, as riders and car drivers often have to share the street when traveling where they need to go. A bicyclist who is struck by a car may not be able to walk away from the scene without medical help. The fact is, the human body is very fragile, especially when compared to the sturdy exterior of a vehicle. If the driver was responsible for the bicycle accident, he or she may have to pay compensation to the rider for injury costs and other damages.
If you or someone you know has suffered in such an accident, we encourage you contact an attorney for assistance. They understand how much of a physical and financial setback this may have caused you. We highly recommend you obtain legal representation for the accident.
Practicing Safety
Sadly, even the most cautious bicyclists who practices safety strategies is still at-risk for being hit by a car, simply because they cannot control how a driver behaves on the road. Perhaps the best thing a bicyclist can do is try to minimize the chances and be alert to surroundings at all times. Here we have listed more safety tips, to help keep yourself out of harm’s way:
- Refrain from wearing earbuds or using a cellphone while riding, as this can be a distraction and hinder your ability to hear honks or cars approaching
- Keep both hands on the bars except for when you need to signal
- Wear appropriate shoes meant for bicycle riding
- When in a group ride in single file
- Wear reflective clothing or flickering lights when riding at night
- Do not ever ride against traffic flow (direct head-on accidents can happen)
What To Do If You Get Hit
If you are ever hit by a car while riding a bike, call 9-1-1 immediately for help. Do not let the driver convince you into not calling the police. He or she may be trying to escape responsibility for what just happened, because the costs for hitting a pedestrian on a bike can be costly. Try to remain calm, and wait for the officer and ambulance to arrive. An attorney is likely to suggest you receive a medical evaluation at the scene, since many injuries may not show themselves in the moments right after due to the shock.
While it isn’t necessary that you hire an attorney for help regarding your bicycle accident, it can make the difference between receiving the compensation you need or having to pay out of pocket for months to come. The costs for injury treatment and recovery can be expensive. A bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City, UT trusts do not believe you should have to pay for this yourself, when it was the driver who caused the accident in the first place.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Rasmussen & Miner for their insight into bicycle accidents and tips for staying safe.
I consulted with David the first time a couple of years ago on a serious matter that affected a very close member of my family. Not expecting a good experience from this serious situation coupled with an attorney consultation, the entire thing surprised me as it was pleasant, professional, and completely successful. We found him clear, direct, generous and extremely knowledgeable throughout the process. I give my very strongest recommendation
