What if I was Hit While Riding My bicycle? Bicycle Accidents and 8 Ways to Stay Safe
Similar to motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents are extremely dangerous due to the fact that there isn’t as much protection as an automobile.
However, the dangers of bicycle accidents won’t stop riders from hitting the great outdoors.
Riding a bike is a passion for many, with numerous health benefits that can prevent heart attacks or stroke.
With consistently warm weather, it’s common to see Los Angeles residents riding their bicycles. From the west side to the valley, frequent sunshine brings out the Bernard Hinault in many of us.
One can almost certainly agree that the bicycle to car ratio leans on the side of cars. At times, it seems like it’s a challenge for vehicles and bikes to share the road.
It’s estimated that about 14 percent of all bicycle accidents that lead to fatalities and injuries in California take place in Los Angeles. Number two on the list, San Francisco, is only five percent.
While there have been safety measures taken in the city to prevent bicycle accidents, they can still happen during any ride.
Some of the more common reasons for bicycle accidents involving a car include:
- Inclement weather – conditions such as rain can affect a driver. Heavy rainfall can cloud windows, rendering a bicyclist nearly impossible to see.
- Low visibility – Fog or lack of light can lead to visibility hazards. Sometimes, a driver can’t see the bike rider due to low visibility, even if the bicyclist is close to them.
- Distracted driving – If a driver is paying more attention to their phone or radio, their eyes will not be on the road ahead of them. Even if a bicyclist is taking proper safety precautions, a driver’s lack of focus can put someone in peril.
- Dangerous roads – conditions on the road such as potholes can cause someone to lose control of their vehicle and hit a nearby bike rider.
- Failure to follow traffic signs – Stop signs and red lights are designed to control traffic flow, and with good reason. Unfortunately, many drivers choose to ignore the rules of the road, leaving others at risk of being hit.
- Drowsy or fatigued driving – Not getting an adequate amount of sleep affects people in many various ways. Driving while tired, or drowsy driving, is extremely hazardous, with a high risk for drivers to fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Speeding – Similar to traffic signs, speed limits are in place to reduce the risk of accidents. Ignoring speed limits and cruising through streets at any desired rate can leave the bike rider in the vehicle’s path.
There are safety precautions riders can take to help prevent bicycle accidents:
- Wearing protective equipment, like a helmet and pads. These items can help keep you safe in the event of an accident.
- Wear bright clothing to help increase your visibility to drivers.
- Use reflectors or other reflective gear, especially at night.
- Know the path you want to ride ahead of time to avoid uncertainty.
- Practice defensive riding . Be alert, and prepare yourself for potential hazards that can come up while out for a ride.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Follow all street signs and traffic lights as if you were driving a vehicle.
- Avoid potential distractions, such as listening to music.
Following bicycle accidents, bike riders often experience injuries such as:
- Wrongful Death
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Whiplash
- Disfigurement
- Cuts and scrapes
- Scarring
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
The Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys at C&B Law Group are prepared to help victims who have suffered injuries as the result of bicycle accidents.
Our LA attorneys bring:
- Decades of combined experience
- A successful track record of settling cases
- A commitment to excellence
- Positive client testimonials
Injured in a Los Angeles bicycle accident? Contact the injury lawyers at C&B Law Group about a free consultation.
