Bike Injury Lawyers
With the rising price of gas these days, bicycles are becoming a more desirable, more affordable, more efficient mode of transportation. They are also environmentally-friendly, which is very important in these days of being "green." Bicycles are also fun and provide good exercise. They are, however, vehicles just like any other, and can be dangerous.
Compared to passenger vehicles, bicycles provide little to no protection. Wearing a helmet is always a good idea, and in some states is required, but other than that a bike rider's entire body is exposed. Those who ride in passenger vehicles are surrounded by steel, have seatbelts, and even have airbags to provide extra safety in the event of an accident.
Bicycle riders have suffered from a number of injuries in bicycle accidents, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding/injury to internal organs
- Injury to limbs resulting in amputation
- Minor scrapes or bruising
Traumatic brain injuries occur when the brain moves inside the skull and collides with the skull, resulting in varying symptoms, including memory loss, vision loss, or dizziness, among others. Spinal cord injuries are almost always devastating and can result in paralysis.
Although wearing a helmet may help protect you in the event of an accident, it will not help you prevent a bicycle accident to begin with. If you are an avid bicycle rider, there are certain steps you can take to help protect yourself when you're on the road, including:
- Wear light colored clothing, reflectors if possible
- Use proper hand signals
- Obey traffic laws as if you were driving a car
- Pay close attention when approaching intersections. This is important because it may be difficult for automobile drivers to see you approaching an intersection.
- Use a headlight if you are riding at night
If you have been injured in a bike accident or a motorcycle accident, please contact an experienced bike accident attorney in your area today.
