Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to being hit by a car, simply because they share the road with vehicles and not every driver operates their car with care. Perhaps the best strategy for reducing the likelihood of an accident, is to practice defensive safety tactics. If an accident were to occur, a bicyclist often sustains very painful injuries moments after impact. This can ultimately lead to expensive medical bills, loss of wage from missing work, and bike damages. If you or someone you love has been hit by a car while riding a bike, please notify an attorney right away. It is imperative that you take action quickly, so the offending driver doesn’t have time to elude responsibility.
How to Respond if Hit By a Car Driver
It can be shocking to suddenly be struck by a car while riding a bike, so bicyclists may not know what to do in the moments after. It is important to always call 911 for help, so any injuries can be attended to and an officer can file a report of what happened. Provide a verbal statement to the officer so your side of the story can be included in the report. An attorney is likely to suggest getting a copy of this report in the days after, as it can be a useful piece of evidence if you take legal action against the driver later on.
Prevention Tips
Since how drivers operate their vehicle on the road is out of their control, bicyclists must practice safety instead at all times. A bicyclist must never ride while drowsy or ill, as it takes attention and alertness to respond to dangers that may suddenly arise. It is possible that you may practice these prevention tips, but an accident still happens. If this is the case for you recently, we encourage victims of bicycle accidents to obtain legal representation without hesitation. Here are examples of safety tips to consider when journeying onto the road on two non motorized wheels:
- Ensure the bike is the right size in correlation to the rider’s build
- Adjust handlebars and seat to prevent hunching over or straining to reach handles
- Wear only federally approved helmets, and always clip under the chin (never wear a helmet that is loose)
- Learn and use hand signals to communicate with drivers when turning, moving across lanes, slowing down, or stopping
- Halt at street lights and stop signs just as if you were a vehicle driver
- Perform routine maintenance on the bike, and replace broken parts right away
- Create a safe distance between yourself and cars ahead, just in case they stop suddenly, you have time to swerve away
- Ride using an entire lane and not off to the side, as this forces drivers to pay more attention to your presence on the road
Please do not wait to get legal assistance for your bicycle accident. Many victims may not realize they could be entitled to financial compensation for the incident. Contact us for a free initial consultation with an attorney. They want to see you overcome this terrible accident. Please call without delay.