Bicycling is a great way to get around, save money on gas, and improve your fitness, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. According to research, there were more than 800 bike fatalities in a year. This article discusses bike safety tips that will help you avoid accidents and stay safe while riding.
How To Avoid Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents occur on the streets of Missouri all the time and they can be more dangerous than car crashes. In fact, a capable St Louis bicycle accident lawyer will explain how they’ve been dealing with heavy injuries and compensation claims all the time because of this. There are, however, certain things you can do in order to avoid this from happening.
Follow The Rules
Traffic rules must be obeyed by every cyclist on the road. You must ride on the right side of the road and follow all the traffic lights and signs. Additionally, you are required to signal when turning. Wearing a helmet is also compulsory in most states. By following these rules, you can avoid getting into an accident.
Maintain Your Bike
You need to make sure that you keep your bicycle in good working order. This means regular cleaning and oiling of the chain, inflating the tires, and maintaining proper braking power. You should also check that the frame is not cracked or damaged in any way. If you do notice any damage, it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Inspect all aspects from time to time to see that everything is tight, clean, and in good order. This will help to avoid any accidents that could happen if you let your bicycle fall into disrepair.
Beware Of Your Surroundings
Always look around you while riding and be aware of what is happening on the road. Try to avoid being in the blind spots of cars, and never assume that a driver sees you. Be predictable when riding by obeying all traffic laws, using hand signals, and wearing reflective gear.
Don’t let anything distract you, though, because being aware of your surroundings also means being aware of what is happening around you, not just on the road. That means no headphones or phones while riding!
Use Headlights
Moving vehicles need to see you from as far away as possible, especially at night. Headlights aren’t just for cars, though, and using them on your bike can help keep you safe, too.
There are a few different types of headlights you can use on your bicycle. If you’re looking for something lightweight and easy to install, consider using a handlebar-mounted light. These are usually LED lights that can run on batteries. If you ride your bike often, you may want to invest in a more powerful headlight that plugs into your bike’s electrical system.
What To Do When You Were In A Bike Accident?
Unfortunately, these accidents are occurring and will occur as long as there are bicycles around. That’s why you have to know some basic things about protecting your rights when you get injured on the road. Here are three important rules.
Lawyer Up
A good lawyer will help you avoid many types of accidents. If you feel like you’re in danger of being hit by a car, for example, a lawyer can help you file a restraining order. A lawyer can also help you get the insurance coverage you need to protect yourself in the event of an accident.
Make sure to find one that specializes in bicycle accidents, though, as not all lawyers will be able to help you.
Prove Your Injuries
It’s essential that you can prove in court, and to your insurance agency, that you’ve been injured in an accident and it wasn’t your fault. To achieve this, do the following things:
- Seek medical attention right away
- Document your injuries
- Keep all hospital bills
- Get the information from the other party
- Gather witnesses if they were present
- Ask for a copy of the police report
- Document the scene yourself
All these will ensure that you have a case against the at-fault party. If you don’t have these things, proving your injuries may be more difficult.
File A Claim
Once you have all the evidence, you’ll need to file a claim. The first step is to reach out to your insurance company and start the process. They will likely ask for a police report, photos, and any other documentation you have. It’s important to be as thorough as possible when filling a claim so that you can get the full coverage you’re entitled to.
If your insurance company is unwilling to cover the damages, you can reach out to a lawyer who specializes in bike accidents. They will be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Riding a bike all the time is healthy for both you and the environment, but you are in bigger danger than in a car. That’s why you need to follow the rules, maintain the bicycle, focus on the road, and use your headlights. When it does come to an accident, make sure you have a good lawyer and that you’re able to prove your injuries and the liability of the other party. The final step is to file a compensation claim. Stay safe out there!
