A Bicycle Accident Can Leave You Seriously Hurt: Ride Safe

Avoid a Bicycle Crash Before You Ride: Have the Right Safety Equipment

In order to reduce the risk of being injured in a bicycle crash, you should practice safe cycling at all times. Here are a few pointers to help you to stay safe while enjoying the benefits of cycling. You should always make sure that your bike is in good repair. Be sure that your brakes are in good condition and that your tires are properly inflated. Other equipment you should have on your bike includes:

• Headlight and rear light
• Wheel reflectors and reflective tape on the body of your bike
• Rear view mirror
• A horn or bell
• Pants clips to keep your clothing from being caught in the wheels
• Bright clothing, day and night
• Wear a helmet and make sure it is properly fitted and fastened to your head

Safety While Riding: Obey the Rules of the Road

Know your hand signals and use them. Do not run stop signs or traffic signals. Always ride on the right side of the road and go with the flow of traffic. Do not pass vehicles on the right side of them, as they may not see you. When you need to make a left turn in the city, cross the street and walk your bicycle across at the crosswalk if traffic is heavy. Otherwise, try to be sure other drivers see you in the left turn lane. Remember, even if you have to do something that seems inconvenient, like walking your bike across at the crosswalk, caution could save your life.

Bicycle Accidents Caused by Careless Drivers: Be Visible and Aware of Your Surroundings

Do not count on drivers noticing you on your bicycle. The best thing to do is to wear bright clothing and have plenty of reflectors on your bike, so even if somebody isn’t paying attention, it will be hard not to see you. Do your best to be aware of what the vehicles around you are doing, and glance in your rearview mirror frequently. Try to be predictable in your riding so others are aware of what you are doing and what you are about to do.

Serious bike accidents are caused by people opening car doors in front of cyclists. Always look ahead at parked cars before you ride past to make sure somebody isn’t about to open a car door in front of you. If somebody does open their door, do not swerve into traffic to avoid a crash. A collision with the door will be better than being run down by an oncoming vehicle.

Don’t use headphones while riding your bike. You need to hear traffic noises around you. Drive with your hands near your brakes, and be ready to stop fast if somebody steps out in front of your bicycle or a car pulls out in front of you, or one of any number of situations occur that commonly cause bike wrecks.

Scan the road to be aware of hazardous conditions such as missing manhole covers or potholes. Pay attention to warning signs. Any warnings for cars are even more important for cyclists because you are more exposed.

Isaacs & Isaacs Can Help You After a Bicycle-Car Accident or Another Serious Accident

If you or somebody you love was hit by a car while cycling, you should call an Isaacs & Isaacs Bicycle Accident Lawyer for help immediately. We have decades of experience in helping injured cyclists to recover fair compensation after they were run down by a careless driver. If somebody you love was killed by a careless motorist, we can help you file a Wrongful Death lawsuit.

Other situations where you may be entitled to compensation for your cycling injuries include:

• Dangerous road conditions with no warning sign
• Pedestrian stepping out in front of you
• Somebody opening a car door in front of you

If you are in a bicycle crash and you’re not sure whether you need legal help, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers will listen to your story and answer your questions free of charge. Call 800-333-9999 now or fill out our online form today. We want you to avoid a crash, but if you are in one, we can help you to get the fair compensation you may need to recover.