Cycling is great exercise, especially in the summer in New York. We often see families riding in a line on the side of the road. Others ride a bicycle as a low-cost method of transportation to get to school or work. Unfortunately, cycling is a risky activity, especially as traffic heats up in the summer months. Any cyclist could suffer horrifying bodily injuries in a collision with a motor vehicle, including concussions, neck injuries, and paralysis. Even low-speed accidents in a parking lot could result in fractures, road rash, and infections.
After an accident, cyclists need a dedicated lawyer on their side to obtain a fair settlement. Contact a New York personal injury attorney atLarson & Gallivan Law. We are an established law firm with an impressive record of success for our personal injury clients. Let us explain in a one-on-one consultation how we can bolster your legal claim.
Choose the Right Size Bike
Negligent drivers cause many accidents, but some cyclists make matters worse by choosing a bike that’s too large. A large bike is harder to handle, which means there’s a risk you’ll end up accidentally in the road, where you get hit. All cyclists need a bicycle they can control.
Money is tight for some families, and you might pass down a larger bicycle to a younger child. Unfortunately, you’re putting your child at risk. Look online and see if you can swap a bicycle with another family for one that’s the right size for your child.
Pick a Recumbent Bicycle
Someone with a bad back might find it more comfortable to lean back while cycling. That helps reduce the risk of injury and accidents. You can purchase a recumbent bicycle. Of course, these come with a risk that motorists won’t see you because you are much lower than other cyclists. Some recumbent bicycles come with a flag that should be visible.
Learn the Rules of the Road
Cyclists are supposed to follow traffic rules, like any motorist. You should:
- Ride with the flow of traffic, not against traffic. This might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s safer.
- Stop at all signs and lights. Cyclists can’t rush through.
- Avoid illegal turns. Don’t make a U-turn in the road if it isn’t allowed.
- Give a signal before making a turn. This will help other motorists know what you intend to do.
- Avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
Be Visible
Some drivers will crash into cyclists for no other reason than they can’t see them. You can increase visibility by wearing clothes or a helmet in bright colors. At night, reflective gear will help you stand out. You can put reflective tape on your bicycle or even on your clothing.
Wear a Helmet
A helmet won’t reduce the risk of an accident, but it will lower the odds of suffering a serious injury should you get into a crash. According to the Cleveland Clinic, helmets have been shown to:
- Reduce serious head injuries by 60%.
- Reduce traumatic brain injuries by 53%.
- Reduce the number of bicyclists seriously hurt or killed by 34%.
Brain injuries are particularly challenging for young children, whose brains are still developing. You should do everything possible to limit brain injury. Remember to choose a helmet which fits your head and wear it properly. A helmet that’s too large can slip off and fail to provide any protection.
Wear Long-Sleeved Shirts & Pants (if It’s Not Too Hot)
We understand that it’s really warm in the summer months, and cycling will increase your body temperature. It’s perfectly normal to wear shorts and t-shirts. But if it’s cooler, you can opt for pants and long-sleeved shirts. They will minimize the risk of road rash and other abrasions if you fall off the bike. Any abrasion can get infected and create a life-threatening situation.
Cycle Defensively
You should never assume that motorists around you are being 100% careful. Odds are they are harried, distracted, not really seeing you, or just flat-out dangerous drivers. It’s vital that cyclists take safety into their own hands. This doesn’t excuse a driver for hitting you or cutting you off. But the goal is to reduce accidents and not end up in an ambulance. You can minimize collisions by remaining vigilant.
Keep the following principles in mind:
- Assume drivers don’t see you. Be prepared to take defensive action suddenly.
- Always look ahead for hazards, like potholes or items in the road. Many cyclists are injured when their bike hits something and they flip over.
- Be wary of parked cars. A passenger in the car might open a door right in front of you because they don’t’ look over their shoulders.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted cycling is a real risk. Cyclists are vulnerable to all the usual distractions, including cell phones. Any manual distraction takes a hand off the bicycle, making it almost impossible to turn the bike in a split second. Cognitive distractions also increase the chances of drifting into traffic and getting run over.
Don’t Ride Two to a Bike
Unless a bicycle has two seats, only one person should ride on it. Tell young children and teens to avoid giving rides to friends perched on their handlebars. This is a great way for a child to fall off, get run over by the bicycle, and possibly run over by a car.
Call Larson & Gallivan after a Bicycle Accident
Accidents sometimes happen. Even the most careful cyclist can get clipped by a speeding or distracted motorist and suffer injuries. You should begin searching for a personal injury lawyer as soon as you finish at the hospital.
Reach out to our law firm. A personal injury attorney can review what happened and discuss whether you can seek compensation. In New York, motorists should carry liability coverage, which should pay compensation for accidents where the driver is at fault. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and are happy to provide a preliminary analysis of the strength of your case. Our consultations are private and without any risk.
