In the United Kingdom, many people use bikes to get around. In addition to being a terrific method to acquire daily exercise, cycling provides other advantages. For example, cycling is calming and helps relieve anxiety. Ecologically, it’s also a good choice of transportation.
Today, many cities, such as London, are incorporating distinct bike lanes to encourage more individuals to take up riding. Consequently, cycling has grown immensely popular in recent years, with individuals riding not just for enjoyment but also to commute to work and complete errands.
However, riding is not without its hazards, and bicycle-related traffic accidents are at the top of the list. More often than not, these incidents are exceedingly hazardous for riders since bicycles provide little protection against bodily injury.
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Why Do Bicycle Accidents Occur?
In recent years, cycling’s popularity has increased. Although it’s helpful for your health and fitness, cycling is also a great way to lessen your carbon footprint.
In addition, some communities are striving to make their roads more bicycle-friendly. With this rise in popularity, however, bicycle accidents have also increased.
Some Of The Most Frequent Causes Of Bicycle Accidents Are:
- A driver who fails to see bicycles
- Invasion of bicycle lanes
- Not signaling or incorrect signaling
- Inattention to cyclists at junctions and while turning
- Unanticipated lane shifts
- Disobedience to share the road
- Acceleration and careless driving
- Driving when impaired by drink or drugs is unlawful.
What Are The Most Frequent Bike Accidents?
Bicyclists and vehicles are supposed to share the road, although this does not always happen. When motorists are careless or irresponsible, cyclists may sustain injuries.
Likewise, when a cyclist is involved in a collision with a car, they often get injuries. It’s because cars are bigger and heavier than bikes, and bikes don’t have any protection.
Head Traumas
Most bicycle injuries that result in permanent disability or death are head injuries. Because bikers are so vulnerable, they must always wear helmets when riding. When purchasing a bicycle helmet, you should ensure that it fits correctly since a bad fit might reduce the helmet’s protective effects in an accident.
Similarly, you should choose a helmet suited for the riding you are undertaking. A road bike helmet, for example, is a need if you commute by bicycle. However, a mountain bike helmet is the best option if you exclusively ride your bike on off-road routes. If you are uncertain about the sort of helmet to buy, you should visit a local bike store and consult one of their specialists.
You will also need a new helmet if you’ve been in an accident or collision. After a crash, the helmet may not be as safe as before. So even if the helmet looks fine, it still needs to be changed.
Psychological Damage
Not all wounds are apparent. Accidents may leave permanent marks on survivors’ psyches and result in anxiety, despair, panic attacks, mood swings, and paranoia, all of which harm the quality of life. These conditions are equally as incapacitating as physical disorders and may be challenging to treat.
Traumatic Wounds
When a bicycle collides with an automobile, it may suffer severe injuries. Like head traumas, traumatic injuries are often deadly or result in long-term disability. Traumatic injuries include those to the neck and back and dismemberment, and serious brain damage.
If you or a family member sustained brain damage or severe injury in a bicycle accident, an expert personal injury lawyer should be contacted. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible to submit a personal injury claim.
Even if you have health insurance, the expenses connected with a catastrophic accident extend far beyond your initial medical treatment. You’re possibly entitled to compensation for your current and future lost income, rehabilitation costs, long-term care requirements, and psychological pain.
Other Injuries
In addition to head and traumatic injuries, bikers often get abrasions, contusions, lacerations, and fractures. They may also get injuries to soft tissues, like muscle strains and sprains. In addition, concussions and whiplash are prevalent.
In an accident-related injury, you should always seek medical assistance. Many injuries, including soft-tissue injuries and whiplash, are not evident. If these injuries aren’t treated, they could cause constant pain for the rest of your life.
Additionally, you should contact a reputable attorney. Even seemingly slight injuries may have enduring consequences. A lawyer can assist you in fighting for the money which you are due and defend you in court.
Four Simple Bike Safety Tips
As a cyclist, you may take measures to prevent accidents and injuries. It is advised that riders of all skill levels routinely refresh their knowledge of bicycle safety principles. Below are three simple strategies to increase your bicycle’s safety immediately.
- Examine Local Bike Laws
Not every city has the same bicycle legislation, and even within the same city, distinct areas may have varied regulations. So, before you hit the road, whether you ride your bike to work or just for fun, you should find out the traffic rules in your area and where you plan to ride.
- Master Appropriate Hand Signals
Unlike automobiles and other vehicles, the typical bicycle lacks a turn signal and brake lights. Therefore, it might make it harder to signal to other motorists and bicycles when you want to turn or halt. Please learn the correct hand signals for cycling and then utilize them while riding. Signaling properly with other motorists may help avoid accidents and crashes and keep everyone safe.
- Increase Your Visibility to Drivers
Visibility is essential for avoiding bicycle accidents. Many collisions occur because motorists fail to spot bikers. When riding, always wear bright colors that stand out. You should also wear clothes that glow in the dark when you ride at night, early in the morning, or when it’s getting dark. If you often ride your bicycle at night, you may choose to add additional reflectors and lights. It will help drivers notice you.
- After a bicycle accident, seek medical treatment
After a bicycle accident, it may be hard to tell how bad your injuries are right away. Even if you got emergency medical treatment or were transferred to the hospital, you might still benefit from seeing your primary care physician. Many injuries may not manifest for some time or lie under the surface before manifesting.
Receiving care for your injuries is one of the most crucial actions you can do after a collision. Before worrying about legalities, you should prioritize your health and wellness.
A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Assist
Finding a dependable, experienced bicycle accident attorney is one of the finest actions bicycle accident victims can do to save themselves.
When you work with an attorney, you will get specialized counsel and assistance based on the specifics of your case.
A lawyer can clarify the kind of evidence you need to acquire and even bring in experts to support your case. Numerous attorneys maintain contact information for physicians and other experts who may provide testimony or paperwork for your case.
Call a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Always ensure your own physical and emotional safety before choosing legal counsel, although it is prudent to do so without delay. It may greatly facilitate your rehabilitation and legal proceedings.
Summarizer
There are several causes of bicycle accidents on public roadways, and the majority of them are driver-related. Drivers often place cyclists in risky circumstances, such as riding on their rear wheels or passing with very little space to spare.
Mobile phone usage while driving is the main cause of accidents involving vehicles, including bicycles. Drivers who pass within less than three feet of a bike and follow them too closely create very hazardous circumstances. Drivers that weave often stray into bike lanes and shoulders.
Cars will have the green signal to turn at many crossroads but must still check for bikes and pedestrians before proceeding. Motorists who disregard a traffic sign or signal are hazardous in and of themselves, and the dangers are compounded when motorists fail to check for bicycles with the right of way.
Impaired drivers are substantially less able to make intelligent judgments and avoid crashes, and far too many incidents involving bicycles are the consequence of impaired driving. Therefore, you must promptly contact an experienced personal injury attorney after being involved in a bicycle collision with a car, truck, van, or SUV accident.
Another post that will interest you is about Involving Cyclists In Automobile Accidents.
