Personal Injury Lawyer

Riding a bicycle can be an enjoyable hobby and provide you with a means for commuting if you live in a large city. However, it can also come with a few risks and when accidents happen, you are likely to be hurt much more than the driver of the vehicle who struck you. If you use your bicycle every day, there are a few safety tips you can keep in mind to protect yourself, your bike and those around you.

1. Buy Insurance 

Depending on your insurance carrier, you can add your bike to your renter or homeowner’s policy. This can protect it from damage caused in an accident or cover you if you happen to injure someone with it, such as if you get into an accident with another cyclist. Remember to discuss deductible costs and policy conditions with your insurance representative so you fully understand your coverage. Most renter or homeowner policies do not cover bike crashes as a part of routine insurance, so you may want to inquire about it as you create a new policy.

2. Use Reflective Clothing 

Many bicycling accidents take place at night when drivers cannot see you as easily. Riding around sunset can be especially dangerous, as the light quality can reduce visibility. Wearing reflective clothing and using reflective disks on your bike’s wheels can make it easier for drivers to see you, especially in fog or light rain. The better drivers can see you, the lower the risk of an accident.

3. Ride Defensively 

Sometimes bicycling accidents happen because the cyclist assumed the driver knew he or she was there or took the right of way as a matter of course. However, even if you have the right of way, a driver may not know that or might be distracted with the surrounding traffic and fail to notice you. Riding defensively, or never assuming drivers see you, can help you prevent accidents before they happen. For example, dismounting your bike and making eye contact with a driver before you enter a crosswalk is a defensive action that may reduce the risk of a painful wreck.

4. Obey the Rules of the Road 

As a cyclist, you are bound to obey traffic rules, signs and notices. Learn cycling signals for turning to let motorists know your direction and concede the right of way when directed to by traffic cops or signals.

While you can protect yourself as a cyclist, when an accident happens, there is legal help available. Call a bicycle injury lawyer in Canoga Park, CA, such as from Unidos Legales, today for further assistance and information.