Preventing Bicycle Accidents In Atlanta
While cost-effective, healthy, and environmentally-friendly, however, cycling does come with serious risks, including the chance of being involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. Below, we’ll review some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Atlanta and discuss some of the best ways you can protect yourselves from injury this summer.
Common Bicycle Accident Causes
Bicycle accidents, while they can occur in a variety of scenarios, usually fall under one of the following categories:
- Single bicycle crashes;
- Bicycle-on-bicycle accidents;
- Bicycle-on-pedestrian accidents; and
- Bicycle-on-vehicle collisions.
These kinds of bicycle accidents, like any other type of crash, can occur in a number of different ways. Most, however, can be linked to driver error, like violating a traffic law, driving while distracted, speeding, driving while under the influence, or driving in a bike lane. When a crash can be attributed to one of these kinds of mistakes, the at-fault party could be held liable for resulting damages, which could include reimbursement not only for past and future medical expenses, but also for lost wages, permanent disability, property damage, and even pain and suffering.
Safety Tips for Cyclists
Cyclists, unlike motorists, have little protection from injury in the event of collision, apart from their helmets and riding gear. For this reason, they are much more vulnerable to serious injury than occupants of passenger vehicles, who can depend on seat belts, airbags, and the frame of the vehicle itself to protect them. To help reduce their chances of being involved in an accident, either with another cyclist, a pedestrian, or a motorist, bicyclists should consider taking the following precautionary measures:
- Wearing a properly fitted helmet, which, although not legally required for riders over the age of 16 years old can significantly reduce a cyclist’s chances of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during a crash;
- Using a bicycle that is properly suited to their size;
- Staying visible by wearing bright colors and if riding at night, wearing reflective gear, installing tire reflectors, and using front and rear bicycle lights;
- Regularly inspecting their equipment, including their tires and wheels, for defects;
- Keeping an eye out for potential hazards and obstructions, like potholes, loose gravel, grates, and manhole covers, which are much more dangerous for cyclists than motorists; and
- Avoiding distractions by focusing on the road ahead and keeping both hands on the handlebars.
It is, unfortunately, impossible to predict how someone else will behave on the road, but following these safety tips can go a long way towards reducing someone’s chances of being involved in a devastating bicycle accident.
Contact a Dedicated Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident because of someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your related medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Call 404-593-0020 to speak with an experienced Atlanta bicycle accident attorney at Shiver Hamilton Campbell about your case.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/bicycle/index.html
