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According to one study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,000 victims were fatally injured in bicycle crashes during that 12-month study period. While the majority of bike accidents are unpreventable by the cyclists because of vehicle driver fault, there are steps that can be taken in order to avoid becoming a victim of a bike accident.
One of the most important – and easiest – steps you can take is to wear a bike helmet. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), helmet use can reduce the risk of a head injury by approximately 50 percent. Severe brain trauma is a factor in about 75 percent of all bike accident deaths, so wearing a helmet can literally save your life if you are struck by a vehicle and thrown from your bike.
A bicycle accident lawyer Tampa, FL client trust knows that it is also critical for bike riders to obey all traffic laws. Just as if you were driving a car, you need to adhere to all traffic lights and signs when you are riding your bike. It is also important to stay in your lane and use designated bike lanes whenever they are available. You always want to travel in the same direction as traffic. Many bike accidents that occur because of cyclist error involve the cyclist traveling in the wrong direction. Also, don’t forget to use hand signals when turning. This helps let vehicle drivers know what to expect when driving near you.
If it all possible, cyclists should avoid riding their bikes at night. It is very difficult for vehicle drivers to see bikes at night, as well as difficult for cyclists to see objects on the road in front of them. If you do have to ride at night, make sure to wear brightly colored and/or reflective clothing and have a headlight in front of your bike and a flashing light on the back.
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm for Help
If you are injured in a bike accident caused by another party, contact Jeff Murphy Law to schedule a free case evaluation with a Tampa, FL bike accident lawyer. We will determine who the at-fault party of the accident is, as well as how much compensation you may be entitled to. Call our office today.