Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation for people of all ages and are a great way to stay active and get around town. However, as with any form of transportation, there are risks involved with riding a bicycle. Bourassa Law Group has experienced bicycle accident attorneys that have seen several cyclists come in for one thing or another. This blog discusses the dangers of bicycles and how to avoid liability.
The Dangers of Riding Bicycles
Nearly 51.4 million people ride bikes in the US. Bicycles can be a fun sport or a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, but they also come with potential dangers.
Collisions with cars
Bicycles are much smaller and less visible than cars, making them more vulnerable to collision. In many cases, cyclists are injured or killed because drivers of cars and trucks do not see them. Nearly 130,000 cyclists are injured in road crashes in the US every year.
Road hazards
Potholes, gravel, and other road hazards bring out the dangers of bicycles. They are hazards that can cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes, fall, and sustain minor injuries.
Weather conditions
Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery, making it difficult for cyclists to control their bikes. Strong winds can also make it difficult to balance and ride straight. Around 98% of cyclists claim they love to ride in the rain, but it doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Mechanical failures
Bicycle components, such as tires, brakes, and chains, can fail, causing the cyclist to lose control of the bike. Mechanical failures are inevitable at some point. However, most are fixable, which is why they make up a minority of bicycle accidents.
Reckless behavior
Reckless behavior by either the cyclist or drivers of cars and trucks can also increase the risk of accidents. Many people like to push their bicycles to their limit. As fun as that may be, it’s also very dangerous, and you will need a bicycle accident attorney.
How Can Cyclists Avoid Liability?
Cyclists can take several steps to avoid liability:
- They must follow the same rules as motorists and obey traffic signals, signs, and markings.
- They should wear a helmet and other protective gear to reduce the severity of injuries in the event of an accident.
- Use lights and reflectors to increase visibility and help prevent accidents caused by poor visibility.
- Regularly check and maintain the bicycle to prevent accidents caused by equipment malfunctions.
- Exercise caution and avoid riding in hazardous weather conditions or on roads with heavy traffic.
- In the event of an accident, contact a bicycle accident lawyer immediately.
Do You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Even with caution, bicycle accidents can occur due to the actions of other cyclists or drivers. If you are hurt due to someone else’s carelessness, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Moreover, if you’re a cyclist, you may also be involved in an accident. If you or someone else were injured, you need to hire a bicycle accident attorney soon.
Contact Bourassa Law Group for a bicycle accident lawyer with assistance on your case. Our firm also has pedestrian accident lawyers, asset protection attorneys, car accident lawyers, and on board.
