Bicycling can be a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get from place to place. Unfortunately, when bicyclists share the road with motor vehicles, it can also be extremely dangerous. When cars and bicycles collide with each other, the results can be catastrophic, often more so for bicyclists. There are laws in place that are designed to protect bicyclists from the dangers posed by drivers, and when accidents occur they are often the result of driver negligence. In order to determine whether you have a claim, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. The lawyers of Shane Smith Law are dedicated to helping injured people recover from the party or parties responsible for their injuries.
While bicyclists are generally vulnerable to injury, children on bicycles are particularly vulnerable. Children on bicycles are a common site in American life, and most of us can remember riding a bike to school or just for fun. Because of the dangers associated with children on bikes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests taking the following precautions to minimize the risk of children being injured or involved in a bicycle accident:
- Inspect your bicycle to ensure that all parts are properly secured and properly functioning
- Always wear a well-fitting bicycle helmet
- Make sure that your bicycle is the right size for you
- Make sure that tires are inflated and that the brakes work
- Make sure to wear brightly colored clothing or clothing with reflective material
- Maintain control of your bicycle, and always ride with one hand on the handlebars
- Pay attention to road hazards and avoid them when possible
- If possible, do not ride at night
- Ride in the same direction as the traffic
- Obey traffic laws
- Yield when appropriate
- Ride in a predictable manner, and signal your turns
- Stay alert
- Look before turning
- Watch for parked cars
- Children under 10 years old should ride on the sidewalk, if possible
Contact a Coweta County Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a traffic accident, you should contact an experienced Coweta County personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney who knows how to handle personal injury cases will be able to advise you as to whether you have a claim and also can make sure that you do not accidentally waive any legal rights. To schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys, call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656.