There are more bike riders in California than in many states in the country. As an experienced personal injury attorney, Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn encourages people to get exercise and lower their emissions by biking. However, we would also encourage everyone who rides a bike to take the time to understand just how common bike accidents are and some simple tips to help reduce your chance of being involved in one.
Bike Accidents Very Commonly Lead to Serious Injury or Death
Most car accidents are minor and only result in minor injuries if any. The same cannot be said of bike accidents. A person riding a bike has virtually no protection from a vehicle – even if they are wearing a helmet. Helmets can greatly reduce the chance of serious injury or death, but they only protect the head. They cannot prevent broken bones and internal injuries.
Fatal Bike Accidents Are More Common at Certain Times and in Certain Situations
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the data they have collected, fatal bike accidents are more likely to occur between 6 PM and 9 PM, are more likely to occur in urban areas, are eight times more likely to happen to men than women cyclists, and often involve alcohol.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
While all accidents are unique and there can be many causes, some are more common than others. Most bike accidents involve a biker being hit by a car, falling off their bike, wrecking due to poor road conditions, hitting a fixed object, or the bike rider making an error when riding.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Bike Accident
If you are going to bike in California, then you should know what to do if you are involved in a bike accident. If you are injured, get immediate medical care in an ambulance. If you do not think you are injured, stay at the scene to talk to the police but get medical care soon afterward. Many common bike accident injuries take hours or even days to become clear.
Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, your bike, and anything else involved in the scene of the accident. As you heal from the accident, keep a diary that includes information about the time you’ve missed from work, your pain levels, and other important issues.
Then it is time to contact a personal injury attorney. Not every bike accident involves someone else being at fault, but if there is a negligent party, then they should be held accountable for your damages. Contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn now at (310) 209-1600 for a free legal consultation.
