How to Bike Safely

Bicycling around the city is a pleasant, safe, and ecologically friendly way to ride. Bikers, on the other hand, have a much greater chance of getting injured than other road users. Whenever a vehicle collides with a bike, the driver of the car is more than likely to walk away unharmed. Unfortunately, a bike rider cannot do the same.

Bicycle accidents are a big issue and dangerous. Many that have been involved in a bike accident due to the negligence of a driver, rider, pedestrian, or other third parties can claim damages.

Our Massachusetts bicycle accident attorneys have extensive experience representing bike riders. It is critical to follow certain simple safety guidelines to minimize the risk of personal injury in a bike accident.

1. Always wear a helmet

   In the case of an accident, wearing helmets while riding a bicycle will protect you from head injuries and potential brain damage.

   Helmets should be worn by adults and people of all ages. Several states have passed laws requiring children and adults to wear bicycle helmets to improve and ensure their safety when bicycling. Helmets must also be certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the United States. It’s critical that the helmet easily fits without being too big. It should be one or two finger-widths above the brow and firmly fastened underneath the chin and on the edges.




2. Checking your bicycle

   Generally, you will inspect your vehicle before embarking on a long journey to ensure that it is in good working order and will not break down on the road. Once you’re on your bike, you can use the same strategy. To increase stability, make sure your tires are fully inflated and your seat is calibrated and fixed in place. Check that the brakes are in good working order and that the brake pads are not worn out.




3. Wearing reflective clothes

   If you must ride at night, dress brightly and wear a neon safety flashing vest. You may use reflective tape to bind to your frame, bag, or helmet in addition to wearing reflective clothing to improve overall visibility.




4. Riding on Bike Lines

   Bikers can use dedicated bike lanes to ride safely without causing traffic jams and accidents. They are usually found on the right side of the road and move in the same direction as the traffic.

   Bicyclists and other motor vehicles are separated by bike lanes. They allow cyclists to ride at their own pace without clogging the road or posing a hazard to other motorists. Generally, bike lanes are not always accessible, especially on small roads. Bicyclists, on the other hand, can use them wherever possible to improve their cycling safety.

The above guidelines are only a few of the essential safety measures to bear in mind when riding or cycling. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website to learn more about bike safety.

The responsible driver’s liability insurance, as well as the insurance on a car owned by the bicyclist or a family member, are all sources of insurance that can be used to help cover personal injury claims.

If a car collides with a bike, Massachusetts law allows for up to $8,000 in personal injury protection benefits (also known as “no-fault” benefits) to cover medical costs and lost income. Even if the driver was not at fault, these benefits are available. Victims of bicycle crashes may be entitled to additional compensation, which may include:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages
• Scarring and impairment
• Pain and suffering
• Lack of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship

When a cyclist is killed as a result of someone else’s negligence, our lawyers will help the family file a wrongful death lawsuit. Punitive damages can be awarded in some cases.

A driver’s negligence can be obvious after a bicycle crash. You will be eligible to claim damages for your injuries. However, insurance providers are also hesitant to pay full compensation to cyclists who file claims. As a result, it’s important to recruit an experienced lawyer with a track record of winning maximum compensation for cyclists, including pain and suffering, as well as past and future earnings. You can also appoint an attorney with whom you can connect freely and with who you can trust.

Bicycle accident victims are often puzzled as to what they can do and what their rights are. It is important to have a competent and knowledgeable lawyer defending your interests, regardless of how the accident occurred.

To begin, seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible after a car hits you. You must take care of your well-being.

Do not seek to negotiate with the driver who caused the accident on your own. Make a call to the authorities and insist that they investigate your accident. Getting an official police report for your accident will assist in resolving any later questions about who caused the accident.

Second, collect all relevant information about your accident, including medical records/bills, insurance details, eyewitness names, photographs, and so on.

If the problem is with a bike component, get the name of the person who sold you the bike, as well as the manufacturer’s contact details. Since the timely investigation and retention of facts, as well as witness testimony, are also crucial elements in supporting a personal injury claim, you can consult with a personal injury attorney who has handled bicycle accident cases to clarify and secure your rights. Since these cases are subject to the Massachusetts statute of limitations, you only have a short amount of time to file your lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Massachusetts bicycle crash, it’s important to consult with our attorney based in Massachusetts. Our experienced Massachusetts bicycle accident attorney will explain to you what your rights are and advise you to recover the full extent of benefits you might be entitled to.