Rancho Murieta Bicycle Crash
Bike riders usually look forward to heading out in the fresh air and enjoying the outdoors but don’t think about being involved in a Rancho Murieta bicycle crash. However, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), bicycle fatalities increased 28 percent to more than 1,000 nationwide in 2016. The number of those who were injured is much higher, but reliable statistics are unavailable. Understanding what a bicycle rider needs to know to stay safer is important and is explored below as well as injuries that can happen in a crash.
Avoiding a Rancho Murieta Bicycle Crash
It isn’t possible to be safe enough when riding a bicycle. This is because a traffic collision between a motor vehicle and bicycle rider often ends up causing serious injuries to the cyclist. Some of the ways a bicyclist can stay safer on the roads include the following:
- Wear an approved helmet. Wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 85 percent, according to the NSC. In addition, the risk of traumatic brain injuries is reduced by 58 percent. These statistics are reason enough to wear one. The following link on YouTube shows how to properly fit a bicycle helmet.
- Have a good understanding of traffic laws: Bicycle riders are expected to follow the law just as motorists are.
- Use hand signals when making a turn, so others will know which direction you are going.
- Try to avoid riding after dark whenever possible because it’s more difficult for motorists to spot a bicycle rider. During the day or night, it’s a good idea to wear brightly colored clothing to increase your visibility. If you have to go out after dark, make sure your bike has a headlight and reflectors. Adding extra reflective strips, even to clothing, can be helpful.
- At intersections, always look left, right and left again as well as over your shoulder before proceeding.
- Stick to bike lanes whenever possible. The risk of a Rancho Murieta bike crash is much lower in a bike lane.
- If you have to ride in the traffic lane, be careful of opening car doors and additional hazards, and keep your distance from other motorists to avoid a Rancho Murieta bike accident if a car stops short.
Injuries in a Rancho Murieta Bicycle Crash
Because of their lack of physical protection, cyclists can incur serious injuries, especially if involved in a car accident. Some of the most common injuries are:
- Head injury: Head injuries are frequently seen with a bicycle accident, particularly if the rider is not wearing a helmet. The severity of the injury varies from lacerations to mild concussions and other traumatic head injuries. Some brain injuries can cause life-long disability.
- Fractures: Bones in the face, extremities, and even skull fractures are often the result of a bicycle accident. Depending on the location of the fracture, treatment can vary from the placement of a cast to surgery. Pelvic fractures can add long rehabilitation periods to the treatment regimen.
- Dental injuries: Teeth can be cracked or chipped in a bicycle accident. The facial bones can be broken due to the crash and often require intensive surgery.
- Neck injury: The muscles and ligaments, as well as the vertebrae, can be injured in a bicycle crash.
- Road rash: This happens when the skin comes in contact with rough road surfaces. Prevention can be attained by dressing appropriately.
Help Following a Rancho Murieta Bicycle Crash
When an accident is caused by a negligent driver, the bicycle rider may obtain financial compensation to pay for their medical costs, pain and suffering, and the time they lost from work. An experienced injury lawyer can help by using a crash reconstructionist, reviewing any film footage of the accident and using existing investigation reports and witness accounts. No one who is injured by someone else’s negligence should have to go about it alone and pay their own expenses when help is available to recover those costs.
Rancho Murieta Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Murieta personal injury lawyer. When you or someone you care about was injured by a negligent motorist, I am here to offer you free and friendly advice. You can contact me at my office at (916) 921-6400 or through my toll-free number at (800) 404-5400. I also offer an online contact form on my website, AutoAccident.com.
Learning about a law firm when you want legal advice is a good idea. At the following links, you will find my clients’ reviews as well as information on some of the cases my firm has handled:
I’ve represented Rancho Murieta residents and other Northern Californians as an injury lawyer since 1982. During this period, I have handled many types of car accidents, wrongful death cases and brain injuries along with other traumas.
I am a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates, a group of trial attorneys who have all won more than one million dollars for a client. In addition, I was invited to join the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, which recognized me as one of the one percent of lawyers who have the highest standards in the practice of law.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_182419762_l-2015
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