Staying Safe While Riding a Bicycle

With warm weather upon us, many Washington drivers may choose to forego their gas guzzler and instead opt for helmet hair. While Washington has many laws specifically designed to protect bicyclists, riders often face increased risks while sharing the road with cars and trucks. Bike riders must understand the risks of road traffic and should follow common tips to stay safe. Since bicyclists have similar rights on the road, Washington attorneys can help manage injury claims after a car accident.

Bicyclists face many dangers out on the road. With their smaller frames, drivers will often fail to see bikes along the street. Some drivers fail to acknowledge that bicyclists have the same rights as drivers on the road and can even share the same rights as pedestrians off the road. Without a metal frame surrounding them or airbags to deploy, one blind-spot can lead to disastrous results if a car swerves unexpectedly.

To stay safe, bicyclists should always follow basic safety tips on the road:

• Wear a helmet
• Keep your head on a swivel
• Ride single file
• Ride with the flow of traffic
• Recognize hazards like potholes, debris, or puddles
• Avoid heavy traffic
• Use hand signals
• Don’t make sudden maneuvers

While it shouldn’t always be solely on the bicyclist to stay safe, the fact remains that a crash with a vehicle will injure the bike rider much more than the driver. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you should treat it just as if you were in a typical car accident. If you are injured or there is damage to your bike, calling the police is likely a good first step. Similarly, if your pain is significant, seeking medical care is a must.

Just like with any car accident, getting insurance information, taking photographs, and initiating the insurance claim are all on your to-do list. The personal injury attorneys at the law offices of Magnuson Lowell, PS are savvy at dealing with pesky insurance companies hellbent on limiting your damages. If you’re involved in a bicycle crash, schedule a free consultation to learn more about getting you the compensation you deserve.

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