It is estimated that 45,000 bicycle accidents occur in the US annually, many of which are caused by another party’s negligence. While riding your bike offers many benefits, getting in an accident with injuries is one of the risks. The good news is that many bike accidents can be avoided by following the advice below. If you have questions about a case, speak to our Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys today.
Before you hit the road on your bike, make sure you are using the right equipment. This means selecting a bike that is the right size for your body. Riding a bike that is too big or small reduces your ability to maneuver in an emergency.
You generally should select a bike size based on height, so as you shop for a bike, review the sizing chart for that bike manufacturer. This chart will show several different bike sizes according to various heights. You may need to try several sizes to find the best fit.
Generally, a bike rider should be able to stand with their feet flat on the ground and have about two inches of space between their groin and the seat. It also can be helpful to check with someone in the bike shop to ensure you purchase a bike that fits your size.
Before you ride your bike, check the front and rear brakes. Ensure the brake pads are set close enough to the wheel rims to make solid contact when the brakes are applied. If they do not, you will need to adjust the brakes. You can check the brakes by spinning each wheel with a hand and applying the brake. This test should be completed on both wheels before you ride.
Georgia does not require anyone over 16 to wear a bike helmet, but you always should. Statistics prove that wearing a bike helmet will reduce the odds of a severe head injury by up to 50%. Also, wearing a helmet can reduce the chances of having a face or neck injury.
If you are in a biking accident and your helmet is damaged, never reuse it. The helmet should be discarded and a new one purchased. Helmets are made to crack upon impact to protect your head from injury, so they cannot be reused after damage.
If you ride on public roads in Georgia, you must follow all traffic laws, including speed, stop signs, red lights, and more. Do not assume that you do not need to follow the rules because you are on a bike. If you are in a bike accident that injures someone else and broke a traffic law, you could be liable for the injured party’s damages.
Anyone in a bike accident with injuries another person caused should talk to an attorney immediately. You could have serious injuries that lead to medical bills and lost wages, so please contact our Atlanta bicycle accident attorney at Shani O. Brooks PC today at (404) 920-4736.