Bicycle Accident
Riding a bicycle has many beneficial factors going on; it’s enjoyable, healthy and cost effective! The downside, however, is that you are to a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle of any kind; car, or truck for example.
Due to the difference in size and weight, the bike rider is at a disadvantage; they have no seatbelts, airbags, or surrounding protection in the event of a collision. Accidents can even happen to an experienced rider who has followed all the safety precautions, laws and regulations of Kentucky on both the state and local level.
Both the state and local laws address safe riding and required equipment and refer to the fact that bicycles are considered vehicles when using streets and highways and are expected to follow the same rules of the road as other motorists. A person riding a bike should obey traffic control devices, ride as near to the right hand side of the road as is deemed safe, use the bicycle lane if provided, not ride a distance of more than 5′ from the curb or edge of the road unless passing another vehicle, and when emerging from an alleyway, building or driveway will yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles.
Whether you are riding in a bike lane or alongside of the highway, some of the common but unfortunate accidents that occur are: being hit by the protruding side mirror of a vehicle, being sideswiped by a driver not paying attention to the road, another vehicle running a red light at an intersection, a driver cutting off the bicyclist by turning right in front of them, and because they are riding along the edge of the road, they may encounter debris that is caused by littering.
When you chose to ride, you tried to reduce your risk of an accident and followed all the safety precautions, and in addition you wore a DOT safety helmet and protective gear, had a front and rear light on your bike, worn bright colors, observed safety rules and were riding in the bike lane. In spite of all your precautions, an accident occurred and you were injured.
You need to seek legal help as soon as possible by contacting a Kentucky attorney experienced in handling bicycle accident cases with favorable outcomes for their clients. You need to make sure that evidence is gathered before it can be destroyed, witnesses questioned and contact information obtained, police reports looked at, medical documents all in order and the insurance company dealt with. Your lawyer will handle all this while you take time to recover.
The injuries associated with a bicycle accident can have serious and even life changing effects, causing severe and debilitating injuries resulting in financial losses, loss of a loved one, or a permanent change to your quality of life; all due to the negligence of another. Your attorney will present your case, assess damages and get you the compensation you deserve.
Bicycle Accident
