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Protecting Yourself From a Bike Accident

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, bike accidents are all too common in the state of Wisconsin, especially in the warmer summer months. In 2015, one bicyclist was injured or killed every 9.7 hours. There were 1,000 crashes involving bicyclists in 2015, which resulted in the deaths of 15 bicyclists and injuries to another 907 bicyclists. Given the relative size and speed of a bicycle as compared to even a small passenger vehicle, the impact of a crash on the bicyclist is sure to be much more serious than the impact on the driver of the vehicle. Therefore, it is essential that everyone from children to older individuals know the basics of bike safety in order to avoid tragic accidents that can lead to serious injuries and even death.

There are some relatively simple steps that you can take to avoid bicycle accidents, including the following:

  • Wear high visibility clothing, such as those with neon colors
  • Use extra caution at intersections, where 90% of bicycle accidents occur
  • Avoid excessively busy roads on which drivers travel at high speed
  • Do not bike in the opposite direction of traffic
  • Take extra care when you are at an intersection with a car facing you that is about to turn left, which is the most common scenario for a bike accident

Drivers also need to be mindful and share the road with bicyclists, particularly in areas with bike paths and a lot of bicycle traffic. A bicycle can easily end up in a driver’s blind spot due to its small size, and even the smallest impact from a motor vehicle can cause a bicyclist serious injuries.

If you or a loved one is involved in a bike accident, or any other type of accident, you definitely will need the advice and counsel of an experienced lawyer who can evaluate your options, based on your situation, and assist you in making the decisions in your case that are best for you and your family. The Madison personal injury attorneys of Boller & Vaughan handle personal injury cases on a daily basis, and we know what it takes to get the compensation that you need. Take the first step and contact our office today to set up your free consultation with one of our Wisconsin bike accident lawyers.