by Grayson Law | Jul 4, 2020 | Bicycle Accidents
Many of the different problems that people face after they are struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle are well understood by others, such as the pain associated with an injury or the financial hardships that result from lost wages and medical costs. However, many other problems can come up in the wake of a bicycle collision, depending on the unique aspects of one’s life. For example, those with kids may have a hard time because their parenting abilities are adversely affected by the accident.
Bike accidents can affect victims physically, financially and emotionally, and all of these challenges can make it harder to raise kids. From an injury that prevents a parent from participating in physically demanding activities with their kids (such as hiking or practicing sports) to financial problems that prevent them from buying school supplies and clothes, this can be very difficult. Not to mention, some people are so emotionally distraught after a devastating bicycle accident that they may become depressed or have difficulty bonding with their children.
If you are raising children and were involved in a bicycle accident, you should not only focus on your recovery but try to help your kids work through these hardships as well. After all, it can be very difficult for kids when their parent is seriously hurt in an accident. If a careless driver has brought these problems into your life, it might be very beneficial to consider legal action. Filing suit could not only help you restore your financial health, but it could be advantageous from an emotional perspective too.
by Grayson Law | Jul 4, 2020 | Bicycle Accidents
Most bicyclists understand they have the same rights and responsibilities on the roads around Phoenix that motorists have. However, bicyclists are much more vulnerable, especially when motorists fail to acknowledge those rights. Even when wearing full safety gear, including a helmet, a rider may sustain serious injuries if a vehicle gets too close.
According to AZFamily, street signs in Ahwatukee identify bicyclists’ rights to the road by stating bicycles can use the full lane. The City of Phoenix has posted the 34 signs along stretches of road with speed limits of 40 mph to clarify that the shoulder on these streets is not, as many people believe, a bike lane.
Critics say that even if the bicyclists have the right to take the lane, it is not safe to do so, and the riders should stay on the shoulder. However, bicyclists point out that in the lane, they become more visible to motorists, and it makes their ride safer. Riders may feel that motorists’ objections have more to do with ill-will toward those who may slow traffic down in one lane.
Social media has become a battleground for the controversy where residents are expressing their opinions. Regardless of public feeling on the matter, if a motorist hits a rider who is in the lane, the motorist would be at fault.
When bicyclists sustain injuries in collisions with vehicles, the auto insurance of the at-fault party typically pays for the damages. Many victims, however, choose to speak to an attorney about pursuing justice through the legal system.
by Grayson Law | Jul 4, 2020 | Bicycle Accidents
Bicycling to work has increased in popularity across the nation, including in Arizona. According to Science Daily, the number of people cycling to work in 12 large U.S. cities increased by 51 percent over 13 years. Beginning in 2009, the number of protected bike lanes doubled every year.
Some researchers believed having more cyclists on the road would increase safety because motorists would be more aware of bicyclists. Cities that built protected or separated bike lanes had fewer bicycle fatalities, data has shown.
Does this mean bike lanes create a safer riding environment? The answer is not simple.
Types of bike lanes
White lines are the only things that separate traditional bike lanes from the road. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety found research on the safety of traditional bike lanes is inconclusive.
Physical barriers like cement barriers, trees, lamp posts or parked cars separate a protected bike lane from the road. Research seems to indicate these types of bike tracks are effective at preventing serious and fatal injuries.
One-way protected bike tracks seemed to show the best results, with numbers of crashes, injuries and fatalities all being much lower than on a regular road. Two-lane protected bike lanes showed increased numbers of crashes and injuries, even when compared to major roads.
Risk Is Not Eliminated
While some bike lanes may increase a cyclist’s risk of crashing, the research indicates protected bike lanes reduce the risk of fatalities. In the most important respect, protected bike lanes are safer than a road, but that does not mean bike lanes are without risk.
by Grayson Law | Jul 4, 2020 | Bicycle Accidents
Bicycling is a fitness hobby that many people enjoy, but it comes with risks that can cause serious injuries. The National Highway Safety Traffic Commission notes that nearly 900 people lost their lives in bicycle accidents in 2018, with many more injured.
The number of deaths and injuries while bicycling can be startling. However, learning the nature of common cycling injuries and how they occur may keep you safe.
Head trauma
Wearing a helmet can prevent serious head injuries. However, helmet failure or wearing a helmet too large for your head can result in a variety of head trauma, including: skull fractures, concussions, broken facial bones and brain injuries. Some of these injuries can cause long-term or permanent damage, depending on the seriousness of the crash.
Broken bones
The impact of a car-bicycle collision can throw you off your bike and into the pavement or another solid object, which can cause broken arms and legs. You could also suffer a broken wrist as your body’s reflexes can cause you to try and catch yourself as you fall. Compound fractures are often the most serious type of broken bone, as the fracture pierces the skin and creates additional trauma.
Spinal injuries
When a vehicle traveling at high speed strikes a bicycle, the force of the crash can cause spinal trauma. This type of injury can result in numbness in the extremities or partial paralysis. In some cases, permanent disability can occur.
Following the rules of the road and wearing protective gear can prevent some cycling injuries. If you have questions about a bicycle injury, contact an experienced attorney.
by Grayson Law | Jul 4, 2020 | Bicycle Accidents
If you have decided to become a commuter cyclist in Arizona, you are in good company. It is ecofriendly, fun and helps keep you fit. However, it can be hazardous when sharing the road with cars and trucks.
According to Momentum Magazine, following the rules of bike culture, written and unwritten, can help you stay safe on the road.
Focus on the road
Talking on your phone, listening to music at high levels and texting are as dangerous to cyclists as moving vehicles.
Keep both hands on the handlebars and pay attention to your surroundings. A distraction at the wrong moment can change your life forever.
Watch your speed
A bicycle in traffic can be faster than a car. However, treating the bike lane as the express route can create dangerous situations, both with other cyclists and automobiles.
If the bike-lane speed is too slow for your taste, you can consider traveling on the road. The rules for passing are similar to those for cars. Look behind and ahead of you before passing. Give verbal cues, such as “passing on your left.” Maintain room between you and traffic and do not ride too closely to the curb.
Stand out
Drivers often look but fail to see motorcycles and bicycles. Stand out by using a headlight, wearing bright colors and being predictable.
Go with the flow
Follow the same traffic flow as automobiles. If you don’t, you risk surprising them into a reaction that could be deadly.
Wear protective gear
Even the most responsible cyclist may be an accident victim. Wear protective gear that can help minimize the effects of an impact with a car or the pavement.
