Who does not love a bike ride? It is a healthy, fun, environmentally-friendly form of exercise and transportation. Unfortunately, while most people enjoy riding bikes, many motorists hate sharing the road with cyclists. Some drivers intentionally drive aggressively around cyclists, creating needlessly dangerous situations. Equally dangerous are the negligent drivers who simply do not know how to share a road with bikers.
If you have been injured in a bicycle collision because of someone elseâs negligence, you should not have to pay for your own damages. They could easily be tens of thousands of dollars and include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A Wheeling bicycle accident lawyer at Bordas & Bordas is ready to review your situation and pursue justice on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about filing a personal injury claim.
Understanding your rights after a bicycle accident means knowing the rules of the road. Cyclists are vehicle operators and must follow most traffic laws. In addition to that, bikers should use designated bike lanes if they are available. If not, they should ride close to the right side of the road. Cyclists can take up an entire lane and even ride two abreast, but only if doing so does not unnecessarily obstruct traffic.
Although always a good idea, helmets are not mandatory for adult cyclists in West Virginia. Some protective equipment is. For example, when riding at night, cyclists must have a front light and a red rear reflector or light to increase visibility.
One of the main things that separates bikers from other vehicle operators is that bikers can use sidewalksâunless local ordinances prohibit it. However, they must yield to pedestrians when doing so.
Even if a cyclist violates traffic laws, a driver may still be responsible for an accident. A Wheeling attorney can examine the facts of a bicycle crash and determine if the cyclist contributed to it.
Driver negligence is the leading cause of bicycle wrecks. Distracted drivers may fail to see cyclists and cause serious collisions. In fact, failing to see bikers is a considerable riskâdrivers just forget to look for them. They may assume an area is clear when they do not see a larger vehicle. No wonder intersections are high-risk, especially when drivers make right turns without checking for cyclists.
Any behavior that increases reaction time or reduces a driverâs ability to pay attention increases the chances of a wreck. The usual suspectsâspeeding, drowsy driving, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, and running red lightsâall increase the odds of a bicycle wreck.
Not every accident is due to driver negligence. Potholes, uneven pavement, construction zones, and poorly maintained roads can create dangerous conditions for cyclists. In these cases, identifying the responsible partyâwhether it is a municipality or another entityâcan be critical to securing compensation. A Wheeling bike injury lawyer could help determine liability and track down responsible parties.
Even a minor collision can result in serious injuries. You may experience cuts, bruises, or sprains in a less severe accident. In more serious crashes, possible injuries include:
These injuries can have long-term consequences, affecting your ability to work or enjoy life as you did before. Some injuries may require extensive rehabilitation or lead to permanent disabilities. A Wheeling bike accident attorney will work to ensure you are compensated fairly for both the immediate and long-term effects of your injuries.
Bicycle accidents can lead to painful recoveries, financial strain, and emotional hardship. You should not have to bear those burdens alone. Let us help you hold the at-fault party or their insurance company accountable.
A Wheeling bicycle accident lawyer from our team will review your case for free, giving you the information you need to decide on your next steps. Starting the process is simple. Reach out to us today, and let us show you what makes Bordas & Bordas a trusted name in West Virginia personal injury law.
