Benefits and Risks of Cycling in busy cities
Cycling in a busy cities like Vancouver saves people money, time, parking problems and added health benefits. Biking as a form of transportation has increased in popularity. Now, motor vehicle operators find themselves sharing the road. Distracted or negligent drivers can cause accidents that can seriously injure cyclists.
Legislation for Cyclists
As a cyclist you have rules and responsibilities like those operating motor vehicles.
In British Columbia wearing a bicycle helmet while riding a bike is law. You can be fined. The Province of British Columbia has a comprehensive list of regulations https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/cycling-regulations-restrictions-rules for reference. This site also includes the Motor Vehicles Act in regards to cyclists and their responsibility when operating a bike on public roads.
Most Common Reasons for Accidents
- cyclists may be difficult to see for some drivers.
- a cyclist may be obscured by parts of the car.
- drivers can’t tell how close they are to a cyclist in their mirrors
- cyclist may make a sudden turn in front of them.
- cars turning into oncoming traffic
What are Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Cyclists obviously don’t have the protection that a car provides in accidents. The best way to help prevent and protect yourself is to wear bright reflective clothing and a always wear a proper helmet. Biking injuries can range from mild to severe, and can have permanent consequences.
- Head Injuries. Head injuries have severe consequences. A common cycling head injury is a concussion. The most common symptoms are painful headaches, confusion, and complications memory. Severe concussions are called TBI (traumatic brain injury).
- Bruising and Road Rash. The impact with a car, other objects in the road, or the pavement can cause painful bruising. Exposed skin is especially vulnerable to injury and can result in permanent scarring and nerve damage
- Dental Injuries. Cyclists have a risk of getting dental or facial fractures from accidents.
- Sprains, Dislocations, Broken Bones. Sprained wrists or ankles, possibly dislocate joints or broken bones from trying to break your fall.
Bicycle accidents can also cause broken bones, spinal injuries, or injuries from hitting the handlebars of the bike. In rare cases, the bicycle’s handlebars aren’t protecting and could possibly penetrate the skin.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Always seek medical attention after any accident. There will be time to get the information you need later so don’t let that prevent you from calling for help if you need it.
- Call the Police. Report the accident to the police to provide a nonbiased account. Only report the facts. Ask for a copy of the accident report from the officer attending.
- Talk to the Other Parties. Get the contact information of the people involved in the crash. Always confirm that the phone number is correct.
- Track Evidence of Your Injuries. It’s a good idea to document your injuries.
- Photograph the scene, damages and injuries. Take as many photos at the accident scene as possible. Do not block traffic to take photos. Please make sure you are in a safe place.
- Stay Away from Social Media. Posting about your accident on social media could potentially jeopardize your claim. Social media posts can be used to provided proof of you injury and recovery process. The result could be lower compensation or a denied claim.
The last thing you want to do is unknowingly compromise your claim. Your injuries, medical care, lost wages and future medical treatments can be expensive.
Get Help from a Vancouver Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Wishart Brain & Spine Law in Vancouver, can help.
Our experienced Vancouver bicycle accident lawyer will be there at every step for your claim. You’ll have peace of mind that someone is standing up for your rights so you can focus on your recovery. Contact Wishart Brain & Spine Law for a free consultation today at 1-855-WISHART. We’ll find the right path for you.
