Understanding Bicycle Accidents
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Posted On :
Nov-01-2012
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Article Word Count :
566
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As the really hot weather moves on and the nicer temperatures move into the Phoenix area, more people than ever before are breaking out the bicycles for transportation, pleasure and of course exercise.
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As the really hot weather moves on and the nicer temperatures move into the Phoenix area, more people than ever before are breaking out the bicycles for transportation, pleasure and of course exercise. Cyclists have become a part of our landscape and most communities have made efforts to protect their rights on the road. Unfortunately, this time of year is also the peak season for Phoenix bicycle accidents. Cyclists must be vigilant for situations that could produce accidents – and know what to do if they are injured in one!
Be Aware of the Likely Scenarios
While bicycle accidents are dropping nationwide, getting into one can be a horrific experience. Unlike being surrounded by the shield and safety technology of a car, there is nothing between you, the cyclist, and several tons of oncoming steel. Even at low speeds, an accident can produce serious and expensive injuries. Understanding the most common accident producing situations is one way to be safe on the road.
For example, according to several U.S. Department of Transportation funded studies, most accidents occur on a Friday or Saturday, with the peak time for accidents falling between 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. These same studies found that over a third of accidents happen at an intersection, with over half of all accidents occurring on a major road. When accidents do happen, studies show it is usually because the motorist has failed to yield to the cyclist, misjudged the distance required to pass the cyclist or otherwise merged into the cyclist’s path. These accidents can cause serious and sometimes irreparable injury to a cyclist.
Proper Preparation Reduces the Risk
Taking proper precautions is another obvious way of controlling your risk of an accident. Nearly all cyclists who were killed in accidents, for example, were not wearing a helmet. Make yourself as visible as possible by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Use lights at night. Remember, a bicycle is much more difficult to see than a car. In the same vein, do not perform unexpected maneuvers in traffic, if possible. Do not pass cars on the right side, as they may not be expecting it, and do not ride against traffic. Follow the lane markings and traffic signals. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Maintain your bike so that you can stop quickly if needed, scan the road behind you frequently and try to make eye contact with drivers.
What if I have been in an Accident?
Sometimes even the best of preparations cannot prepare us for a bad motorist. When these accidents happen, a cyclist may suffer head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones or other painful and extended injuries. This is the time when the services of a quality Arizona bicycle attorney can make the difference in your quality of life. Wade &Nysather is the leading automobile, bicycle accident and wrongful death law firm in the Valley, with convenient offices located in Scottsdale, Glendale and Sun City, Arizona, servicing those communities, as well as Phoenix, Cave Creek, Carefree, Mesa, Gilbert, Buckeye, Chandler and Litchfield Park, Arizona. Because we have purposefully chosen to remain small, we are able to focus individual attention on your case. For over 20 years we have been working hard to get our clients the fair compensation they need and deserve to move on past the trauma of an accident.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Understanding Bicycle Accidents_233234.aspx
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Author Resource :
Article Source: AZAccidents.com
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Keywords :
Wade &Nysather, wrongful death law firm in the Valley, AZAccidents.com, yield, Phoenix bicycle accidents,
Category :
Reference and Education
:
Legal
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