Every May, cities across the United States celebrate Bike to Work Week, a national movement that encourages people to ditch their cars and opt for a more sustainable mode of transportation–cycling. This year, Bike to Work Week falls on May 13-19. While cycling offers numerous benefits, from reducing traffic congestion to improving physical fitness, it’s not without its risks. Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries, leaving cyclists facing mounting medical bills and lost wages.
At ER Injury Attorneys, our Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyers understand that this surge in bicycle traffic during Bike to Work Week presents a unique opportunity to raise awareness about bicycle safety. That’s why we’re offering these important tips for avoiding bicycle commute injuries this Bike to Work Week.
Why Bike Safety Awareness Matters During Bike to Work Week
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a significant portion of bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents:
- Distracted driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving pose a serious threat to cyclists.
- Dooring accidents: When a parked car door opens into the path of a cyclist, it can cause them to swerve and crash.
- Right-of-way violations: Motorists failing to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or stop signs is a frequent cause of accidents.
- Poor road conditions: Uneven pavement, potholes, and debris on the road can lead to cyclists losing control of their bikes.
- Cyclist errors: While many accidents involve motorist negligence, cyclists can also contribute to accidents by riding under the influence, riding at night without proper lights, or failing to obey traffic laws.
Related: National Bike Month: 5 Important Bicycle Safety Tips
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Bicycle Accident During Bike to Work Week (or Any Time)
Here’s what you should do if you’re unfortunately involved in a bicycle accident during Bike to Work Week, or at any other time of the year:
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the top priority. Get immediate medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident, even if they seem minor.
- Document the scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to your bike, any injuries you sustained, and the surrounding area.
- Gather witness information: If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information. Their statements can be crucial evidence later.
- Report the accident: File a police report to document the accident. This report will be helpful for your insurance company and potential legal claims.
- Contact an attorney: An experienced attorney can advise you of your legal rights and help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. They can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
ER Injury Attorneys Is Here for You During Bike to Work Week
The team at ER Injury Attorneys hopes that you celebrate Bike to Work Week and stay safe while doing so. But if you’ve been injured while riding your bike, our team is standing by and ready to help you fight for the compensation you both need and deserve.
ER Injury Attorneys is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach us right now over the phone at 702-878-7878 or online through our LiveChat feature. You can also fill out this encrypted contact form. ER Injury Attorneys represents accident victims throughout Southern Nevada, including Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and beyond. Get in touch with us today and get the legal advocacy you need.