PHOENIX, AZ, May 12, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In the United States, a bicyclist is fatally injured every six hours. If you are an avid or recreational bicyclist these types of accidents can happen to you. Numerous causes of these accidents can be at fault, including inept drivers and hazardous road conditions. In March of 2009 an off duty police officer was riding his bike and was killed after being hit by a truck as he was riding on a Pima County, Arizona Road. If you feel like you have been wrongly injured in a bicycling accident, or just want to explore your legal options, talk to an Arizona personal injury attorney as soon as possible. There are many types of injuries that you can obtain in this type of accident, some of them include:
Types of Bicycle Accident Injury
• Head and Neck Injury
• Concussion
• Broken Bones
• Back injury
• Disfigurement
• Scrapes/ Bruises
One million children each year are injured each year in bicycle related accidents. In 2005, 28% of all Bicyclist involved in accidents were under 18 according to the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department. In this report, bicyclists were deemed as twice as likely to be responsible for the crash, then the motorists involved. There are many precautions you can take to avoid these types of accidents. Some of them include:
How to Improve Bicycle Safety
• Knowing your Bicycle, how to control its speed or how to stop suddenly if needed.
• If you are just starting to bicycle again, the way to improve is just bicycle more in quiet streets or parks to gain more experience and practice.
• Wear a helmet and protective gear.
• Always check your tires, brakes, crank set, quick release, before you begin your ride.
• Have a bell or horn so you are able to communicate effectively with other motorists.
• Wear reflective gear especially if you are planning to ride at night.
• Obey traffic laws at all times.
• Watch for hazards, and know the safest route to your destination.
While many bicyclists take these precautions, a life changing accident is still able to occur when you least expect it. If you are badly injured, you may end up having to pay thousands in medical treatment and physical therapy treatments. Not to mention the damage to your bike, which can range anywhere from fifty to hundreds of dollars, depending on how expensive the bike is. For some bicyclists this is the only mode of transportation to work or school, therefore your Arizona Personal injury lawyer can help assess how much compensation you are entitled to.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Arizona
Bicyclists tend to misappropriate the blame of an accident due to the shock and the input of the other parties involved. In Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale and other surrounding areas, these type of accidents occur in high volumes, and are sometimes wrongfully handled. Often times an incompetent motorist or faulty road conditions are at fault. If you or a loved one is a victim of a bicycling accident in Arizona, please contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. For more information please contact: www.solomonrelihan.com
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