It is important to plan for the long term effects of your injury

　　When a bicyclist is involved in a traffic accident involving a motor vehicle, the chance of serious injury or even death is great. Bicycling only accounts for less than 1% of all trips in the United States, but bicycle deaths make up 2% of the total traffic deaths. That means there Mini Electric Folding Scooter Factory double the likelyhood that you will be killed while cycling compared to driving a car. What makes biking so dangerous? Things like driver inattention and poorly maintained roads are some of the top contributing factors in bicycle fatalities. Almost three-quarters of all bicycle accidents occur at intersections and driveways. Neither cyclists nor drivers seem to fully understand the traffic rules when it comes to tuing and right-of-way situations in traffic. The Federal Highway Administration has suggested that both drivers and bicyclists # should become better informed about these situations before they start out on the road.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Environmental factors Reduced visibility Poorly maintained roads or bike paths Road debris Dog attacks Negligent motorists Opening a car door into a passing cyclist when parked Not paying enough attention while driving Drinking and driving Refusing to share the road, forcing cyclists off the road or into a collision. Tips for Bicyclists: Avoiding an Accident With an Automobile Keep in mind that not all drivers feel it is their duty to share the road with cyclists, and few drivers check their mirrors and blind spots as often as they should. Failure to yield, riding against traffic, stop sign violations, and safe movement violations are the most common mistakes that bicyclists make to cause an accident. Wear a helmet. Although this can not protect against an accident, it can protect you from serious injury or even death. Be visible. Wear reflective tape for night riding and equip your bike with a light. Never make a left hand tu from a designated bike path. Instead, merge into left hand lane of traffic and do not cut in front of other drivers, who may not be able to see you.

Do not ride alongside cars when passing through an intersection. A driver may tu in front of you without waing. Always merge into normal traffic lanes from your bike lane as you approach an intersection. Pay attention when passing parked cars, as car passengers can open their doors suddenly. Keep both hands on your handlebars to maintain maximum control of your bicycle. Equip your bike with mirrors and check them frequently while riding. Know the hand signals and make them consistently before tuing. Pay attention in the late afteoon and evening hours when the sun can cause visibility problems for drivers. What to do After an Accident If you, or someone in your family has been injured in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, do get immediate medical attention, but DO NOT contact your insurance company before you speak to an attoey.

It is important to plan for the long term effects of your injury. The injuries that can result from an accident involving a bicycle and a motor vehicle can include brain and spinal cord injuries,fractures, abrasions and inteal and soft tissue injuries. Some of these injuries are easily healed, some take long term medical attention. An experienced personal injury lawyer can ensure that you or your family member receives the financial support necessary to help your move forward with your lives. Troy Philis writes about a variety of subjects from his office in the San Francisco Bay Area.