When it gets nice out, people choose to ride their bikes rather than drive everywhere. It’s better for your body and it’s better for the environment. Louisiana is one of those states where it gets hot really fast. The number of cyclists on the road goes way up this time of year usually resulting in more bicycle accidents as well.
Bicycle riders have to be really careful when they’re navigating busy streets and roads. Even though you may be safe, that doesn’t mean other people on the road are too. You need to take special precautions to ensure you don’t become a casualty to summer traffic.
If you get hit by a car while riding your bike, you’re suffer some pretty serious injuries. You don’t stand a chance when you go up against a two-ton vehicle. The only thing that stands between you and the car is your plastic helmet.
Bicycle accident lawyers in Lake Charles handle these types of cases all the time. The number of bicycle accidents increases in the spring and summer. Don’t let yourself become a victim.
What are Some of the Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
In the spring and summer, there is a lot more traffic than the rest of the year. This is no more true than in Louisiana. People like to navigate the busy streets by bicycle instead of in their cars.
The problem is, people in their cars don’t always look out for cyclists the way they should. It’s harder to see bicycles than it is other cars. Bikes also have to share the road with large vehicles that drive a lot faster than they do.
Not all roads have a bike path. This means you’re riding your bike alongside large cars and SUVs. They make wide turns and try to beat red lights. The last thing they’re worried about is hitting someone on a bicycle.
Car drivers just don’t expect to see a bicycle dart out from between cars. They certainly don’t realize they’re sharing the road with bicyclists. By the time they realize you’re there, it may be too late.
What Kind of Injuries are Caused by Bike Accidents?
As you can imagine, people who get into bicycle accidents can suffer some pretty serious injuries. When you go up against a giant machine, the results can be disastrous. Bicycle accident victims usually end up in the hospital and out of work for quite some time.
Some of the injuries suffered in a bicycle accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries – When you suffer a severe blow to the head, you can end up with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries may require surgery. You may not be able to communicate after a TBI.
- Internal injuries – You may get hit so hard that you suffer internal injuries. This includes bleeding on the brain and organ damage. If left untreated, these injuries can be deadly.
- Back injuries – Obviously, you’re likely to suffer back injuries if you get hit by a car. This includes herniations and other disc issues. You could even end up with a spinal cord injury.
If you suffer any of these injuries, your bicycle accident lawyer in Lake Charles can help get you the compensation you deserve.
How Can You Prevent a Bicycle Accident?
There are some things you can do on your end to prevent a bicycle accident. It goes without saying that you need to be extra careful this time of year. You need to take extra precautions to make sure you stay safe and healthy.
Here are some tips to keep you safe this summer:
- Always wear your helmet
- Stay in the bicycle lanes when possible
- Use hand signals to alert other drivers to your turns
- Wear other protective gear
- Wear googles to protect your eyes
- Keep an eye out for cars and trucks – you need to be a defensive driver
If you follow these tips, you should be able to avoid any collisions with a motor vehicle. You have to assume that the other drivers aren’t looking out for you. Sometimes, the best offense is a good defense!
Contact a Lake Charles Accident Lawyer Today and Schedule Your Initial Consultation
If you get into a bicycle accident this summer, you need to call and speak with a Lake Charles accident lawyer. Your lawyer can review your case and let you know what it may be worth. They can also answer any questions you may have.
You need to focus on recovering from your injuries. Let an experienced Lake Charles accident lawyer handle the legal side of things.
Call today and schedule your free initial consultation.
