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Riding a bicycle is meant to be a relaxing and eco-friendly way of getting around town, but other vehicles and hazards can expose your bike ride to danger. Before setting out on a bicycle, you should take precautions to protect yourself and any passengers.
Understanding bicycle safety and preventative measures in Milton can help you stay safe. In the event of an accident, using precautions can also help you make your case in a lawsuit for damages. When you are injured, a seasoned bicycle accident attorney could help you hold the right party responsible.
Bicycles are allowed and expected to travel on public roadways, except for highways. With that privilege comes the risk of an accident, especially with larger cars and other vehicles.
Cyclists are more vulnerable to injuries from car accidents than motorists, since they have far less protection. The impact of a collision can cause catastrophic injuries, from traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage to bone breaks and organ lacerations. A cyclist hit by a car could also suffer injuries from the second impact of hitting the ground or other objects after contact.
Following the right safety measures and wearing preventative gear in Milton can mitigate some of these injuries. A bike helmet can absorb impact to the head from a collision with a car or the ground. Cyclists often wear additional kneepads and elbow guards to protect these joints and absorb more force in an accident.
Beyond protective gear, cyclists should always be aware of their surroundings while riding and travel at reasonable speeds. Weaving in and out of heavy traffic and failing to announce movement with hand or verbal signals raises the risk of an accident.
State law regulating bicycles focuses on safety. Massachusetts General Law c.85 §11B sets out rules for cyclists, such as not riding with an infant, riding only on a proper seat, and wearing a helmet. All riders 16 and younger must wear a helmet that fits properly and is strapped on, though passengers in an enclosed attachment that protects the head do not need helmets.
Wearing a helmet and other protective gear, as well as riding a bicycle safely and responsibly, can also factor into a lawsuit should an injured person choose to bring one based on an accident. Most personal injury lawsuits are based in the negligence of another person—the unreasonable behavior that causes the injuries.
Negligence actions focus on four factors related to the behavior of the person at fault. These are:
Negligence also looks at the actions of the injured party surrounding an accident. The state uses a system of comparative negligence, which doles out responsibility for injuries in percentages to all people involved in an accident. Under the law, a person responsible for more than 50 percent of their own injuries cannot recover any compensation, and fault under 50 percent can reduce compensation.
By practicing good bicycle safety and using appropriate preventative measures while riding in Milton, an injured person can show they did not cause their own injuries. In other scenarios, violating a statute that assigns relevant responsibilities can establish or support negligence.
Ultimately, any lawsuit should involve an attorney with expertise in personal injury and bicycle law. A lawyer can evaluate a cyclist’s behavior and precautions leading up to an accident to see what they could expect to get in a negligence suit.
Establishing good habits around riding bicycles and teaching your family to do the same can help prevent serious injury. It can also protect against accusations of your own fault for injuries in an accident.
Our attorneys know the value of bicycle safety and preventative measures in Milton bike accidents and lawsuits. Call to make an appointment with one of our professionals for more information on how you can bring an action based on your accident.
