Cycling is a popular form of recreation and at the same time an efficient way to get around. Yet, even with bike lanes, cyclists are still considered vulnerable while on the road. Factors such as weather, poor road conditions, and reckless drivers all contribute to accidents involving cyclists.
Unfortunately, some cyclists think that other motorists have more rights than them. On the contrary, every road user has rights that they can exercise, especially if they’re the victim of an accident. If you sustain an injury, you can file a bike accident claim and receive compensation from whoever is responsible.
How to cycle safely
If you love to ride your bike, you need to take precautionary measures to avoid accidents. The following safety tips will ensure you’re prepared on the road, and at the same time ride with ease.
- Plan your route ahead of time. Planning your route is critical because of many reasons. First, you can check if there are road repairs, traffic congestion, or anything that can hinder your travel. Also, it’s best to take a route you’re familiar with. Many cyclists use apps to help them navigate the road and receive alerts in care there are problems.
- Be ready with emergency contact information. Always have emergency contact details on your phone before going out. Also, you need to enable access to these details even while the phone is locked. This way, if anything happens on the road, someone else can contact your family and notify them.
- Ride your bike only when the weather is good. This tip doesn’t mean you can’t cycle when it’s raining. But, it’s safer to ride your bike in good weather condition. Weather is highly unpredictable if you want to cycle in the countryside or near the mountains. Be aware of possible dangers along the way such as snow, landslides, and slippery routes.
Even the most experienced cyclist knows the importance of being safe on the road. By reducing the risk of getting involved in an accident, you can bike with ease and without worry.
What do you need to do if involved in an accident?
If the inevitable happens and you get involved in a road biking accident, the next step is to get help. Depending on the extent of the injury, you can discuss the situation with whoever else is involved. If another party is responsible, make sure to exchange contact details and take photos of the scene.
The next step is to file a claim for the injuries you sustained. The process is different from other types of road accident claims. That’s why you’ll need to hire a solicitor. In general, you can file a claim for compensation for the medical expenses incurred in treating the injury. Also, you can get compensated for bike repair or replacement. Other considerations in the claim include financial losses and other expenses.
There’s no exact estimate of the amount a claimant may receive. It depends on the severity of the injury, as well as other circumstances included in the claim.
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