Bicyclist in Critical Condition After Being Struck by Car
A bicyclist sustained serious injuries when he was struck by a car while riding in Ocala, Florida. News reports of the bike accident describe a scary scene where the bicyclist’s body peeled back the roof of the car, caved in the windshield, and became lodged headfirst inside the moving vehicle. The accident was so serious that the driver of the car needed to be cut out of the car by the local fire department. Both of the individuals involved in the accident were taken to a hospital. The driver of the car sustained only minor injuries and was released shortly afterwards. The bicyclist was less fortunate and remains in the hospital in critical condition.
Avoid Being Comparatively Negligent by Following All Traffic Laws
If you are bicycling, it is important to follow all traffic laws and operate your bicycle safely. It is important because it will reduce your risk of being injured, but also because if you are struck by a car then you will be able to maximize your recovery if you take precautions to not be comparatively negligent. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published useful bike safety tips that should be followed any time you ride your bicycle on public roads. For example, you should obey all traffic laws, including all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. You should also go with the flow of traffic instead of against it by riding on the right side of the road. It is also important to remember to yield to traffic when appropriate. Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway, you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.
More Tips for Riding Your Bicycle Safely
It is important to always wear a properly fitted helmet every time you ride a bicycle. You should also make sure that the seat of your bicycle is properly adjusted. When you are standing over your bicycle, there should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top bar if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if a mountain bicycle. The seat should be level front to back. The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat. Also make sure to inspect your brakes to make sure they work and to check that your tires are properly inflated. Always watch for and avoid road hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. Finally, avoid riding at night unless it is absolutely necessary. It is more dangerous to ride at night than during the day because you are harder for others to see. If you have to ride at night, wear something that makes you more easily seen by others by installing reflectors on your tires and on the front and rear of your bicycle.
If you are the victim of a bicycle accident, call the West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP. We can provide you with an initial consultation and help you file a claim to recover compensation for your injuries.
