Were you riding your bicycle when someone hit and injured you with their car? If so, as unlikely as it may seem, you very well could deserve compensation. Even if it doesn’t seem as if you have a case, you very well might. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer could let you know the definitive truth about your case. That’s where Belal Hamideh comes in.
For many years, he’s helped the victims of accidents like these, people like you, to receive maximum compensation for everything that they’ve been through. Now, he can use that experience to help you and your case. You can schedule a free case evaluation with Belal through this site or by giving him a call.
Safer Bicycling
Below are some safe bicycling tips, ways that you can be safer when you’re out on your bicycle. That said, they aren’t foolproof. Nothing is. You can do everything “right,” you can be the safest bicyclist and still be injured through the actions of another. If that’s the case, then a personal injury attorney can help.
Using these tips on your rides, however, do give you a better chance of staying safe throughout the ride. For starters, when you’re on your bike, you always need to be aware of other vehicles, riders, threats, and so forth.
That’s true any time of year, but particularly relevant as we approach the winter months. While the perception might be that cycling accidents increase during summer with more riders on the road, research suggests otherwise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration () found that fatal bicycle accidents actually tend to be higher in the fall and early winter. This could be attributed to factors such as reduced daylight hours, inclement weather conditions, and decreased visibility for both cyclists and drivers.
Belal represents clients throughout not just Southern California but all of California. His experience lines up with studies showing that nearly three-quarters of these deaths take place in urban areas.
Bicycles are great for exercise as well as transportation. The more you can do to enjoy yours that much more safely, the better.
Precautions Before Cycling
Too often, bicyclists ignore how their bike “fits,” just opting for the most expensive model, the one they like the look of the most, etc. Riding a bike that fits properly is crucial. If the bike is too large, it becomes much harder to control.
You know that a helmet is a must, along with bright clothing during the day and reflective gear when visibility is lower. That said, this time of year, the days are shorter. At night or in poor visibility conditions, make sure your bike is equipped with a white front light, a red rear light, and reflectors. All too often, a significant factor in these fatal incidents is the failure to yield the right of way, often exacerbated by bicyclists not being visible to others on the road.
When riding, stick to one person per seat and keep both hands on the handlebars unless signaling a turn. Items should be carried in a backpack or securely strapped to the bike to avoid any distractions. Little things matter when you’re on your bike. It’s also important to tuck in and tie your shoelaces and pant legs to prevent them from getting caught in the bike chain.
Equally important is ensuring that your bike is in good working condition—effective brakes are essential no matter how skilled a rider you are. Wearing the right gear also plays a big role in your safety.
Once You’re on the Road
Stay alert. Always. Pay close attention to the road and surrounding traffic, anticipating potential hazards before they become an issue. Riding with the flow of traffic, obeying street signs and signals, and making sure others on the road can see you are all critical practices.
Avoid distractions to the best of your ability. Texting is not a good idea, for example, as it can take your focus off the road. Riding predictably helps motorists understand your intentions, allowing them to react in ways that prevent collisions. Always position yourself where drivers expect to see you, and make sure to signal and check over your shoulder before changing lanes or turning.
If riding on the sidewalk, exercise extra caution. Cars are not expecting to see cyclists on sidewalks, which can lead to dangerous situations, especially when drivers are backing out of driveways or making turns. If you do find yourself on the sidewalk, follow the direction of traffic so that you’re better positioned when the sidewalk ends and you need to rejoin the road.
Belal Hamideh: Bicycle Accident Lawyer By Your Side
The above are just some tips for riding your bicycle. If you follow all of them, there’s no way to guarantee that you won’t be harmed in some kind of bicycle accident, that you won’t be hurt. However, should that occur, Belal can help.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer, he works on contingency. You don’t have to pay unless we win. Schedule a free case evaluation with Belal through this site or by calling.