While riding a bicycle seems like a cool thing to do, it can also predispose you to crash injuries. According to Injury Facts, there were 1,089 bicyclist deaths in 2019. Most of the fatalities involved motor vehicle accidents. While Douglasville bicycle accident attorneys may help you get compensation for your injuries, it’s always better to exercise precautionary measures.
In another report, one-third of non-fatal bicyclist injuries are to the head. Head injuries are typically dangerous and may result in long-term disabilities. That’s why Georgia has developed specific traffic safety laws to help reduce the rates of bicycle crash injuries and fatalities.
The bicycle helmet law is one such measure. We’ll discuss the provisions of this law in detail throughout this article. We’ll also let you know what you’re entitled to if you’re a bike accident victim.
What Do I Need to Know About Douglasville’s Bicycle Helmet Laws?
The bicycle helmet law in Georgia mandates every bicyclist under age 16 to wear a helmet. Not only must they wear helmets, but they must also meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements. The law doesn’t mandate cyclists above 16 years old to wear headgears.
There’s also no criminal penalty for bicycle riders who flaunt this rule. However, parents who fail to ensure that their child bicyclists wear helmets may be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Nevertheless, regardless of age, wearing helmets can help reduce the severity of accident injuries. More so, it can help a claimant in a bicycle crash case. The defendant’s lawyers can place some liability on victims who weren’t geared up at the time of the accident. That’s even when Douglasville laws don’t view bicyclists without helmets as negligent.
Essential Bicycle Helmet Safety Tips
Apart from wearing helmets, bicyclists can employ other safety measures to limit their risk of fatal injuries. They include the following:
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Make Yourself Visible
Bicyclists are highly prone to road accidents because they’re much smaller and less visible than other vehicles on the road. So, bicycle riders must make themselves as visible as possible. As you ride, always remember that other motorists may not see you early enough.
As such, you can aid your visibility by wearing reflective clothing and bright colors like orange and fluorescent yellow. Avoid hidden spaces also.
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Avoid Riding After Dark
If bicyclists are hardly visible in daylight, it’s worse at night or in dark lighting conditions. As such, it’s wise not to ride at night. If you don’t have a choice, ensure that you follow the regulations above. Also, use flashing lights as you ride and make sure that your tires have reflectors.
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Use the Correct Bicycle for Your Size
There are various bicycles for different body sizes. There are also cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, kid bikes, and hybrid bikes. Ensure that you use the ones that suit your body and purpose.
The wrong bicycle size will make you slow and give you less control over your bicycle. You are more likely to cause an accident in such situations.
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Be Vigilant
Distracted driving is one of the primary causes of traffic crashes in Douglasville. So, ensure that you pay 100% attention to the road as you drive. Also, avoid using headphones or drinking alcohol before riding.
Can I Get Compensation for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Douglasville?
From fractures to traumatic brain injuries, road rash, cuts, lacerations, etc., you can suffer numerous injuries in bicycle collisions. Apart from the physical injuries and property damage, you may also develop emotional trauma. You deserve ample compensation for the damage any negligent road user causes you.
Douglasville allows you to get the following types of compensation for your injuries:
- Medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium, etc
Let Our Douglasville Personal Injury Lawyers Represent You
If you’ve sustained injuries in a bike crash in Douglasville due to someone else’s negligence? Then you may be eligible for damages to cover your injuries and losses. It will depend on your case’s specifics and the quality of your bicycle accident attorney. As such, it’s essential to hire lawyers that will handle your case in your best interests.
Our Douglasville bike crash attorneys have the proper skill and experience to produce results that you wish to see. At the Law Office of John B. Jackson, our priority is delivering top-notch legal services at the most affordable rates. That’s why we wouldn’t require you to pay anything until we win your case. Give us a ring and schedule a free case review with us now.
