Bicycle Accidents Attorney in Bozeman, Montana
Bicyclists are some of the most vulnerable individuals who share roadways with automobiles and motorcycles. A bicyclist may use the shoulder of a busy highway if no bike path is available. If this is the case, it is possible for a bicyclist to suffer serious bodily injury during an accident with a car, truck, or SUV.
A personal injury lawyer can help victims who were injured while riding their bicycles. Although many individuals never encounter any problems while traveling on their bicycles, safety measures can prevent serious bodily injury and death.
Safety Measures for Bicyclists in Montana
Some bicyclists may commute to work; others may enjoy exploring Montana’s state parks on their bicycles. The following are some essential safety measures that can help bicyclists avoid being involved in accidents:
- Turn signals: Bicyclists should move their arms in the direction they wish to turn so other drivers will know where they want to turn. Using turn signals can reduce the likelihood that a bicycle accident will occur.
- Do not drink and ride: Bicyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws as drivers of automobiles. A bicyclist cannot ride their bicycle while intoxicated. If you want to drink alcohol, then you should leave your bicycle at home and use a ridesharing service or a friend who is a designated driver.
- Use reflective clothing at night: Many bicycle accidents take place during the evening because drivers cannot see bicyclists as well during this time period. If you want to ride a bicycle at night, then you should wear clothing with reflective fabric. Also, wearing a safety vest can prevent bicycle accidents. All bicyclists should use headlights when they ride their bicycles at night.
- Wear a helmet: Wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the chances that you will suffer a traumatic brain injury during a bicycle accident. Even if you are traveling only a short distance on your bicycle, you should always wear a helmet to protect yourself from serious bodily injury.
What To Do if You Suffer Injuries During a Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, then you need to seek medical treatment immediately. Sometimes you may think that your injuries are not severe because you are not experiencing any symptoms. However, many injuries may not produce noticeable symptoms until weeks after the date of the injury. Therefore, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible after a bicycle accident can help you learn the nature and extent of your injuries.
It is also important to take photographs of your physical injuries. Also, you should photograph the accident scene and any environmental conditions that you believe may have contributed to the bicycle accident.
Take notes in a journal of your injuries and your recovery. The more evidence you have regarding the bicycle accident, the more you will strengthen your case. You should also speak to any witnesses who observed the bicycle accident. Collecting their contact information will help you seek them out at a later stage of your bicycle accident case.