Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Springfield, IL

Most bicyclists have experienced more than one bicycle accident as they learned to ride. However, there’s a big difference between suffering a skinned knee on the sidewalk and being injured from a colliding truck or car on the roadway. The impact of a vehicle striking a bicyclist is often very serious. Often, these collisions occur due to a motorist’s failure to see a bicyclist or encroach on the bicycle lane. Increasingly, more cities are developing bike lanes since bicycling is an eco-friendly form of transportation and exercise.

At The Cagle Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers don’t think these kinds of accidents are inevitabilities. They know these kinds of accidents could be prevented if fewer people engaged in the kinds of inattentive driving we often see today. When you’re a vulnerable bicyclist, too often you find yourself at the mercy of careless drivers whose own vehicles inherently protect them.

When motorists fail to follow the rules of the road and crash into a bicyclist, that’s when you need a Springfield bicycle accident attorney who will fight for you.

Safety Tips for Traveling by Bicycle in Springfield

The road can be a dangerous place, especially when you’re riding a bike. Here are some helpful tips to make your travels a little less dangerous.

Use the Right Equipment

The Cagle Law Firm’s bicycle accident lawyers in Springfield, IL, know that the first step in protecting yourself is having the right safety gear. You should always wear a helmet, of course, but knee, wrist, and elbow pads can also help keep you safe in the event of a fall. When biking busy roads such as highways or city streets, it’s a good idea to install mirrors on your bicycle to provide you a full view of your surroundings. Finally, consider adding a bell or horn, something that can make a loud noise that will get the attention of other drivers. You never know when you might need it.

Maintain Distance

Among the collisions that our Springfield bicycle accident lawyers see most often are intersection accidents. These are usually caused by drivers who misjudge how close they are to a biker when merging or making a turn. To avoid getting narrowly clipped by the corner of a motor vehicle, keep as much distance as possible. Likewise, when riding on the highway, it’s recommended that you stay on or near the shoulder of the road as much as you can. Even small, slow-moving automobiles can do a lot of damage with just the slightest nudge, so it’s important to give them plenty of room.

Always Stay Visible

Compared to the average car or truck, a bicycle doesn’t take up much space, making it all the easier for motorists to overlook it. Improve your safety by making yourself impossible to miss. Wear brightly colored clothes when riding your bike, add reflective tape to your bike to increase your visibility, and wear a headlamp when riding at night. Last but not least, don’t hesitate to make a scene. If you suspect that another driver isn’t paying attention, try waving your arms. Any good Springfield bicycle accident attorney will tell you: it might feel silly, but it could also save your life.

Expect the Worst

You don’t have to be a bicycle accident lawyer in Springfield, IL, to know that the best way to exercise caution is always to assume the worst. When you’re sharing the road with other drivers, ride your bike with the belief that every one of those drivers does not see you. Why? Because a driver’s failure to see you can be more common than you would think. As well, a driver’s potential to be driving inattentively if far too common. And if they are, you’ll be the one who gets hurt. Stay alert at all times and keep an eye out for warning signs such as vehicles swerving, starting and stopping abruptly, or driving faster than the speed limit. Be vigilant when on the road.

Trust a Cagle Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Springfield, IL

No matter how prepared or protected you are, someone else’s reckless driving can change your life instantly. In addition to leaving you with serious injuries, hefty medical bills, and potential employment loss, road accidents can result in lifelong disability or even death.

The Cagle Law Firm’s bicycle accident attorneys in Springfield, IL, believe that negligent drivers should be held accountable through their insurance carriers and innocent victims should be compensated for their pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident through no fault of your own, call the Cagle Law Firm today and let us help you get the justice you deserve.