Preventing a Bicycle Accident in Haddonfield

Some precautions bicyclists can take to prevent significant injuries from collisions include wearing a helmet, having the proper lighting on their bikes, getting their brakes checked, and staying off roadways that are highly trafficked by motor vehicles. Motor vehicle operators can also help with preventing a bicycle accident in Haddonfield by maintaining a car length’s distance between themselves and any nearby cyclists.

Sharing the Road

On the roadway, a cyclist is required by law to position themselves as far to the right as possible to avoid causing an accident and the likelihood of injury. Motor vehicle operators should obey the speed limit, keep a watchful eye out for bicyclists on the side of the road, and give them enough space when they are passing them.

It is also important for a bicyclist to ensure that his or her brakes are in good working order and to obey the same traffic laws as motor vehicle operators. For example, he or she must refrain from driving against traffic.

Additionally, when a bike rider needs to make a left turn in an intersection, he or she must make sure that they use the proper hand gestures to indicate his or her intentions to other motorists. He or she should also look both ways and make sure traffic is clear before turning, because many drivers do not immediately see cyclists.

What Are the Local Helmet Laws?

Bike riders in Haddonfield who are under the age of 17 must wear a helmet when riding in order to prevent serious injury. Wearing a helmet could protect an injured party from hurting his or her head or sustaining a traumatic brain injury.

While helmets can protect a biker from severe injuries, they can also impact litigation. An injured cyclist who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident may be found partially liable for his or her own damages.

Regardless of whether a person is wearing a helmet at the time of a collision, he or she should seek immediate medical attention and call law enforcement right away to file a police report. The sooner an injured cyclist reports his or her injures and damages to the proper authorities, the better preserved the evidence will be for later use if litigation becomes necessary.

What is the Benefit of Bicycle Camera Attachments?

The benefit of having a camera attached to the bicycle, the rider’s helmet, or both is if he or she is involved in an accident, it could help demonstrate who is liable. For example, a video of the incident could show if a person’s reckless driving or some kind of defect on someone’s property caused the accident. This would be useful evidence during civil litigation against an at-fault driver.

Off-Road Safety

Cyclists should make sure that they have the right bike to go off-roading before going on a trip. There are some common misconceptions about bicycle safety in Haddonfield. The most common misconception is the type of insurance to use in the event of a bicycle accident, specifically whether it is car or health insurance. It depends on the type of accident the person is in.

Learn More about Preventing Bicycle Accidents in Haddonfield from an Attorney

Bike riders are especially vulnerable to the impact of a collision involving a motor vehicle. For this reason, it is essential for cyclists and drivers to be diligent in preventing a bicycle accident in Haddonfield by operating their bikes and cars safely. To learn more about how you can improve your understanding of bicycle safety, get in touch with a member of our team today.