Bicycle Accidents Attorney St Louis – The Gogel Law Firm
When you ride your bike, chances are you are aware of the common types of bicycle accidents. But have you ever stopped to think about how to protect yourself against these accidents? If not, read on for information that could save your life.
Cyclists are among some of the most vulnerable road users in St
Louis. Others out there include pedestrians, motorcycle riders, and car occupants–and each of these groups is at a greater risk of being involved in an accident than those who travel inside a vehicle.
The Most Common Types Of Bicycle Accidents in St Louis
Bicycle collisions happen for one reason: someone failed to pay attention while driving. The most common bicycle accidents involve cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and even motorcycles because drivers of these vehicles are not looking for bicycles when they take turns, don't see the cyclist in their blind spot, or fail to notice them altogether.
Although there are other types of bicycle accidents that happen less often–thankfully–most cyclists will never encounter them. For instance, the chances of a bicycle accident involving a train or a commercial vehicle are slim.
Here is a list of some of the most common types of bicycle accidents:
– Getting hit from behind by a driver who did not see the cyclist before proceeding through an intersection
– Colliding with another cyclist as you pass each other on the road
– Losing control of your bicycle because you swerve to avoid another vehicle and end up in the path of an oncoming car
– Getting hit by a car making a turn at an intersection or into a driveway
– Being involved in a collision with a motor vehicle while riding between lanes or sharing lanes with other cars
– Getting hit by a car's side-view mirror that swings open if the driver passes too closely
What To Do If You Are A Victim Of A Bicycle Accident in St Louis
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to remain calm.
If possible, move your bicycle out of the middle of the road and check for injuries–especially if you hit your head hard enough to blackout. If you're not badly hurt, call 911 and ask for an ambulance if needed.
If the driver is at fault–always keep in mind that it is never your fault, no matter what happened–get his or her name and license plate number. If the driver of the vehicle was uninsured, take down their contact information and ask for their insurance details. If you're injured, don't worry about contacting your own insurer–doing so can affect your claim if you end up needing legal help in the future.
Regardless of who is at fault or whether you were injured, contact a bicycle accident lawyer in St Louis at The Gogel Law Firm.