Inverness has been recognized nationwide as a bike-friendly city by organizations like the League of American Bicyclists, thanks to its proximity to major bike routes, such as the Withlacoochee State Trail, and efforts from local legislators and bicyclist advocates. However, even such a bike-friendly place still sees plenty of preventable bicycle crashes, many of which stem directly from the negligence of motor vehicle drivers who fail to share the road properly. If you were recently injured while riding your bicycle because a reckless driver collided with you, that driver may be at fault for your injuries. A bike accident attorney from our team could help you demand civil restitution. However, you may also prevent incidents like this from happening. Here are some bicycle safety and preventative measures in Inverness that we recommend.
Do You Practice Defensive Riding?
Bicyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicle drivers cannot always predict when someone else will break the law, drive drunk or high, or simply not pay attention behind the wheel. Proactive steps such as double-checking for oncoming cars at intersections and leaving space between you and other vehicles can be life-saving safety measures when biking near traffic in Inverness.
Obey All Traffic Laws
Along similar lines, complying with traffic rules set by state and local authorities may not only help prevent accidents but also ensure that you are not at fault for any collision you are involved in. In Inverness, this means taking basic bicycle safety and preventative measures such as stopping at stop signs and red lights, yielding to oncoming traffic when necessary, and riding on the far right side of the road if no dedicated bike lane is available.
Wear a Helmet and Bike-Appropriate Clothing
Wearing a bike safety helmet is arguably the most impactful preventative measure you can take to reduce your risk of suffering a life-altering injury in an Inverness bicycle crash. Additionally, you should wear snug-fitting clothing and closed-toed shoes while riding. Make sure to tightly secure any dangling laces or cords on your clothes before getting on your bike.
Make Yourself as Visible as Possible
Finally, make it easy for other riders and drivers to see you by wearing bright-colored clothing, ideally with reflective strips, and minimizing night riding whenever possible. Electric headlights and taillights can also be very helpful. Using proper hand signals to indicate left and right turns is another accident-prevention method and should be part of any bike safety routine in Inverness.
Contact an Inverness Attorney for Answers About Bike Safety and Accident Prevention
Unfortunately, even the most responsible bicyclists are not immune to potentially getting hurt in a wreck that they did nothing to cause. If bicycle safety and preventative measures in Inverness, such as the ones listed above, failed to prevent your recent accident, we could help you explore and take advantage of your right to seek financial restitution for your losses.
By working with Largey Law Firm, you could get custom-tailored support directly from one of our lawyers and a hands-on approach designed to get you the exact results you need, not just the quickest or easiest settlement. Contact us today for a free consultation.
