Bicycles present unique challenges and risks while sharing the road with trucks, cars, and motorcycles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cyclists have a higher risk of injury and death when involved in accidents compared to motor vehicle drivers. This is because they are more exposed to risks and have fewer protective measures.
If you were recently a victim of a bicycle accident in Murray, it might be best to consider hiring a lawyer to help you claim compensation. A bicycle accident lawyer knows how to navigate such claims and helps you through all stages.
Murray Bicycle Laws
Several laws and regulations govern the use of bicycles in Murray, Kentucky. It’s crucial to know these bicycle laws and your legal rights, especially after an accident. According to the Kentucky Department of Transportation, some of these laws include:
- The rights to operate like any other motor vehicle
- Riding upon the right side of the highway or veering off when necessary
- Using bike lanes unless avoiding a hazard, preparing for a left turn, passing a slower vehicle, or any other reasonable circumstance
- Slowing down and coming to a stop at traffic and stop signs
- Signaling when coming to a stop
- Exercising care when passing a vehicle
- Using only brakes and a bell or horn and not whistles or sirens
- Having a rear red reflector or red light and front white light when riding at night
- Avoiding clinging to a motor vehicle, even at low speeds
It’s advisable to work with a lawyer who is familiar with Murray’s bicycle laws. Your attorney will help you understand the law, including local and state regulations, the rules for motorists concerning bicycles, and your rights as a cyclist.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Murray, call 800-333-9999
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can occur due to several reasons. While some of these accidents occur due to a vehicle driver’s negligence, others happen due to a cyclist’s negligence and may not involve a motor vehicle. The causes of these accidents include:
- Cyclists being struck by a motorist in a rear or sideswipe collision
- Bicycle parts or equipment malfunction
- Motor vehicle drivers attempting to pass cyclists on the road without enough room or following them too closely
- Poor weather conditions, such as poor visibility due to snow, rain, and fog, make cyclists invisible
- Improper maintenance of sidewalks and walkways lead to significant gaps, potholes, and cracks on the pavement, leaving motorists vulnerable
- Motorists pulling out from a parking lot, alleyway, driveway, or street into the path of a cyclist
- Road debris and wet pavement can cause a cyclist to lose control of their bicycle
- Vehicle passenger or driver suddenly opening a door in front of a cyclist, striking them with the door or forcing them into the traffic
- Speeding, which affects the driver’s ability to stop in time
- Weaving through traffic or unsafe lane changes
- Distracted or intoxicated driving
The cause of the accident will determine the liable party. The responsible party can be a government entity, property owner, driver, or private company in a bicycle accident. A lawyer can work with experts to investigate the accident’s cause and determine the liable party. A lawyer can file a claim or a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties for compensation.
Murray Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-333-9999
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you are in a bike accident due to negligence, you may have a right to claim compensation. To protect your rights and build a strong case, you must know what to do immediately after the accident.
Take the following steps:
- Call 911: Call the police after an accident, regardless of who is at fault or the accident’s severity. The police play a massive role in the accident scene and the claim. At the scene, the police will gather critical evidence and help determine fault. Calling the police and reporting the accident is the only way of getting a police report, which is a vital piece of evidence in your case.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: Suppose your injuries aren’t severe, and you can move around. In that case, you should take pictures of the scene, damages to property, and your injuries. It would help if you also collected driver’s insurance, contact, and witness information. If you sustain severe injuries, the police will collect such information and interview witnesses and drivers.
- Call Your Insurer: Though you may not have motor vehicle insurance unless you also own a vehicle, you can call your medical insurance to know if your policy coverage can offset the initial medical cost as you process your claim.
- Go to the Hospital: If the accident is severe, chances are that you will be attended to by the EMT and taken to a hospital. If this is not the case, you should get yourself checked out immediately. Some injuries stay hidden until much later after the accident. The only way to prove that such injuries are due to the accident is by visiting a doctor as soon as possible.
- Consider Calling a Lawyer: Bicycle accident claims can be challenging to process. As such, it may be best to work with a bicycle accident lawyer to protect your claim. A lawyer can advise you on what to do and process your claim. If negotiations aren’t successful, a lawyer can also represent you in court.
After the accident, remember to record your injuries and the effect of the accident on your life. Maintain correct medical records and expenses related to your injuries. A lawyer can use this information to prove your claim and value it.
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Contact Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one was recently in a bicycle accident, it might be best to hire a bicycle accident lawyer in Murray and allow them to negotiate with insurance companies or represent you as you focus on healing after the accident.
We are ready to handle your claim at Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers and get you the best outcome. Call us today for a free case review.
Call or text 800-333-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
