Broomfield Bicycle Accident Attorneys
In 2015 alone, there were 818 fatalities and an estimated 45,000 cyclists injured in motor vehicle accidents, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA). Not only is it the responsibility of all drivers to operate their vehicle in the safest possible manner and be mindful of the traffic around them, including bicycles, but it is also up to cyclists to ride safely and responsibly. There are many things that cyclists can do to increase their own level of protection and ensure that they’re doing everything possible to keep themselves safe while riding. If you or a loved one do get injured, our Broomfield bicycle accident attorneys can help. Call for a free consultation and more information.
Wear Your Helmet
First and foremost, when it comes to safe cycling, a helmet is a must. Helmets can only protect you if they are worn, though, so it’s up to the cyclists to develop the habit of putting on their helmet each and every time they get on their bike. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that helmet use reduces the likelihood of head injury by 50 percent, and estimates a reduction in face, head or neck injury by 33 percent. Bicyclists should choose a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certified bicycle helmet to ensure that required safety standards have been met for that particular helmet. No one ever plans to be in an accident, but if one happens to you, you’ll be much less likely to sustain serious head injury if you’re wearing a proper-fitting helmet.
Check Your Bike Each Season
As bikes make their way out of storage after the winter months, it is a good idea to perform a tune-up and safety check before riding. During the riding season, regular maintenance will improve the performance of your bike. Bikes should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for both normal wear and tear, as well as any potential repairs that might be necessary. A bike tune-up should include:
- Testing the brakes and inspecting the brake pads for excessive wear
- Checking the tires for wear along the treads, or cracks along the sides
- Looking at the rims for nicks, dents or warping
- Inspecting all the parts of the drivetrain, including the chain, pedals, front chainring, rear wheel cassette, and the derailleur
- Test the shifting of the gears by elevating the rear tire with a bike stand or by getting a partner’s help, turning the pedals and shifting through each gear
- Inspecting the cables and the surrounding housing, looking for rust, crimps, cracks or dirt
- Lubricating the chain and drivetrain
Learning to clean and maintain one’s own bike can be an enjoyable task for some, however other riders may find the idea daunting. Most bike shops offer affordable and comprehensive tune-up packages that will get your bike road-ready in no time. A well-maintained bicycle will respond quickly and correctly to the rider, and help keep you safe on the road.
Contact Our Experienced Broomfield Bicycling Accident Lawyers
If you, or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident in Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, or anywhere in Colorado, a personal injury attorney familiar with a cyclist’s rights may be able to help. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.
Our bicycle accident lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.