Holiday Bike Safety Tips

One of the best things about a summer holiday is that you get to spend some time outdoors. Naturally, there are many activities you can enjoy outdoors on a holiday, but bicycling is one of the best. Unfortunately, with all the additional traffic on the road because of the holiday, there are some things you will want to do to stay even safer.

Watch for Distracted Drivers

The first thing you will want to do is pay attention to distracted drivers and pedestrians. Since these people will likely be following road signs and looking for certain attractions, they will be less likely to see a bicyclist on the road. For this reason, being alert at all times and watching traffic closely is the best thing to do.

Dress Appropriately

Dressing the right way is also an important thing to do when you are biking during summer holidays. This could mean wearing the right reflective gear at night or preparing for inclement weather. Following this advice can help protect your comfort and keep you safe at the same time.

Watch for Road Hazards

Finally, make sure you are keeping an extra close watch for road hazards when you are biking during a holiday. Since more traffic will be out than normal, road hazards can pose and even bigger risk to bicyclists than normal. Also, avoid riding through construction areas or in areas where the roads are severely congested with traffic.

If you have been injured in a bicycling accident, be sure to contact us. We will help protect your rights and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will prepare a case that will help get you the compensation that will benefit you the most in this situation.

 

Significant Settlement in Michigan Bicycle Accident Case

Bicycle accidents sometimes result in significant payments to injured victims. For example, in April 2016, Royal Oak, Michigan, agreed to pay $300,000 to a bicyclist injured when her bike hit an uneven part of a sidewalk.

Details of Accident

In May 2012, the 49-year-old Royal Oak woman was biking underneath the Grand Trunk Railroad viaduct along the north side of 13 Mile Road. When she reached a sidewalk section two-inches higher than the section preceding it, she fell off her bike and broke her hip.

In a 2013 lawsuit filed in Oakland County Circuit Court, attorneys for the bicyclist also alleged that the accident had aggravated previous back problems, and they sought compensation for her pain, suffering and lost wages.

City Appeals

However, after a circuit court ruled in the injured bicyclist’s favor, attorneys for the city appealed the case to the Michigan State Court of Appeals. However, the appellate court refused to overturn the circuit court’s decision. The case went before a retired judge who helped the parties come to a final agreement.

According to the Oakland Press News, the uneven sidewalk was repaired after the accident.

Although every case is unique, a failure to properly maintain public property may constitute evidence of negligence in certain cases. When a person suffers an injury, it is often possible to seek compensation for certain medical expenses, pain, suffering and lost wages.

If you or a family member is a victim in a bicycle accident, it is possible to review the details of your case with a bicycle accident attorney. There is no charge for this consultation. To learn more, please contact us.

Did You Go the Right Way? Find Out with Help from a Bicycle Lawyer

In May 2016, Salt Lake City’s media began a discussion about bicycle lawsKSL reporter, Carter Williams, weighed in on the topic mid month. Up for discussion was the concept of road sharing and who, if anyone, has the most right to use the state’s open roads. Williams aptly pointed out that in his state; the rights are divvied up 50/50. We’re sure this leads you to ask, “But what about other states, including California?”

The answer is yes and no. So, let’s focus specifically on our State of California. First off, the bicycle laws don’t necessarily define bikes like cyclists. To some novice cyclists, a bike is just a bike. It doesn’t matter to them if it has an electric engine or is powered by two sneakers. However, the Department of Motor Vehicles likes to divide bikes up into categories and provide different rules for each major type. You’ll find some of these classifications referenced in Vehicle Codes 2100 through 21213.

In addition, the state’s right-of-way related laws also vary based on traffic conditions and speed. These bicycle laws are found in various areas throughout the Vehicle Code, including Section 21202 and 21208. Understandably, this can be a lot of information for new drivers and cyclists to digest properly. Thus inadvertently, people on both sides of the bicycle laws’ right-of-way provisions may get confused easily and make mistakes. If those mistakes ultimately lead to accidents, it’s best to reach out to an expert on bicycle laws for some clarification.

With that said, the Law Office of Gary Brustin is filled with just the right kind of advice injured cyclists need. We can tell at a glance which category the bike is most likely to fall under and which rules would therefore apply to the injured party’s case. To find out more about right-of-way arguments and how they work with or against bicycle laws, please contact Attorney Brustin today.

A Bicycle Accident Brings Changes to Berkeley

On February 2nd, 2016 Megan Schwarzman was wearing fluorescent green safety gear and a helmet. She had lights on her bike, as she rode south on Fulton Street near Bancroft Way in Berkeley. She was struck from behind, trapped beneath a car, and dragged for a short distance. Firefighters had to raise the car to free Schwarzman so they could rush her to the hospital. Her injuries were so severe that almost immediately, police called in the fatal accident investigation team. She had 20 fractured ribs, a smashed pelvis, two partially collapsed lungs, complex facial fractures and a bleeding liver. She arrived at the hospital unresponsive from blood loss. Amazingly Schwarzman, a doctor and research scientist at UC Berkeley, survived.

In 2000, the city of Berkeley designated the block where Schwarzman was hit and the next block of Fulton Street as bike lanes in the city’s bicycle master plan. The master plan contains projects designed to make cycling conditions safer. Six weeks after the accident project approval for Fulton was granted. Now, 16 years later and just months after Schwarzman almost died, the new bike lane on Fulton street is open. The new southbound bike lane runs for two blocks on Fulton from Bancroft Way to Channing Way. It previously ended at Bancroft, dumping cyclists and motorists together in the intersection. Now it closes a gap in the city’s bike lane network between existing bike lanes on Fulton Street/Oxford Street north of Bancroft Way and the Bicycle Boulevard on Channing Way.

Bicycle Accident that almost took a life may save many lives, as a route that many students and faculty take to get to campus is now safer. If you are in a cycling accident, please contact us. We specialize in protecting the rights of injured cyclists.

Top 3 Gadgets to Improve Bicycle Safety

Bicycling is a favorite pastime of many people. Not only is it easy to do, but it is fun and offers a unique type of workout. While bicycling, staying safe is the most important thing. For this, many gadgets and tools have been created. Before you head out on your next bicycle run, here are the top 3 things you must have for your safety.

Headlight

This is especially helpful for those who are riding at night. Front headlights can help you see the road better and will allow motorists to see you as well. In some states, these are required by law, but even if you aren’t required to have one, they are definitely a huge benefit.

SIVA

This is a device you hook onto your bicycle, which then uses the power created from your riding to create electricity. The benefit in this is you are then able to use the USB port to charge your devices. If you are in an accident along your ride, this could mean getting the help you need when you need it the most.

Cycling Computer

Another gadget that is pretty helpful is a cycling computer. This type of device will help you check maps, monitor your speed and even check weather forecasts. It is something that can help keep you safe because it will keep you from getting lost or caught in bad weather.

These gadgets are all fantastic options for those who are trying to stay safe while bicycling. Be sure to keep them in mind when you are looking for things to keep you safe. To learn more about bicycle safety, contact us today.