May is National Bike Safety Month: Learn How to Avoid Danger and Hear About Your Rights If you Were Injured in a New Mexico Bicycle Crash
Many people enjoy cycling on the roads throughout the country, including New Mexico. In fact, cycling has increased in popularity and brought many more people to the roadways. “Share the road” is also a slogan during this time of year which is meant to bring awareness to motorists so they remember to lookout for bicyclists on the roadway. To this extent, May is National Bike Safety Month to further bring safety tips to motorists and bicyclists alike.
This is because a cyclist can be very serious injured in a motor vehicle accident, particularly with a large commercial truck such as a trailer truck, tanker, 18 wheeler, big rig, or other truck. A cyclists lacks the protections of others on the roadway. Motorists in cars have steel walls and airbags to protect them. Truck drivers sit up high in a cabin and also surrounded in a steel shell. Even motorcyclists have roll cage and slide bars to help prevent some serious injury.
The statistics show that cycling is a very dangerous sport on the roadways. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, over 500,000 people were treated in an emergency department for injuries while riding a bicycle. For reference, football had almost 400,000. If you or a loved one were injured in a New Mexico bicycle crash, call our experienced personal injury attorneys at the Mark Caruso by calling (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can protect your rights.
Safety Tips for Bicyclists
There are some tips and advice that every bicyclists should know to help lower the risks of being involved in a New Mexico bicycle accident. These include the following types:
- Be visible and use bright colors that do not blend in with your surroundings;
- Know how to ride your bike and know its capabilities;
- Always stop at intersections and when crossing, especially at stop signs or traffic lights;
- Make sure your bicycle is equipped with reflectors on the sides and back;
- Never hitch onto vehicles;
- Use hand signals when turning;
- Ride single file—never double up;
- Ride in the direction of traffic;
- Always be aware of pedestrians coming out of parked cars or at intersections;
- Watch for car door opening;
- Know the traffic laws for cyclists;
- Use a headlight and rear light;
- Have a horn or bell loud enough to get the attention of a driver; and
- Many others.
Common Injuries from New Mexico Bicycle Crashes
When a bicyclists is hit by a motor vehicle, the injuries can be catastrophic. A victim may be entitled to compensation for injured caused by a negligent driver to help a victim recover. Some common injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents include the following:
- Broken bones;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Nerve damage/brachial plexus injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Back injuries;
- Organ damage;
- Permanent scarring;
- Massive lacerations;
- Paralysis;
- Permanent nerve damage;
- Orbital blowout fractures;
- Concussions;
- Depression and/or anxiety;
- Hip replacements;
- Shoulder replacements;
- Torn ACL or MCL or PCL or LCL;
- Torn rotator cuff or labrum;
- Broken pelvis or hip
- TMJ;
- Road rash;
- Wrongful death; and
- Many other injuries.
Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Call the Mark Caruso for Legal Representation to get the Compensation you Deserve!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the experienced New Mexico car accident attorneys at the Mark Caruso today by dialing (505) 308-1556 You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
