Hanson & Co.– Personal Injury Lawyers is the North Shore’s largest and most experienced law firm when it comes to handling personal injury claims due to vehicle, boat, and bike accidents. The best way to survive any accident, of course, is to not be involved in one in the first place. But cyclists are particularly vulnerable to traumatic injury in the event of a collision with a vehicle.
While biking can be an eco-friendly and healthy way to get to work, or a pleasant way to enjoy a lovely day, cyclists can be subject to profound, devastating injuries and life-altering effects if involved in an accident with a vehicle, even at low speeds.
Because bicycles can be hard for vehicle drivers to see, Hanson & Co recommends that you assume that you are invisible to drivers and ride accordingly.
Be careful as you approach intersections and watch for vehicles making turns. Often the driver is so busy checking for traffic and pedestrians that they just don’t see the cyclists.
Parked cars pose another danger for cyclists. Vehicle drivers have been known to inadvertently throw open their doors, not realizing that a cyclist – or even pedestrian – is approaching.
If you are involved in a cycling accident, the advice is to take similar actions as if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident. (You may want to download the free Hanson & Co app for your smartphone – hopefully you will never need it, but it will assist you if you are rattled following an incident).
Seek medical attention – and remember that cyclists often don’t realize that they have been injured until several hours after the accident. Wait for the police to respond and don’t attempt to negotiate with the at-fault driver. Be especially cautious if you think you suffered a head injury. Get an opinion from a medical professional about potential brain trauma right away.
Whether or not you have the Hanson & Co app, collecting the names and contact information of everyone involved, including any potential witnesses, is vitally important. Jot down vehicle license plate numbers and try to get photographs of the accident scene, the vehicle(s) involved and your bike and helmet, and yourself if at all possible.
Call a lawyer as soon after the accident as possible. Law firms like Hanson & Co will be able to sensitively guide you through the personal injury claim process, while keeping your best interests in mind.
“As lawyers experienced in personal injury cases,” says Jim Hanson, founding partner of Hanson & Co, “we focus on our approachability, our listening skills, and our non-judgmental attitude. We are able to help accident victims with compassion and understanding.”
If you have been involved in a cycling accident, call Hanson & Co at 604.984.7555, check the website or email the office for your confidential and free initial consultation.
