Wilton Personal Injury Attorneys

When accidents and injuries disrupt lives, personal injury lawyers become essential. They advocate for individuals affected by others' negligence, helping them obtain proper compensation. This article discusses the significant role personal injury lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and aiding in recovery.

Road Bike Safety Tips for New Cyclists

Bicycling is a popular activity in America, with over 46 million people riding bikes each year for sport, fitness, fun, and commuting. It's an economical and eco-friendly mode of transport that also benefits your health. However, cycling can be dangerous, particularly for new cyclists who are unfamiliar with road rules. High-traffic areas and roads that aren't bike-friendly pose significant hazards. This article provides essential road bike safety tips, discusses alternative dispute resolutions for personal injury cases, and outlines options for compensation after a hit-and-run bicycle accident.

Road Safety Tips for Cyclists

Before you hop on your bike, familiarize yourself with these safety tips, which could be lifesaving:

1. Learn Local Bicycling Rules: Each city and state can have distinct traffic laws for cyclists. Make sure you know the rules specific to your area.
2. Practice Safely: Start in areas without cars to get comfortable with your bike, such as learning to clip in and out of your pedals and braking effectively.
3. Take a Safety Course: Consider enrolling in a bicycle safety course.
4. Ride with Traffic: Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
5. Use Bike Paths: Stay as far to the right as practicable if no bike path is available, and avoid riding on sidewalks.
6. Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet, no exceptions.
7. Stay Visible: Use reflective clothing and lights, especially at night. Rear lights are mandatory in Iowa.
8. Avoid Earbuds: Stay alert to the sounds of traffic and your surroundings.
9. Be Aware of Cars: Pay attention to what cars around you are doing, and try to make eye contact with drivers to anticipate their actions.
10. Avoid Blind Spots: Do not ride in drivers’ blind spots.
11. Keep Distance from Parked Cars: Leave space to avoid getting hit by a suddenly opened car door.
12. Don’t Speed: Ride at a controlled speed to allow ample reaction time.
13. Check Your Bike: Ensure your bike is in good repair, checking tire pressure and brakes before each ride.

Types of Alternative Dispute Resolutions for Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases, including those involving bicycle accidents, are often resolved through negotiations with an insurance company. However, alternative dispute resolutions (ADRs) like arbitration and mediation can be effective in avoiding a trial.

Arbitration:
- Process: An arbitrator reviews facts and evidence, listens to testimonies, and makes a decision.
- Advantages: Less costly and time-consuming than a trial. The setting is more flexible.
- Binding vs. Non-binding: Decisions can be final (binding) or open to rejection (non-binding).

Mediation:
- Process: A mediator helps both parties discuss their sides and guide them toward a mutually satisfactory agreement.
- Advantages: More informal, saves time and money, and reduces stress. Both parties have a say in the outcome.

Pros and Cons of ADR:
- Pros: ADR is quicker, less expensive, and involves the parties more in the decision-making process.
- Cons: May not resolve the dispute, leading to additional costs for litigation.

Options for Compensation after a Bicycle Accident Hit and Run

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are common, with over 800 pedalcyclists dying in such incidents in 2015. When a driver flees the scene, it complicates the process of recovering damages.

Finding the Driver:
- Law Enforcement: Police can use evidence like traffic cameras and eyewitness accounts to identify the driver.
- Media Coverage: Requesting local news coverage can prompt public tips to law enforcement.

Obtaining Compensation:
- Driver Identified: If the driver is found, you can file a claim with their insurance company.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: If the driver flees or lacks insurance, your auto insurance's UM/UIM coverage may apply. This coverage is optional in Iowa but can cover damages if you carry it.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.