Automobile accidents involving bicycles happen more often than you might think.  These types of accidents occur because of a variety of reasons such as road hazards, distracted driving, carelessness, and product defects.  If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately.  The Law Offices of d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C., are prepared to help if you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident.

We understand that a bicycle accident can be confusing.  First, get medical help.  Then, if you are able, it is important to take the right steps to get the help that is needed in order to get the compensation that you deserve. 

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, follow the steps below to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.

1. Call the police and wait for their arrival.

It is important to make sure that you call the police and wait for them to arrive to the accident scene.  Even if your injuries are minor, you need to file a police report.  You may not realize the full extent of your injuries until hours or even days after the accident. 

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, do not talk with the driver except to get contact and insurance information.  It is unnecessary to try and get the driver to admit fault.  Let the police handle all interactions.

2. Tell the police your side of the story.

Make sure that you tell the police the details of what happened in your own words.  It is also important to mention injuries to the police officer.

Be cooperative and remember that a police report may aid in your case.

3. Take down driver and witness information.

Get as much information from the driver as possible.

This includes name, phone number, car make and model, insurance information and driver’s license information.

If any witnesses are present, try to get names and phone numbers as well as any other important information that they might offer.

4. Document all information while it is fresh in your memory.

Take note of all information that you can remember.  This includes details about the accident, road conditions, injuries that occurred, and anything else that may be helpful.

It is important that you also take care to preserve accident evidence.  This may include pictures of injuries and damage to your bike or equipment. 

5. Consult with a professional.

Get the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. 

An injury attorney will be able to advise you on the next steps as well as answer your questions and address your concerns.

Your attorney will also be able to communicate with the insurance company and represent you in court.

You should not attempt to try to handle a complex legal issue such as a bicycle accident on your own!
The Law Offices of d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C., are prepared to help if you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident. Email us or call now for FREE case evaluation. For your convenience, our telephones are answered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (1-800-992-6878). CALL NOW.

How important are bicycle helmets to saving lives?  You guessed it: Very important. 
Some 57,000,000 people ride bicycles and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (part of the Centers for Disease Control) estimates that helmets reduce head injuries by 85%. 
75 percent of children’s bicycle-related fatalities could have been prevented had the children been wearing helmets.
Head injuries stemming from bicycle accidents happen every day. These types of accidents occur because of a variety of reasons such as road hazards, distracted driving, carelessness, and product defects. 
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately.  The Law Offices of d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C., are prepared to help if you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident.
Over 600,000 people annually are treated in emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries;
824 people die.
Bicycle Helmet Laws

• There is no federal law requiring bicycle helmets.
• In Rhode Island, all bicycle riders age 15 and younger must wear helmets.
• In Massachusetts, all bicycle riders age 16 and younger must wear helmets.

Bicycle Safety Tips
The helmet

• Always wear a helmet.  After all, Lance Armstrong and other athletes always wear helmets. 
• Choose a helmet with “ANSI,” “ASTM,” or “Snell Foundation” approval.
• Purchase a new helmet each year as your child grows or if the helmet is damaged.
• The helmet should be snug, yet comfortable.  It should NOT move around or rock side to side.
• Always use the chin strap and buckle.

General bicycle safety tips

• Bicycles that are too small or too large are not safe because they are difficult to handle.  Be sure that you can stand over the bicycle with both feet flat on the ground.
• Encourage your child to use training wheels until he is confident, safe rider.
• Make sure that your child can brake, turn, and stop properly, even under pressure.
• Teach your child to use proper hand signals and model their use. This means that your child must be comfortable enough to let go of the handle bars to signal.
• Have your children ride on the sidewalk, on a park trail, or in an empty parking lot until they are about 10 years old.
• Teach your children to look both ways, just as they do when they cross the street while walking (left, right, and left again).
• Teach your children to obey all traffic signs and signals, and stay to the edge of the road by the curb.
• Do not allow your children to ride at dusk.  This is the hardest time of day for drivers to see. 

The Law Offices of d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C., are prepared to help if you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident.
Email us or call now for FREE case evaluation.
For your convenience, our telephones are answered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (1-800-992-6878). CALL NOW.