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SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
(501) 372-6303 SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
Little Rock’s great weather and beautiful scenery make the city and cycling a natural combination. Cycling can be recreational and provides an affordable and environmentally friendly means of transport, plus, it lets you beat some of Little Rock’s traffic.
While Little Rock’s weather is often bicycle-friendly, local drivers may not be. Some drivers are hostile to cyclists, but many are simply ignorant of bike safety rules and laws. They do not understand that cyclists have many of the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicle operators. The result is an increased risk of injuries for cyclists.
If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled Little Rock bicycle accident lawyer could help you explore whether you have a claim and potential remedies. The personal injury attorneys at Mays, Byrd & O’Guinn, PLL await your call.
Arkansas Code Annotated § 27-49-111 provides that bicyclists have the same rights on the road as other motorists unless a specific bicycle law contradicts the traffic laws.
Cyclists are allowed to ride on almost all public roads. They are not permitted on freeways or any other controlled-access highway. Cyclists should ride on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic.
Cycling-specific rules allow cyclists to do some things motorists cannot. Bicyclists can ride up to two abreast on the roads and can use crosswalks if unable to make their turn on the roadway safely.
Cyclists can also ride on sidewalks unless a city ordinance prohibits it. Little Rock prohibits cyclists from riding on sidewalks in the business district.
Arkansas does not require cyclists to wear helmets, but it is recommended. The only safety equipment bikers must have are a headlight attached to the front and a red light or rear reflector in the rear. In cities, cyclists need a bell, horn, or other audible warning device to alert people of their approach.
Knowing why bike accidents happen cannot prevent all wrecks, but it can encourage safety. Cyclists need to know the common causes of bike wrecks in Little Rock so they can avoid them. While drivers are responsible for more wrecks than cyclists, cyclists are at a higher risk of injury and have a greater interest in avoiding these wrecks.
Distracted driving is the most significant risk factor for bike accidents. Whether it is the driver or the cyclist who is distracted, taking attention off of the road sets people up for accidents. Texting while driving or biking is one of the main ways vehicle operators become distracted, but other factors can distract people as well. Distracted driving and drowsy driving carry the same risks. Any person operating any vehicle on the road should be focused, sober, and alert.
Breaking other traffic laws also increases the risk of bicycle wrecks. Failure to yield the right of way, running stop signs or stop lights, making turns without checking for cyclists, and speeding all put cyclists at risk.
While most bicycle wrecks are due to driver or cyclist error, sometimes a third party is to blame. While it is rare for a bicycle to have a manufacturing defect that would cause a wreck, vehicles could have defects. Additionally, road hazards can cause or contribute to wrecks. Some road hazards to be aware of include potholes, crumbling curbs, and loose gravel. A dedicated attorney in Little Rock will examine the cause of the bike wreck and advise victims about all potential claims.
People might picture skinned knees or minor bruises when they think of a bike wreck. However, when a car or truck hits a cyclist, the damage can go way beyond bumps, scrapes, and bruises. Bicycle accidents can lead to shattered legs, broken wrists and arms, pelvic damage, head injuries, and more.
These injuries can lead to painful and lengthy recoveries. They can also cause financial distress, not only from medical bills but also due to lost wages and reduced earning capacity. The wrongdoer should be the one responsible for the damages. A Little Rock bicycle accident lawyer could help you get the compensation you deserve. Plan a consultation to find out more.