With 71 non-motorized trails for mountain and street cyclists to explore in the Quad Cities area, there are plenty of options for locals to get out and move more. One of our favorites is the Quad Cities’ portion of the 500-mile Grand Illinois Trail (GIT) that follows along the waters of the scenic Mississippi River and historic Hennepin Canal. Unfortunately, while biking on the trails is usually safe, accidents can happen on and off the trails. When the accident is not your fault, you need a Quad Cities bicycle accidents attorney at your service.
If you’ve been in a bike accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, then contact Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham immediately at (309) 794-1515. Conversely, we’d also like to share tips to help you avoid a bike accident injury, thus needing our legal services.
Bicycle Accident Prevention
To reduce your chances of being injured in a bicycle accident in the Quad Cities area, you should:
- Wear reflective gear and lights to make you more visible to others
- Never assume drivers see you on the road or while backing out of driveways
- Be extra careful when riding by parked vehicles to avoid a dooring accident
- Use designated bike lanes whenever possible
- Use hand and arm signals
- Choose the safest lane position
- Follow the rules of the road
- Avoid riding when the weather is bad
Although many of these safety measures are easy to follow, they won’t stop reckless cyclists and drivers from colliding with you and causing serious injuries while you ride your bike.
The Quad Cities accident lawyers at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham also highly recommend wearing a helmet and other protective gear–even if Iowa and Illinois state laws do not require it. Doing so could save your life.
What Are Common Bike Accident Injuries?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of riding a bicycle is the release of mood-enhancing endorphins. Endorphins get released from the rush of cycling down hills and pedaling near and away from potentially dangerous circumstances. However, cyclists are basically riding unprotected against larger vehicles, dangerous dogs, and other hazardous conditions. A collision can result in devastating injuries.
For example, our Quad Cities bicycle accidents lawyers have served clients that have suffered from bike-related:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Ligament and tendon tears
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ damage
- Limb amputation
- Road rash
- Dog bites
While many bike accident injuries heal over time, some can cause permanent physical and emotional damage. Our legal team knows how to get fair compensation from the at-fault party to help ensure that your immediate and future expenses are covered.
Related: What Are Punitive Damages?
Contact a Quad Cities Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you believe that the negligence of another party injured you or a loved one in a bike accident, contact our Quad Cities bicycle accident attorneys as soon as possible. You can reach Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone (309) 794-1515 or through the Internet via LiveChat.
We are one of the oldest and most prestigious law firms in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities. Our personal injuries lawyers have successfully served the varied legal interests of clients throughout Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Whiteside, and Knox counties in Illinois and Scott County in Iowa for over 50 years. We offer free initial consultations and accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.
Contact us today, and you’ll find out why Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham has become one of the most trusted names in Quad Cities personal injury law.