PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN FROM SUMMER BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

According to the 2015 figures provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), children fourteen years old and younger accounted for 12 percent of the bicycling injuries and five percent of the bicycling fatalities in 2015. That year, 47 children died in traffic crashes involving pedal-cyclists. Also in 2015, 47 children between the ages of 15 years and 19 years died in traffic accidents involving pedal-cyclists.

Whenever a child is injured, it is tragic. Parents can help prevent bicycle accidents by taking steps to help their children be safe and responsible riders.

Children and Bicycle Safety

Summer is quickly approaching, so you can be assured that more children will be out riding their bicycles. You can reduce the risk of a bicycle accident by riding bicycles with your child. Always demonstrate safe bicycle behaviors when riding with your child. In addition, follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of an injury:

• Bicycle Helmets — Children should always wear bicycle helmets and other safety gear (i.e. elbow pads, gloves, knee pads, closed-in shoes) when riding their bikes. These safety times may not prevent a bicycle crash, but they do reduce the risk of severe injury and death in a crash.
• Proper Bicycle Adjustment — Purchase a bicycle that is the correct height for your child. Adjust the bicycle seat so that your child’s feet can comfortably touch the ground when the bicycle is stopped. Make sure that the bicycle seat is level from front to back.
• Visibility — Do not trust motorists and others to see your child on his or her bicycle. Always dress your child is brightly colored clothing and add reflectors and lights to the bicycle. Avoid riding at dawn and dusk when visibility is worse.
• Inspect the Bicycle — Routinely inspect your child’s bicycle to ensure that all parts are in good working order, especially the handlebars, breaks, chains, and seat
• Distractions — Do not allow your child to ride using headphones or other electronics. Teach your child about the dangers of riding with distractions.
• Clothing — Make sure your child does not wear loose clothing that could become caught in the chain or wheel spokes.

For more tips and information about child bicycle safety, visit the Safe Kids Worldwide and NHTSA websites.

Children Injured in Bicycle Accidents

Children who are injured in a bicycle accident may be entitled to receive compensation for their injuries. Parents should consult an experienced Sacramento bicycle accident attorney to discuss legal options for their child.

Even though minors may have additional time to file a claim under California’s statute of limitations, parents should not wait to contact an attorney. Evidence can become more difficult to obtain as more time goes by.  Furthermore, insurance adjusters can be very persistent in pushing for a settlement. It is not in your child’s best interest to settle a claim before discussing the legal ramifications of signing a settlement and release.

Call a Sacramento Bicycle Accidents Attorney

If your child is injured in a bicycle accident, we want to help you protect his or her legal right to receive full compensation from the party who caused the accident.

Call the Sacramento bicycle accident attorneys of the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 for a free legal consultation.  We handle personal injury cases for clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.