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Safe Cycling in Calgary with James H. Brown

With warm summer days on the horizon, many Calgarians are looking forward to biking during their morning commute. While cycling is a great way to start and finish your working day, it can also be dangerous if you don’t take the appropriate precautions.

According to the Alberta Bicycle Association, nearly a quarter of bicycle accidents are caused by collisions with cars. To be clear, drivers are ultimately the greater danger; after all, they’re the ones in a 3000+ lb. metal vehicle. Nonetheless, cyclists should still exercise caution to avoid accidents and serious injury. Below, you’ll find James H. Brown and Associates’ top tips for safe cycling in Calgary, as well as what to do if you’re injured in an accident and how our experienced legal team can help.

  1. Use bike lanes wherever possible. While drivers should be looking out for cyclists on all roadways, Calgary’s many bike lanes are far and away the safest option for your commute. Calgary’s network of one- and two-way bicycle tracks can get you just about anywhere in the downtown Core.
  2. Make your presence known. This is especially important at night. Wear brightly coloured clothing, use a bell or a horn, attach lights and reflective strips to your bike, ride in places and lanes where cars will likely be able to see you in their mirrors.
  3. Communicate. When riding on the road, use hand signals to let drivers and pedestrians know where you’re going and what you’ll be doing.
  4. Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for potholes, cracks, storm grates, railroad tracks, and other potential hazards. Don’t wear headphones while you ride; listening for oncoming traffic can help prevent accidents.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Bicycle Accident

  1. Seek Medical Attention, Even For Minor Injuries. Even if your injuries appear “minor,” it’s still wise to seek medical care and get a full diagnosis. Your medical provider should thoroughly document your injuries in their records, which will be used to evaluate your claim.
  2. Keep Track of Expenses, Damages, and Changes. They can be lost days of work, out-of-pocket expenses, or even psychological trauma. Documenting your damages as you go will make getting a complete and fair settlement much easier.
  3. Seek Legal Advice (BEFORE Talking to the Driver’s Insurance). As soon as the driver’s insurance company finds out you were involved in an accident with their client, they’ll likely try to contact you to obtain a statement. Never give an insurance company a statement without speaking with an injury lawyer first. Many insurance companies will look for information in your statement they can use to minimize their payout. Instead, contact an injury lawyer immediately to determine the best course of action.

James H. Brown and Associates: Alberta’s Personal Injury Lawyers

After a serious bicycle accident, you need an experienced legal team to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Since 1993, James H. Brown and Associates has been proud to stand up for Albertans’ rights, helping them attain justice and fair compensation after their injuries. With over 200 years of award-winning injury law experience and a proven record of success, our team is ready to go the extra mile to support you and your family every step of the way through the legal process.

Have You Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident?

Contact us today to book a free, no-obligation consultation with James H. Brown and Associates’ injury lawyers.

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