With summer approaching more people are dusting off their bicycles and riding bikes to work.  A personal injury lawyer in Chicago will tell you that now is the time to review the safety rules for bicyclists.

Those who bicycle to work have specific safety considerations. Those who commute by bicycle are often traveling during rush hour. This is a busy time of day and drivers are impatient and anxious as traffic peaks. If you plan to commute to work on a bike during rush hour follow these safety considerations:

Plan a route - Research the route you want to take to work each day. Then stick to it. Drivers typically take the same route and will likely see you most days. This will make them more aware of your presence, which increases safety.

Avoid roads - Depending where you live you may have access to bike paths that you can utilize to travel to work. Bike paths are the safest places for cyclists so plan your route around them when possible.

Don’t forget safety equipment - Anytime you bike it is important to wear the proper safety accessories. Wearing a helmet, reflective or bright clothing, elbow and kneepads and a light for the evening commute are a must. It is also smart to have emergency supplies like a tool kit, bike pump and rain gear.

These tips will help keep a commuting cyclist safe during rush hour. There are additional rules that bicyclists of all ages should follow at all times of day.

• Never ride without a proper helmet.
• Avoid riding your bike at night. If you have no choice, use a light and wear bright or reflective clothing.
• Ride on quiet streets and stay off busy roads and highways.
• Adhere to the same instructions on signs and traffic lights as drivers.
• Learn and use bicyclist hand signs.
• Never assume what a driver is going to do next. Stay alert.
• Always ride with both hands engaged on the brakes.
• Look drivers in the eye to make sure you know they see you.
• Be weary of passing motor vehicles and never ride between two lanes of cars.

There are 4,000 bike accidents in Illinois each year. Many of these accidents could be prevented if bicyclists took the necessary safety precautions each time they ride. Bicycle safety rules should be taught to children at a young age. When going on a family bike ride in the neighborhood everyone should wear the proper safety equipment. Children learn by example and bicycle safety should be as mandatory as putting on a seatbelt when getting into a car.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident you will want to contact a bicycle accident attorney to discuss the options available to you. They can help you receive the compensation necessary to cover your medical bills and make up for any lost wages.

If you do not ride a bicycle but drive to work, remember to watch for bicyclists at all times. Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and avoid sudden movements such as swerving. Learn the hand signals used by bicyclists so that you can understand what they are telling you. When you anticipate sharing the road with bike riders you are less likely to be involved in a bicycle accident.

This guest blog post was provided by Abels & Annes, P.C. Personal injury lawyers in Chicago. We will fight for the compensation you deserve so you can relax and focus on recovering from your injuries and moving on with your life.

Our Michigan bike accident lawyers are reporting a tragic Monroe hit and run accident.  The accident took place on Sunday, October 24th in the early a.m. hours. According to police, Anthony J. Stemen was killed when he was struck from behind while riding a three-wheeled bicycle on North Monroe St., in Frenchtown Township. 

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I am very sorry to hear about this accident. My condolences go out to the family of the deceased victim and I hope the driver of the vehicle is found. (more…)

Our Michigan car accident lawyers are reporting a fatal hit and run accident that took place on North Monroe Street on Sunday around 1 a.m.  According to police, Anthony J. Stemen was riding his bike in the right lane of the street when he struck by a minivan. The bicyclist was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead due to the bike accident.

I am very sorry to hear about this accident. My condolences go out to the family of the deceased and I hope that the driver of the minivan is found.

Our Michigan auto accident lawyers advise accident victims of their legal rights. For this type of Michigan accident, the family members of the deceased victim may be able to make a claim for Survivor Loss Benefits. This can include payment of funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of other services.

Also, the family members of the deceased may have a claim for a Michigan wrongful death lawsuit against the driver if found and if police determine was negligent.  At the very least, the family members should contact a lawyer to find out their legal rights.

Our Michigan personal injury lawyers are reporting a story in the paper yesterday about a Grand Haven school bus accident.  The accident took place on Friday, September 17th, shortly before 3 p.m at Grand Haven High School.  According to police, two teenage girls, Megan Grand and Victoria Morgaine, were hit by a school bus when they were riding their bikes between two busses and hit by a third bus that did not see them. Both girls were taken to the hosptial and suffered injuries.

I am very sorry to hear about this accident and hope the two injured victims have a fast recovery.

Our Michigan car accident lawyers advise victims of their legal rights.  The injured individuals may be able to submit a claim for Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits. No-Fault benefits will cover their medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care, replacement services, and other benefits related to injuries suffered in the accident. The injured person can claim these benefits even if they did not have a Michigan automobile insurance policy.

In addition, the accident injury victims may also have claims for personal injuries against the bus driver and school dsitrict if  the bus driver is determined to be at fault in this bus-bike accident.

Our Michigan personal injury lawyers are reporting a Deerfield township truck-bike accident that was a hit and run.  The accident took place on Saturday, August 7th, after 11 p.m.  According to police, a Dodge pickup truck hit a bicyclist, Elias Lopez on South Winn Road and killing him. The truck driver then fled the scene.

I am very sorry to hear about this tragic bicycle accident. My condolences go out to the family of the deceased and hope the truck driver is found.

Our Michigan auto accident lawyers advise accident victims of their legal rights. For this type of Michigan bike accident, the family members of the deceased victim may be able to make a claim for Survivor Loss Benefits. This can include payment of funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of other services.

Also, the family members of the deceased may have a claim for a Michigan wrongful death lawsuit against the driver if found and police determine was negligent and caused the accident.  At the very least, the family members should contact a lawer to find out their legal rights.