Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
Recently, a cyclist was seriously injured after being involved in a bike accident in Portland, Maine. According to a local news report, the collision occurred on the corner of Mellen St. and Park Ave. at around 2:30 in the afternoon. When emergency responders arrived on the scene, they found the cyclist in critical condition and transported him to the Maine Medical Center. The driver of the vehicle involved in the accident suffered minor injuries and was transported to a different hospital.
Police are still investigating the cause of the accident, and are asking anyone with knowledge of the collision to come forward.
Maine Bike Accidents
Bicycles are a great way to get around Maine in the warmer months. However, cycling is not without its risks. For example, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, in 2019, nearly 850 people were killed in bike accidents. The vast majority of these collisions were entirely preventable.
How to Stay Safe When Cycling in Maine
Cyclists should always follow some basic safety tips when riding on Maine roads.
Always Wear a Helmet – Helmets have been shown to decrease the chances of suffering a fatal or life-threatening injury after a bike accident. However, more than half of all fatal bike accident victims were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
Know the Laws – Every state has slightly different laws when it comes to cycling. For example, Maine law requires bicyclists to follow all rules of the road, just as though they were driving a car. At the same time, other drivers must treat bikers as vehicles. This means cars must yield to cyclists when appropriate.
Wear Brightly Colored Clothing – Especially when riding at night, it is important to wear brightly colored clothing. This will make it much easier for drivers to see you. A significant number of Maine bike accidents are caused by drivers failing to notice cyclists in their vicinity. While it isn’t a cyclist’s responsibility to ensure other drivers are paying attention, this is an easy way to decrease the likelihood of an accident.
Be Careful Passing Parked Cars – Parked cars can be a major hazard for riders, as drivers who are exiting their vehicle may not see an approaching bicyclist. If a motorist opens their door to exit their vehicle into the path of a biker, it can cause the cyclist to take last-second evasive action to avoid a collision with the door. However, this may result in the cyclist veering into traffic, putting them at risk of being hit by another car.
Have You Been Injured in a Maine Cycling Accident?
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a Maine bike accident, reach out to the law firm of Peter Thompson & Associates. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we provide aggressive representation to accident victims and their families, helping them recover meaningful compensation for what they’ve been through. To learn more about how we can help you with your case, and to schedule a free consultation, call 800-804-2004 today.