A Spokane Valley bicyclist was recently injured in a hit and run accident. Spokane law enforcement responded to the accident scene, which involved a bicyclist and an unidentified vehicle driver. The bicyclist is reported to have been struck by the motorist, who immediately took off from the scene of the accident and failed to provide the injured bicyclist with help. 

The injured bicyclist was rushed to a local medical facility where he was in serious condition. Meanwhile, the motorist who caused the accident has not yet been apprehended. 

If you are the victim of a hit and run accident in Spokane or any other part of Washington state, it is likely that you will be able to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

For bicyclists, however, the best way to avoid the devastating nature of accidents is to take some safety precautions to greatly reduce the risk of ending up in an accident. The following will review some of the tips that bicyclists should follow to avoid ending up in a serious accident.

Wear a Helmet

Using a safety helmet is one of the best steps that bicyclists can take to avoid being injured in an accident. Not all helmets are equal, however. Bicyclists should make sure to wear helmets that are approved by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

The helmet that a rider chooses to wear should also properly fit his or her head. When selecting a well-fitting helmet, the rim of the helmet should remain at forehead level and a length of approximately two fingers above a person's eyebrows. 

Maintain Your Bike

Before selecting a bicycle, it is important to make sure that it fits your budget and desired purpose. Get your bike tuned up by a professional regularly, and make sure all parts are functioning properly. Keep your tires full of air and in good working condition. 

Special Considerations for Children

When selecting a bicycle for a child, make sure he or she can straddle a seat and place both feet firmly on the ground. It is vital that parents avoid purchasing a bicycle for a child that is too tall. Your child's bicycle requires adequate maintenance, as well. This means checking to make sure that tires are properly inflated and that handlebars are at the appropriate height. 

Pay attention to your child's riding patterns, and if your child is younger than 10, place a limit on where he or she can ride. Children may not be ready to ride their bikes in traffic, and instead may need to ride on the sidewalk. Parents should ride along with their children to help them find the safest routes and practice safe biking at all times.

Speak with an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle accidents can occur suddenly and often result in victims facing consequences that last the rest of their lives. If you or a loved one needs the assistance of an experienced accident attorney, you should not hesitate to speak with a compassionate accident attorney at West Law Office today.