Bicycle Safety Checklist
West Coast Trial Lawyer Can Help In a Bike Accident
Bicycle accidents are the leading cause of death for children in Los Angeles. According to a study conducted by the LA Vision Zero Project, approximately 200 people a year die from bicycle accidents. Unfortunately, most of these deaths could have been prevented with simple safety precautions, such as wearing a helmet. Listed below is a bicycle safety checklist that everyone should follow.

- Dents or cracks in the frame
- Rust patches that could weaken the frame
- Security of the frame (all parts are tightly screwed)
- Tight seats, handlebars, and front fork
- Appropriate seat height
- The handlebar is inline with the front wheel
The Tires and Wheels | What to Check For
- Fully inflated tires
- Tire tread
- Visible bulging damage
- Free spinning wheels
Bicycle Brakes | What to Check For
- Brakes are stopping the spinning wheels without slipping
- Test to see that your bike does not move forward while applying the brakes
- Brake pads should have 3/16 of an inch of rubber
- Hand brakes should have some resistance when squeezed and should not squeeze all the way
Crank and Chain | What to Check For
- If the crack is sturdy
- Are the pedals sturdy?
- If the chain is lubricated
Adult Gear
- Helmet
- Mini first aid kit
- Bell or horn
- Reflective wheel stripes
- GPS
- Bike mirrors and reflective sticker
- Helmet or handlebar headlight
What Children Should Wear
- Childproof helmet
- Elbow pads
- Knee pads
- Bright colors
Available Damages
Accidents happen. If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Below is a brief explanation of damages. Damages are a type of monetary award that is determined by a court of law to help compensate an aggrieved individual for any losses or injuries sustained as a result of someone’s negligence.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate a plaintiff for losses that a dollar amount can readily be attached to. Economic damages are calculated by determining the amount of out of pocket losses an aggrieved individual has or will expect to incur as a result of their injuries.
A few examples of economic losses include:
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are essentially intended to cover losses that are thought of as subjective and will not necessarily cover out of pocket losses. Non-economic damages may include compensation for:
- Emotional Distress
- Pain And Suffering
- Loss Of Enjoyment Of Life
- More
Punitive Damages
The third type of damages a California court may award are known as punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended as punishment and are only awarded when a defendant’s behavior is especially harmful. Punitive damages are relatively rare and in fact were only incorporated in 5% of all verdicts.