To Prevent Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Need to Always Ride Defensively
As the number of bicyclists increases, the number of accidents involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like many other car collisions, a large number of them happen at intersections.
A number of these accidents are the result of drivers who appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roads. They neglect to look out for bicyclists when making turns or proceeding through intersections.
These types of accidents are worsened by excessively large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are endangered by quickly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they completely cross the intersection.
What Are the Most Prevalent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Several of the most common causes of bicycle accidents involve:
Motorists failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some drivers might not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of awareness can be particularly hazardous when a bicyclist and a vehicle are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most hazardous areas for cars and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where collisions resulting in devastating injuries take place.
A motorist failing to observe cyclists on the road
Drivers not seeing a cyclist on the road is a common reason for a crash involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists should take preventative measures to limit this very avoidable cause of bike collisions.
Bicyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of an accident. Similarly, drivers should realize that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to be especially cautious at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a lot of bike commuters.
Motorists encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the confines of a bike lane, bicyclists must be alert at all times for distracted and negligent drivers. Vehicles can inadvertently or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of distraction. This can potentially cause a cyclist to suffer significant injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a motorist or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door
As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a serious danger to cyclists, especially in urban settings. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can result in catastrophic injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Practicing defensive riding techniques is the best way for a bicyclist to avoid being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted motorists hitting a cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the greatest concerns for road safety that we face today. As smartphones have become a major part of our everyday lives, many people find it difficult to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a risk to other vehicles. However they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians since they have almost zero protection if they are hit. Somebody who is distracted by texting, eating, or a multitude of other things may divert into bike lanes. Also, they might not notice a bicyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a cyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big problem that it's been identified as the leading cause of bicycle collisions involving motor vehicles.
Drivers neglecting to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots
When a motorist that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not fully assess their surroundings, it can cause major repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Cyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while individuals are backing out due to their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup cameras and sensors are starting to lessen these kinds of accidents. But drivers can not depend on these technologies in place of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.
How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you get injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to do the following:
Contact a North Hollywood Bicycle Accident Attorney at Tim D. Wright
If you suffer an injury in an accident with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should talk to a qualified bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They will help determine whether you might have a valid personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent driver.
At Tim D. Wright, our knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers help bicyclists in seeking cases against negligent drivers who have caused major injuries. We understand how to collect all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or pursuing a solution through other means.
Get a free consultation with our legal experts
