To Prevent Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Have to Always Ride Defensively
As the amount of cyclists grows, the amount of accidents involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other car crashes, a large number of them happen at intersections. A lot of these collisions are the result of drivers that appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roads. They neglect to look for cyclists when making turns or driving through intersections.
These kinds of accidents are exacerbated by excessively large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are endangered by rapidly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they completely cross the intersection.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Several of the most common causes of bicycle collisions include:
Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some motorists may not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of understanding can be especially dangerous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most dangerous areas for cars and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where collisions leading to devastating injuries occur.
A driver failing to observe cyclists on the street
Motorists not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common cause of a collision involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists must take safety measures to minimize this very avoidable cause of bike accidents.
Bicyclists can use safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help lower the possibility of an accident. Similarly, motorists need to understand that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers should be particularly mindful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a lot of bike commuters.
Drivers encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the confines of a bike lane, cyclists must be alert at all times for distracted and reckless motorists. Cars can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of distraction. This can possibly cause a bicyclist to sustain major injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a motorist or passenger does not pay attention while opening a car door
As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a major danger to cyclists, especially in urban settings. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause devastating 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 prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted motorists hitting a bicyclist
Distracted driving is one of the most significant concerns for roadway safety that we experience today. As cell phones have become a huge part of our daily lives, many people find it hard to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a risk to other vehicles. However they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians because they have practically zero protection if they are struck. Somebody that is distracted by texting, eating, or a multitude of other things might divert into bike lanes. Likewise, they might not notice a cyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a bicyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big problem that it's been identified as the leading cause of bicycle collisions involving automobiles.
Motorists 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 because of their smaller size and their low noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are starting to lessen these types of collisions. But motorists can not rely on these technologies in place of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.
How Can I Prevent a Bike Accident?
Following appropriate safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Riverside is the best way to prevent collisions and injuries. When riding in traffic, bicyclists should do the following:
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 vital to do the following:
Contact a Riverside Bicycle Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright
If you sustain an injury in a collision with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you need to talk to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will help figure out whether you might have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent driver.
At the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, our knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys assist cyclists in seeking cases against negligent motorists that have caused serious injuries. We know how to collect all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or pursuing a solution through other means.
Get a free consultation with our legal experts
