To Avoid Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Have to Always Ride Defensively
As the number of cyclists increases, the amount of accidents involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other vehicle collisions, a large number of them happen at intersections. A number of these collisions are the result of drivers that appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They fail to look out for cyclists when making turns or proceeding through intersections.
These types of accidents are exacerbated by overly large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are endangered by rapidly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they fully cross the intersection.
What are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Several of the most common causes of bicycle collisions involve:
Motorists failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some motorists may not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of understanding can be particularly hazardous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most dangerous areas for vehicles and cyclists. Intersections are one of the main locations where crashes leading to devastating injuries take place.
A driver failing to observe bicyclists on the street
Motorists not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common cause of an accident involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists need to take preventative measures to minimize this very preventable cause of bike accidents.
Bicyclists can utilize safety accessories like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of a collision. Similarly, drivers 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 careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in areas with a large number of bike commuters.
Motorists encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, cyclists should be alert at all times for distracted and reckless motorists. Vehicles can inadvertently or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of distraction. This can possibly cause a cyclist to sustain major injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a driver or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door
As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a major threat to bicyclists, particularly 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 drivers hitting a cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the greatest 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 danger to other vehicles. But they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians because they have almost zero protection if they are struck. Somebody who is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other things might divert into bike lanes. Also, they might not notice a cyclist 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 reason for bicycle collisions involving automobiles.
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 check their surroundings, it can cause serious 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 reduced noise levels. Backup cameras and sensors are beginning to lessen these kinds of collisions. However 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 Glendale is the best way to prevent collisions and injuries. When moving in traffic, bicyclists need to do the following:
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you get hurt in a bicycle accident, it is essential to do the following:
Contact a Glendale Bicycle Accident Attorney at Tim D. Wright
If you suffer an injury in a collision with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should speak with a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer right away. He or she will help determine whether you may have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent motorist.
At Tim D. Wright, our knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers assist bicyclists in pursuing cases against negligent motorists that have caused serious injuries. We understand how to receive 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
