Bicycle Accident in Beaumont, CA

Beaumont Bicycle Accident Attorney

To Prevent Accidents and Injuries, Cyclists Have to Always Ride Defensively

As the amount of bicyclists grows, the number of collisions involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other vehicle crashes, a large number of them occur at intersections.

A lot of these collisions are the result of drivers that seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They neglect to look for bicyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.

These kinds of collisions are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are endangered by quickly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they fully cross the intersection.

What Are the Most Frequent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of bicycle collisions involve:

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some motorists may not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of understanding can be especially hazardous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the road while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most hazardous places for vehicles and cyclists. Intersections are one of the main locations where collisions leading to devastating injuries happen.

A motorist failing to observe bicyclists when driving

Motorists not seeing a bicyclist on the road is a common cause of a collision involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists should take safety measures to reduce this very avoidable cause of bike accidents.

Cyclists can use safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored apparel to help lower the possibility of a collision. Likewise, 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 especially careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in areas with a large number of bike commuters.

Drivers encroaching into bike lanes

Even while riding within the confines of a bike lane, cyclists need to be alert at all times for distracted and negligent drivers. Cars can unintentionally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of inattention. This can possibly cause a bicyclist to suffer major injuries.

Bicycle doorings when a motorist or passenger does not pay attention while opening a car door

As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a major danger to cyclists, especially in urban settings. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can lead to devastating injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Practicing defensive riding techniques is the most effective way for a bicyclist to avoid being the victim of a dooring.

Distracted motorists hitting a cyclist

Distracted driving is one of the most significant concerns for roadway safety that we experience today. As cell phones have become a major part of our everyday lives, many individuals find it hard to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a danger to other vehicles. But 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 variety of other reasons may veer into bike lanes. Likewise, they may 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 reason for bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles.

Motorists failing 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 completely assess their surroundings, it can result in serious consequences 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 starting to reduce these types of collisions. But drivers can not depend on these technologies instead 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 Beaumont is the most effective way to avoid collisions and injuries. When riding in traffic, cyclists need to do the following:

• Obey the rules of the road
• Presume that vehicles and drivers will fail to see you
• Provide cars a wide berth
• Periodically yield to motor vehicles under certain conditions when you do not know if a motorist has spotted you
• You should have appropriate safety gear

How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?

• Use a properly-fitting helmet
• Wear bright or reflective clothing
• Use a bike light, reflectors, and reflective tape
• Adhere to all posted traffic laws
• Flight with the flow of traffic
• Use bike lanes whenever possible
• Make sure your bicycle is in good working condition
• Stay alert at all times and avoid distracted riding

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?

If you get injured in a bicycle accident, it is essential to do the following:

• Call 911 and make a police report. Do not let a driver talk you into not making a police report. That can lead to issues later.
• Exchange information with the driver that hit you. Photograph of his or her driver's license and insurance policy card.
• Take multiple pictures of your bike, the car that hit you, and the scene of the crash.
• Get witness information from anybody that happened to see the collision. Don't skip this step, as authorities do not always take down witness details and you could need it later.
• If needed, get medical attention right away.
• Get in touch with a knowledgeable bike accident attorney in Beaumont. Do this prior to calling the other party's insurance provider.

Contact a Beaumont 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 consult with a qualified bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will help figure out whether you might have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent driver.

At Tim D. Wright, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys help cyclists in seeking claims against negligent drivers who have caused serious injuries. We understand how to collect all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or seeking a remedy through other means.

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