To Avoid Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Must Always Ride Defensively
As the number of bicyclists grows, the amount of accidents involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like a lot of other vehicle collisions, a large number of them occur at intersections. A lot of these accidents are the result of motorists that seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They neglect to look for cyclists when making turns or moving through intersections. These kinds of accidents are worsened by excessively large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are put at risk by rapidly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they completely cross the intersection.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Some of the most common causes of bicycle collisions involve:
Motorists failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some motorists might not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the road. This lack of knowledge can be especially hazardous when a bicyclist and a car are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most hazardous areas for vehicles and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the major areas where collisions leading to devastating injuries take place.
A driver failing to observe bicyclists on the street
Drivers not seeing a cyclist on the road is a common reason for a crash involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists should take precautions to minimize this very avoidable cause of bike accidents.
Cyclists can use safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help lower the possibility of a collision. Likewise, motorists should know that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to be particularly mindful 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, cyclists should be alert at all times for distracted and reckless motorists. Vehicles can unintentionally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially 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 serious danger to bicyclists, particularly 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. Engaging in defensive riding techniques is the most effective way for a cyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted drivers hitting a bicyclist
Distracted driving is one of the greatest problems for road safety that we experience today. As cell phones have become a huge part of our everyday lives, many individuals find it hard to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a risk to other vehicles. But they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians because they have almost no protection if they are struck. Someone that is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other things might veer into bike lanes. Likewise, 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 concern that it's been identified as the leading cause of bicycle collisions involving motor vehicles.
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 completely check their surroundings, it can lead to major repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists 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 video cameras and sensors are starting to lessen these types of collisions. However drivers can not depend on these technologies in place of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.
How Can I Prevent a Bike Accident?
Following proper safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Fresno is the best way to avoid collisions and injuries. When riding in traffic, cyclists should do the following:
How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you get hurt in a bicycle accident, it is vital to do the following:
Contact a Fresno Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Tim D. Wright
If you suffer an injury in a collision with a car while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should talk to a qualified bicycle accident lawyer right away. He or she will help figure out whether you might have a legitimate 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 are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or seeking a remedy using other means.
Get a free consultation with our legal experts
