To Avoid Accidents and Injuries, Cyclists Have to Always Ride Defensively
As the amount of cyclists grows, the amount of accidents involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like a lot of other vehicle accidents, a large number of them occur at intersections. A lot of these accidents are the result of motorists who seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roads. They fail to look out for bicyclists when making turns or driving through intersections.
These types of accidents are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are endangered by quickly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they completely cross the intersection.
What Are the Most Prevalent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some drivers may not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of understanding can be especially dangerous when a cyclist and a vehicle are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most dangerous places for cars and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where accidents resulting in devastating injuries occur.
A motorist failing to observe cyclists when driving
Motorists not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common reason for a crash involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists need to take preventative measures to reduce this very preventable cause of bike accidents.
Cyclists can use safety accessories like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of a crash. Likewise, motorists must be aware that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to be particularly 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 should be alert at all times for distracted and negligent motorists. Vehicles can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a bicyclist 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 threat to cyclists, especially in urban environments. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause catastrophic 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 prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted drivers hitting a cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the biggest concerns for roadway safety that we face today. As cell phones have become a huge part of our everyday lives, many individuals find it difficult to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a danger to other vehicles. Yet they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians since they have practically no protection if they are struck. Somebody that is distracted by texting, eating, or a myriad of other things might divert into bike lanes. Also, 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 reason for bicycle accidents involving cars.
Motorists neglecting to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots
When a driver that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not completely check their surroundings, it can lead to serious repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while people are backing out due to their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are starting to lessen these kinds of collisions. However motorists can not depend on these technologies instead of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.
How Can I Avoid a Bike Accident?
Following appropriate safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Pasadena is the best way to prevent collisions and injuries. When riding in traffic, bicyclists need to 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 Pasadena Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Tim D. Wright
If you suffer an injury in an accident with a car while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. He or she will help figure out whether you might have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent motorist.
At Tim D. Wright, our skilled bicycle accident lawyers assist bicyclists in pursuing claims against negligent drivers that have caused serious injuries. We know how to collect all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or pursuing a solution through other methods.
Get a free consultation with our legal experts
