Many people are not aware of how common bicycle accidents are. You may think a bicycle accident is something that only happens to other people, but it can happen to you, too.
You need to take precautions and make sure that you know what causes these accidents to keep yourself out of a bad situation. If you are injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, consider discussing your case with a personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand your options to recover compensation for your losses related to the accident.
This blog post will discuss some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents to help you prepare for your next ride.
Distracted Driving
You may find that drivers don’t pay attention to anything on the road other than themselves. Therefore, you’ll need to ride defensively and give vehicles the right-of-way.
You should always be very aware when riding near parked cars because drivers sometimes open a door without warning. It’s best practice for cyclists running late or having little patience to take alternate routes where they know parking isn’t allowed, like cycling paths through parks or alleys instead.
Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
Unfortunately, many drivers on the road are used to running red lights and stop signs. It would be best if you always rode with the assumption that every driver will do this. You must remember: You have a green light only if there is no oncoming traffic.
You must always yield to traffic, even if you have a green light. In addition, you should always ride defensively. Assume every driver infringes on your right-of-way to protect your safety.
Getting Too Close
Often, drivers won’t leave adequate room for cyclists when passing them. These drivers may also try to move the cyclist from their lane. You should always keep a safe distance away, so they don’t have this opportunity.
You want there to be enough room for you and your bike - not just you on your bike. Drivers are supposed to put at least three feet of space between them and any cyclist they pass. However, this isn’t always the case, unfortunately.
Drivers Not Looking When Turning
A driver not looking while turning is one of the most common causes of bicycle accidents. Take extra precautions by assuming that drivers might not look and might not see you before they turn.
Take extra care when you want to ride straight through an intersection, but a vehicle is planning on turning left. Never think you can beat a driver or that they’ll give you the right of way. Try to remember that your safety matters much more than being right or in a hurry.
Driver Reversing a Vehicle
Drivers backing up is another common cause of accidents. In addition, you need to make sure that you watch out for any vehicles driving in reverse because they won’t expect you to be there.
Always be aware of the sound of reversing vehicles. Be prepared for anything that could happen, especially when a driver backs a car out of a driveway or pathway hidden by trees or bushes. If you can’t see the car backing out, the driver likely can’t see you either.
Drunk Drivers
Drunk drivers are another one of the most common causes of cycling accidents. You should always be constantly aware of your surroundings when biking at night, especially if you’re in areas with high alcohol consumption rates.
It’s not uncommon to see drunk people driving without realizing they’ve had too much. Drunkenness can also lead to other dangerous behaviors like texting while driving or drinking and getting behind a wheel.
No matter what time it is or where you might be, never assume that someone isn’t under the influence just because they look sober enough. Drunk drivers might have their lights off, have trouble navigating, or start driving erratically.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
If you have been in a bicycle accident, it’s important to know what steps to take. You should always contact the police and make sure that they’re aware of the situation.
You should also take pictures and document everything that has happened. This documentation helps protect your future rights as a cyclist who was involved in this accident. Photos and written statements can serve as evidence to prove to the insurance company that you weren’t at fault.
Bicycle Accident Attorney
You may want to get in touch with a bicycle accident attorney if you were injured by another party. By having legal representation, your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf and work toward securing a fair settlement for your bike accident. Why risk being unfairly compensated and not having recourse to fix it?
When you hire a bicycle accident lawyer from Brandon J. Broderick, you pay nothing upfront. We work on contingent fees that are only collected if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. Don’t wait, contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can turn your setback into a comeback.