To Avoid Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Must Always Ride Defensively
As the amount of bicyclists grows, the number of collisions involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like a lot of other vehicle collisions, a large number of them happen at intersections.
Many of these collisions are the result of motorists that appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roads. They neglect to look out for cyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.
These kinds of accidents are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are put at risk by quickly changing traffic signals that might 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 accidents involve:
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 street. This lack of awareness can be especially hazardous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most hazardous places for vehicles and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the main locations where crashes leading to devastating injuries occur.
A motorist failing to observe cyclists on the road
Motorists not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common cause of a collision involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists need to take preventative measures to minimize this very avoidable cause of bike accidents.
Bicyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of an accident. Likewise, drivers should be aware that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers need to be particularly mindful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in areas with a lot of bike commuters.
Drivers encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the confines of a bike lane, bicyclists need to be alert at all times for distracted and negligent drivers. Cars can unintentionally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a cyclist to suffer major 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 danger to bicyclists, particularly in urban environments. These incidents 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. Engaging in defensive riding techniques is the best way for a bicyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted drivers hitting a bicyclist
Distracted driving is one of the most significant problems for road safety that we experience today. As cell phones have become a major part of our daily lives, many people find it hard to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a threat to other vehicles. But they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians because they have almost no protection if they are hit. Someone that is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other things may divert into bike lanes. Also, 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 collisions involving cars.
Motorists failing 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 assess their surroundings, it can cause major repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Cyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while people are backing out due to their smaller size and their low noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are beginning to minimize these types of collisions. But motorists can not rely on these technologies instead 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 Encino is the most effective way to prevent collisions and injuries. When moving 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 essential to do the following:
Contact an Encino Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Drake Law Firm
If you sustain an injury in a collision with a car while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you should speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They will help determine whether you may have a valid personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent driver.
At Drake Law Firm, our skilled bicycle accident attorneys assist bicyclists in pursuing cases against negligent motorists that have caused major injuries. We know how to receive all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or pursuing a remedy through other means.
Contact Drake Law Firm so I can answer any questions you may have and let you know what I can do to help. If you’re unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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