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To Avoid Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Need to Always Ride Defensively
As the number of cyclists increases, the amount of collisions involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like a lot of other car collisions, a large number of them happen 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 roads. They neglect to look out for bicyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.
These kinds of collisions are exacerbated by overly large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are endangered by rapidly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they completely cross the intersection.
What Are the Most Frequent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Some of the most common causes of bicycle collisions include:
Motorists failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some motorists might not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of understanding can be particularly dangerous when a bicyclist and a car are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most dangerous places for vehicles and cyclists. Intersections are one of the main areas where crashes leading to devastating injuries occur.
A motorist failing to observe bicyclists on the road
Motorists not seeing a bicyclist on the road is a common reason for a collision involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists should take precautions to reduce this very avoidable cause of bike accidents.
Bicyclists can use safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of a crash. Similarly, motorists must be aware that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to be especially cautious at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a lot of bike commuters.
Motorists encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, cyclists need to be alert at all times for distracted and reckless drivers. Cars can inadvertently 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 driver or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door
As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a major threat to bicyclists, particularly in urban settings. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can lead to 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 cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems for road safety that we face today. As smartphones have become a huge part of our daily lives, many people find it hard to put 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 no protection if they are struck. Somebody that is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other things may veer into bike lanes. Also, 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 problem that it's been identified as the leading reason for bicycle collisions involving automobiles.
Drivers 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 check their surroundings, it can cause major consequences 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 beginning to reduce 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 Prevent a Bike Accident?
Following appropriate safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Panorama City is the most effective way to avoid accidents and injuries. When moving 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 Panorama City Bicycle Accident Attorney at Drake Law Firm
If you sustain an injury in an accident with a motor vehicle while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you should consult with a qualified bicycle accident lawyer immediately. He or she will help figure out whether you may have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent driver.
At Drake Law Firm, our skilled bicycle accident lawyers assist bicyclists in pursuing cases against negligent motorists that 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 claim or seeking a solution using 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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