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To Avoid Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Must Always Ride Defensively
As the number of cyclists increases, the number of collisions involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like a lot of other car collisions, a number of them occur at intersections.
A lot of these collisions are the result of motorists who seem 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 types of accidents are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are put at risk by quickly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they completely cross the intersection.
What Are the Most Prevalent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Several 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 laws of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of knowledge can be particularly hazardous when a cyclist and a vehicle are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most hazardous areas for vehicles and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the main locations where collisions leading to devastating injuries take place.
A driver failing to observe bicyclists on the road
Drivers not seeing a bicyclist on the street is a common reason for an accident involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists should take precautions to minimize this very preventable cause of bike collisions.
Bicyclists can utilize safety accessories like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of a collision. Similarly, drivers must realize that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers should be particularly cautious at intersections, near bike lanes, and in areas with a lot of bike commuters.
Motorists encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the confines of a bike lane, cyclists need to 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 possibly cause a bicyclist to sustain significant 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 cyclists, especially in urban settings. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause devastating injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Practicing defensive riding techniques is the best way for a cyclist to avoid being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted drivers hitting a cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the most significant problems for road safety that we face today. As cell phones have become a huge part of our daily lives, many individuals find it hard to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a danger to other vehicles. But they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians since they have practically zero protection if they are struck. Someone that is distracted by texting, eating, or a myriad of other things may veer 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 concern that it's been identified as the leading reason for bicycle crashes involving cars.
Drivers 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 assess their surroundings, it can cause serious consequences for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while individuals are backing out because of their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are starting to minimize these kinds of accidents. 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 Sherman Oaks is the best way to avoid accidents and injuries. When moving in traffic, cyclists 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 hurt in a bicycle accident, it is essential to do the following:
Contact a Sherman Oaks Bicycle Accident Attorney at Drake Law Firm
If you sustain an injury in an accident with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you should consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney immediately. He or she will help determine whether you might have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent driver.
At Drake Law Firm, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers help bicyclists in pursuing claims against negligent motorists who have caused severe 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.
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