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To Avoid Accidents and Injuries, Cyclists Must Always Ride Defensively
As the number of cyclists grows, the amount of accidents involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other vehicle accidents, a number of them happen at intersections.
A lot of these accidents are the result of drivers who seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They fail to look out for cyclists when making turns or proceeding through intersections.
These kinds of collisions 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 street. This lack of understanding can be particularly dangerous when a cyclist and a vehicle are sharing the road while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most hazardous areas for vehicles and cyclists. Intersections are one of the main areas where crashes resulting in devastating injuries take place.
A motorist failing to observe cyclists when driving
Motorists not seeing a cyclist on the street is a common reason for an accident involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists need to take safety measures to limit this very preventable cause of bike accidents.
Cyclists can use safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help lower the possibility of a collision. Likewise, motorists must understand that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers should be especially cautious 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 boundaries of a bike lane, bicyclists must be alert at all times for distracted and careless drivers. Cars can inadvertently or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a cyclist to sustain serious 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 cyclists, especially in urban settings. These incidents 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. 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 greatest concerns for road safety that we face today. As cell phones have become a major part of our daily lives, many individuals find it difficult to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a risk to other vehicles. However they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians since they have practically no protection if they are struck. Someone who is distracted by texting, eating, or a multitude of other things may veer into bike lanes. Likewise, they may not notice a bicyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a bicyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big concern that it's been identified as the leading reason for bicycle accidents involving cars.
Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots
When a motorist that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not fully assess their surroundings, it can lead to serious repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Cyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while people are backing out because of their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup cameras and sensors are beginning to minimize these kinds of accidents. But drivers can not depend on these technologies instead of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.
How Can I Avoid a Bike Accident?
Following proper safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Studio City is the most effective way to prevent 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 vital to do the following:
Contact a Studio City Bicycle Accident Attorney at Drake Law Firm
If you sustain an injury in a collision with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should speak with a qualified bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. He or she will help figure out whether you might have a valid personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent motorist.
At Drake Law Firm, our knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys assist bicyclists in pursuing claims against negligent drivers who have caused serious injuries. We understand how to receive all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or pursuing a solution using other methods.
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