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To Avoid Accidents and Injuries, Cyclists Need to Always Ride Defensively
As the number of bicyclists increases, the amount of accidents involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like many other car crashes, a number of them happen at intersections.
A lot of these collisions are the result of motorists that seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roads. They neglect to look for cyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.
These types of accidents are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are endangered by rapidly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they fully cross the intersection.
What are the Most Frequent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Several of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some motorists may not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the road. This lack of awareness can be especially dangerous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most dangerous places for vehicles and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the main locations where crashes resulting in devastating injuries take place.
A motorist failing to observe bicyclists on the street
Drivers not seeing a bicyclist on the street is a common reason for a collision involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists need to take safety measures to minimize this very preventable cause of bike accidents.
Bicyclists can use safety accessories like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of an accident. Similarly, drivers need to realize that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to be particularly careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a large number of bike commuters.
Drivers encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the confines of a bike lane, bicyclists should be alert at all times for distracted and careless drivers. Vehicles can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of distraction. This can possibly cause a bicyclist to sustain major injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a motorist or passenger does not pay attention while opening a car door
As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a serious danger to cyclists, particularly in urban settings. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can result in 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 prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted drivers hitting a bicyclist
Distracted driving is one of the biggest concerns for road safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a major part of our daily lives, many individuals find it difficult to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a threat to other vehicles. Yet they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians since they have almost no protection if they are struck. Someone who is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other things may divert into bike lanes. Likewise, they may not notice a cyclist 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 cause of bicycle collisions involving automobiles.
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 result in major repercussions 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 low noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are starting to reduce these types of accidents. However drivers 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 Van Nuys is the most effective way to avoid collisions and injuries. When riding in traffic, bicyclists should 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 a Van Nuys Bicycle Accident Lawyer 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 speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They will help figure out whether you might have a legitimate 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 drivers who have caused major injuries. We understand how to receive all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or seeking a remedy through other methods.
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