As the number of cyclists increases, the number of collisions involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like a lot of other car crashes, a number of them occur at intersections.

Many of these accidents are the result of motorists who appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roads. They fail to look out for cyclists when making turns or proceeding through intersections. These types of accidents are exacerbated by excessively large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are endangered by rapidly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they completely cross the intersection.

What Are the Most Prevalent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of bicycle crashes involve:

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some motorists might not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of awareness can be particularly dangerous when a bicyclist and a vehicle are sharing the road while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most hazardous areas for cars and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where collisions resulting in devastating injuries occur.

A driver failing to observe bicyclists on the road

Motorists not seeing a bicyclist on the road is a common reason for an accident involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists need to take safety measures to reduce this very avoidable cause of bike accidents.

Cyclists can use safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored apparel to help reduce the possibility of an accident. Similarly, drivers should be aware that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers should be especially careful 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, cyclists must be alert at all times for distracted and careless drivers. Vehicles can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of distraction. This can potentially cause a bicyclist to suffer serious 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 bicyclists, especially in urban environments. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can lead to devastating 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 cyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.

Distracted motorists hitting a cyclist

Distracted driving is one of the greatest concerns for road safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a major part of our daily lives, many individuals find it hard to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a danger to other vehicles. However they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians since they have practically zero protection if they are hit. Someone who is distracted by texting, eating, or a myriad of other things may divert into bike lanes. Also, 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 reason for bicycle collisions involving motor vehicles.

Drivers neglecting 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 completely check their surroundings, it can lead to major consequences for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists 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 starting to minimize these kinds of accidents. However motorists can not rely on these technologies in place 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 Woodland Hills is the best way to prevent accidents and injuries. When riding in traffic, cyclists need to do the following:

• Follow the rules of the road
• Presume that vehicles and drivers will fail to see you
• Provide cars a wide berth
• Occasionally yield to motor vehicles under certain conditions when you do not know if a driver has seen you
• You should have appropriate safety gear

How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?

• Use a properly-fitting helmet
• Wear bright or reflective apparel
• Use a bike light, reflectors, and reflective tape
• Comply with all posted traffic laws
• Flight with the flow of traffic
• Use bike lanes whenever possible
• Make sure your bicycle is in good working condition
• Stay alert at all times and avoid distracted riding

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?

If you get injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to do the following:

• Call 911 and file a police report. Do not let a driver talk you into not making a police report. That can result in issues later on.
• Exchange information with the driver that hit you. Photograph of his or her driver's license and insurance policy card.
• Take several pictures of your bike, the car that hit you, and the scene of the crash.
• Get witness information from anybody that happened to see the collision. Do not miss this step, as authorities do not always take down witness details and you may need it later.
• If needed, get medical attention right away.
• Contact a knowledgeable bike accident lawyer in Woodland Hills. Do this before calling the other side's insurance provider.

Contact a Woodland Hills Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Drake Law Firm

If you sustain an injury in an accident with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer right away. They will help figure out whether you might 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 seeking claims against negligent drivers that 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 claim or pursuing a solution using other methods.