Calabasas Bicycle Accident Lawyer

To Avoid Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Have To Always Ride Defensively

As the amount of cyclists grows, the amount of accidents involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like a lot of other vehicle crashes, a number of them happen at intersections.

A lot of these accidents are the result of drivers who appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They neglect to look out for cyclists when making turns or driving through intersections.

These types of collisions are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are endangered by quickly changing traffic signals that might 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 involve:

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some drivers might not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the street. This lack of knowledge can be particularly hazardous when a bicyclist and a vehicle are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most hazardous places for vehicles and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where collisions resulting in devastating injuries take place.

A driver failing to observe bicyclists when driving

Drivers not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common reason for a collision involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists need to take safety measures to limit this very preventable cause of bike accidents.

Cyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help lower the possibility of a crash. Similarly, drivers need to be aware that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers need to be particularly 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 confines of a bike lane, bicyclists need to be alert at all times for distracted and careless drivers. Cars can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a cyclist to sustain major injuries.

Bicycle doorings when a driver or passenger does not pay attention while opening a car door

As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a serious threat to bicyclists, especially in urban settings. 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 drivers hitting a cyclist

Distracted driving is one of the biggest concerns for road safety that we face today. As cell phones have become a huge part of our everyday lives, many people find it difficult to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a risk to other vehicles. However they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians because they have almost zero protection if they are hit. Someone that is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other things may divert into bike lanes. Likewise, they might not notice a cyclist 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 crashes involving automobiles.

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 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 because of their smaller size and their low noise levels. Backup cameras and sensors are beginning to reduce these types of accidents. But motorists can not depend on these technologies in place 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 Calabasas is the most effective way to avoid accidents and injuries. When moving in traffic, bicyclists should do the following:

• Follow the rules of the road
• Presume that vehicles and drivers will fail to see you
• Provide vehicles a wide berth
• Periodically yield to automobiles under certain conditions when you don't know if a driver has spotted you
• You should have proper safety gear

How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?

• Wear a properly-fitting helmet
• Wear bright or reflective clothing
• Use a bike light, reflectors, and reflective tape
• Follow all posted traffic laws
• Ride with the circulation 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 essential to do the following:

• Call 911 and make a police report. Do not let a driver talk you into not making a police report. That can lead to issues later on.
• Exchange information with the motorist 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 accident.
• Obtain witness information from anybody that happened to see the collision. Don't skip this step, as authorities don't always take down witness information and you may need it later.
• If needed, get medical attention right away.
• Contact an experienced bike accident lawyer in Calabasas. Do this prior to calling the other side's insurance carrier.

Contact a Calabasas Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Drake Law Firm

If you suffer an injury in an accident with a car while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you need to consult with a qualified bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They will help figure out whether you may have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent driver.

At Drake Law Firm, our knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers assist cyclists in pursuing cases against negligent motorists that have caused major injuries. We know 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 methods.