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To Prevent 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 collisions, a number of them occur at intersections.
A lot 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 moving through intersections.
These kinds of accidents are exacerbated by excessively large and busy intersections. Furthermore, 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 motorists might not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the road. This lack of knowledge can be particularly dangerous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most dangerous places for vehicles and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the major areas where crashes leading to devastating injuries occur.
A driver failing to observe cyclists when driving
Drivers not seeing a cyclist on the street is a common cause of a collision involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists should take preventative 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 a collision. Similarly, motorists must understand that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers need to be especially careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a lot of bike commuters.
Motorists encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, cyclists must 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 distraction. This can potentially cause a bicyclist to suffer serious injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a driver or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door
As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a major threat to cyclists, particularly in urban environments. These accidents 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 most effective way for a bicyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted drivers hitting a cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the most significant concerns for roadway safety that we face today. As cell phones have become a major part of our daily lives, many people 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 bicyclists and pedestrians since they have almost no protection if they are hit. Somebody that is distracted by texting, eating, or a multitude of other things may veer into bike lanes. Also, they might 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 cause of bicycle crashes involving cars.
Motorists 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 completely assess their surroundings, it can lead to serious consequences 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 video cameras and sensors are starting to reduce these kinds of accidents. However drivers 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 proper safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in San Fernando Valley is the most effective way to prevent accidents and injuries. When riding in traffic, cyclists should 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 San Fernando Valley Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Drake Law Firm
If you suffer an injury in an accident with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should speak with a qualified bicycle accident attorney right away. He or she will help determine whether you may have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent motorist.
At Drake Law Firm, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers assist cyclists in pursuing claims against negligent motorists that have caused serious injuries. We know how to receive all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or seeking a remedy using other means.
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