As the number of bicyclists grows, the number of accidents involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like a lot of other vehicle accidents, a large number of them happen at intersections. A number of these accidents are the result of motorists that appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roads. They neglect to look out for bicyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.

These types of collisions are worsened by excessively large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are endangered by rapidly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they completely cross the intersection.

What are the Most Frequent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of bicycle collisions include:

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some drivers might not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the road. 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 among the most hazardous areas for cars and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where crashes leading to devastating injuries happen.

A motorist failing to observe cyclists when driving

Drivers not seeing a cyclist on the road is a common cause of a collision involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists must take precautions to minimize this very preventable cause of bike collisions.

Cyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored apparel to help reduce the possibility of a crash. Likewise, 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 especially careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a large number of bike commuters.

Motorists encroaching into bike lanes

Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, bicyclists must be alert at all times for distracted and negligent drivers. Vehicles can inadvertently or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of distraction. This can potentially cause a cyclist to sustain significant injuries.

Bicycle doorings when a motorist or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door

As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a serious threat to bicyclists, especially in urban environments. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can result in catastrophic 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 bicyclist

Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems for road safety that we experience today. As cell phones have become a major part of our everyday lives, many individuals find it hard to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a risk to other vehicles. Yet they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians since they have almost no protection if they are hit. Someone who is distracted by texting, eating, or a multitude of other reasons 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 problem that it's been identified as the leading reason for bicycle accidents involving automobiles.

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 repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists 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 starting to lessen these types of collisions. 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 Thousand Oaks 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
• Occasionally yield to motor vehicles under certain conditions when you do not know if a motorist 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
• Remain alert at all times and avoid distracted riding

What Should I Do after a Bicycle Accident?

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

• Call 911 and make a police report. Do not let a motorist talk you into not making a police report. That can result in problems 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.
• Get witness information from anyone that happened to see the accident. Don't skip this step, as police officers don't always take down witness info and you may need it later.
• If needed, seek medical attention immediately.
• Contact a qualified bike accident lawyer in Thousand Oaks. Do this prior to calling the other side's insurance carrier.

Contact a Thousand Oaks Bicycle Accident Lawyer 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 need to speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. He or she will help determine whether you might have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent driver.

At Drake Law Firm, our skilled bicycle accident attorneys help cyclists in pursuing claims against negligent drivers that have caused major injuries. We understand how to receive all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or pursuing a remedy through other methods.