Upwards of 43 million people use cycling as a form of transport and recreation in the United States. While most people get to their destination without any problems, an alarming number do not.
Statistics show that fatal bicycle accident numbers are rising, which begs the question: what is causing them? Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents and what you can do about them.
Driver Inattention
One of the many reasons why bicycle accident victims reach out to personal injury law firms like Onder Law is because they believe driver inattention led to their accident. The driver may have drifted into the bicycle lane and collided with the cyclist, or they may have been using their mobile phone. Some inattentive drivers may also have been too busy focusing on their passengers or outside distractions rather than on other small-profile road users.
Car Doors
Many drivers will not think twice about parking and opening their doors without thinking about what could be just outside their vehicle. As a result, some cyclists find themselves injured and in need of a law firm’s help and medical attention when they collide with a vehicle’s door.
Quite often, the vehicle operator is only thinking about cars passing. Knowing that the road is a significant distance from their parking spot, they may not spare a thought for the much closer bike lane in use by cyclists.
Changing Lanes Unsafely
Lane changes have resulted in crashes and near-crashes for a number of years. They also account for many bicycle accidents that may otherwise have been avoided. A careless driver changing lanes is putting cyclists at risk and the pedestrians trying to cross the road. Consequently, if you are a pedestrian or a cyclist hit by a car driver, here are the instructions you need to follow. Additionally, every road user, be it cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicle operators must check their blind spots before changing lanes. Otherwise, they may be putting other road users in danger. All road users, both cyclists and vehicle operators, must check their blind spots before changing lanes. Otherwise, they may be putting other road users in danger.
Unsafe Reversing Maneuvers
Some parking spaces are positioned next to roads, with the only way to rejoin the traffic being to reverse out into the potential path of other vehicles. In these situations, road users have to make sure that the road is clear before they do so.
Reversing cameras may be able to prevent collisions from occurring, but it is ultimately up to the driver. Many drivers who did not notice or account for the small profile of a cyclist have caused bicycle accidents.
What to Do If You Have Been Involved in a Bicycle Accident
With no vehicle armor to protect you, a bicycle accident can be serious and may require extensive medical treatment. If you have been involved in such an accident, you or a loved one on your behalf should seek legal help.
Gather as much evidence from the scene of the accident, such as video footage, photos, and witness information. Even if you do not believe you are seriously injured, you should still seek medical assistance to ensure you are okay and to provide documentation for a future bicycle accident claim. It is also important to contact a trusted bicycle accident attorney. They can advise you on your rights and fight for your right to fair compensation.
Even though bicycle accidents are common, that does not mean they are not preventable. In many situations, they are. If you have been involved in a bicycle collision due to any of these situations above, or for another reason, contact a reputable bicycle accident lawyer for advice.
