Top 4 Bicycle Accident Causes
Hundreds of bicyclists are killed every year in car accidents. Another roughly 45,000 bicyclists are injured by cars each year as well. Unfortunately, California leads the nation in the number of bicyclist fatalities. While roughly 30% of bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles, bicyclists can be harmed due to other reasons as well. The other common sources of damage are falling, road repair or walkway maintenance issues, and inattention. When bicyclists are involved in a motor vehicle crash, they may have a way to collect money for their injuries. Talking to a California bicycle attorney is the easiest way to determine if you have a legal claim after this type of accident. These types of claims can be confusing, you may find it helpful to consult with a Sacramento bicycle accident attorney.
- Right-Hand Turn Collisions
When vehicles are turning, it is harder for drivers to see bicyclists, even if the biker has already passed in front of the car.
A common turning-related accident occurs when the bicyclist and the car are going the same direction. The car then takes a right-hand turn right in front of the cyclist, often forcing the biker to run right into the side of the vehicle.
Cars may also pull out too far into an intersection to allow a cyclist to safely cross the intersection.
To avoid these types of accidents, it is essential the bikers make every effort they can to be seen. Reflective closing, waving, and yelling may all be a good idea depending on the situation.
- Left-Hand Turns
Left-hand turns in front of cyclists are also common. The driver simply does not see the cyclist and turns directly in front of him or her when they are going in opposite directions.
This type of accident frequently occurs when the cyclist is not on the road but traveling on the sidewalk. Drivers are often not on the lookout for cyclists on sidewalks. You should take care to avoid riding on sidewalks if possible.
- Door Dings
Bicyclists are also sometimes harmed when they ride alongside parked cars. A driver or passenger may suddenly open a door, causing the biker to slam into the door. Opening a door suddenly can mean that a cyclist does not have time to swerve or otherwise react to an open door.
If possible, cyclists should move away from the edge of the road, particularly along lines of parked cars. Although this type of movement forces bicyclists into traffic more, it makes them more visible to those in other vehicles, including those coming out of parked cars.
These types of claims can be confusing, you may find it helpful to consult with a Sacramento bicycle accident attorney.
- Read End Accidents
A vehicle hitting the back of a cyclist is more common than you might think. In fact, rear-end accidents are the most common way that a drunk driver will injure or even kill a biker.
The problem is that drivers, particularly those who are impaired, do not see the cyclist. Bikers need to make efforts to be as visible as possible. This may mean including a bike headlight or blinking tail lights if you are traveling at night. Avoiding late-night biking can also be helpful to stay away from drunk drivers.
If you or a loved one has been through a bicycle-motor vehicle accident, you need a Sacramento bicycle accident attorney to help you assert your rights. Contact the experienced big rig accident attorneys at Deldar Legal today for more information or to schedule a free consultation today.
Posted in: Bicycle Accidents