Bicycle accidents are unfortunately common in cities. Whether you cycle for exercise or are someone who uses a bike for commuting, understanding the most common causes of bicycle accidents can help you stay safer on the road. It’s important to recognize that these accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, often involving other road users or poor conditions. If you’ve been injured in a crash, consulting a bicycle accident lawyer will help you understand your legal rights.
Distracted Drivers
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or even adjusting the radio can easily miss a cyclist on the road. This lack of attention can lead to accidents, especially when drivers fail to give bikes the space they need or don’t notice them making a turn or crossing an intersection. To stay safe, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Being a proactive rider can help prevent collisions.
Failure To Yield Right Of Way
Another frequent cause of bicycle accidents is drivers failing to yield the right of way to cyclists. This can happen when a car makes a turn without noticing you or when drivers don’t stop at stop signs or red lights. In turn, you are often left with little time to react, leading to accidents that can result in serious injury.
As a cyclist, it’s essential to follow all traffic rules and be aware of your rights on the road. If a driver’s failure to yield has caused you harm, a bicycle accident attorney may be able to help you pursue a legal claim for damages.
Car Doors Opening Unexpectedly (Dooring)
“Dooring” is a term used to describe the situation when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This can be especially dangerous when you are riding along a parked car and the driver doesn’t check for approaching traffic before opening the door.
Poor Road Conditions
Biking can be more dangerous if the road conditions are poor. Potholes, cracked pavement, loose gravel, or debris in bike lanes can all cause a cyclist to lose control or fall off their bike. In some cases, road defects can be the responsibility of the city or a maintenance agency. If a hazardous condition caused your accident, it may be possible to file a claim against the responsible party.
Speeding And Aggressive Drivers
Speeding is another common cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers who speed often fail to see cyclists in time or don’t give them the proper amount of space while passing. Aggressive driving, such as tailgating or trying to pass too closely, can also lead to accidents, putting bikers at risk.
When you are riding a bicycle you have the same right to the road as any other vehicle.
Additionally, if drivers run red lights or stop signs, they create a dangerous situation on the road for everyone, especially cyclists. Many bicycle accidents occur when a driver fails to stop at a red light or a stop sign and collides with a cyclist who is properly obeying the traffic rules. Cyclists are often in the right, but this doesn’t always prevent injury.
Inadequate Bike Lanes
Some areas still lack sufficient bike lanes or have poorly marked bike lanes that don’t provide adequate protection from traffic. Cyclists may find themselves riding in close proximity to moving cars, which increases the risk of accidents. When bike lanes are not properly maintained or designed, it’s harder for people riding bikes to stay safe.
Driving Under The Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major contributor to bicycle accidents. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, reduced awareness, and often don’t drive responsibly. When an impaired driver collides with a bike, the results can be catastrophic.
Our friends at Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys emphasize that bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, often involving factors outside of a cyclist’s control. Whether caused by distracted driving, poor road conditions, or a failure to yield, accidents can result in serious injuries. If you’ve been injured while riding your bike, seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney.