Common Types of Bicycle accidents

Bicycle accidents often occur because one or more drivers behaved negligently. A driver may have overlooked the bicyclist in their blind spot, been confused about who had the right of way, or committed a traffic violation such as running a red light. Some of the common causes of bicycle accidents include:

Left-Hand Turns

This type of accident occurs when a driver is making a left-hand turn and doesn’t see the bicyclist, either because they failed to look or the bicyclist was in the driver’s blind spot.

Dooring

Dooring can result in severe, life-threatening injuries. Dooring occurs when a driver fails to look before opening their car door and hitting a bicyclist that is in the bike lane or traveling down the street.

Rear-end collisions

This type of bicycle accident occurs when a driver isn’t giving the road their full attention and hits a bicyclist from behind.

Side-Swiping

If the driver accidentally drifts outside of their lane while traveling next to a bicyclist, they could hit the cyclist with the side of the car, causing an accident.

Causes of Bicycle accidents

Some common types of negligent behavior that can lead to a bicycle accident include:
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is an extremely dangerous type of driving behavior that includes activities like using a navigational system, talking to other passengers, or using a mobile device.

Texting and driving is particularly dangerous because it involves three types of distraction: visual, where you take your eyes off the road, physical, where you remove your hands from the wheel, and cognitive, where your focus is off your driving.

According to the CDC, if a driver spends just five seconds sending a text while traveling 55 miles per hour, they have covered the length of a football field.
Speeding
Speeding is another extremely dangerous activity motorists frequently engage in. When drivers travel at high speeds, they reduce their ability to react quickly to avoid a bicyclist on the road or in the bike path. Speeding also increases the likelihood of severe injuries.
Drinking and driving
Alcohol impacts a driver’s ability to focus on the road and process information clearly. The CDC reports that with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%, less than the legal limit, drivers find it more difficult to steer and track moving objects like bicyclists.
Aggressive driving
Aggressive driving is also another common cause of bicycle accidents. Motorists sometimes do not give cyclists the right-of-way or are not always willing to share the road.

Some types of aggressive behaviors that drivers sometimes exhibit include:

Following a bicyclist too closely

Honking at the cyclist or flashing lights.

Yelling at or threatening the cyclist.

Dangerous passing.

Accelerating to pass the cyclist only to turn directly in front of them.

Drowsy Driving/Sleep-deprived driving

Drowsy driving is a major problem across the country, as it makes it difficult for drivers to focus on the road and decreases their reaction time if they need to slow or stop to avoid a cyclist. According to the CDC, one in 25 adult drivers reports having fallen asleep behind the wheel within the last 30 days.

Filing a Personal injury Lawsuit after a Bicycle Accident

If you are injured because of a bicycle accident, you have the right to hold the negligent driver responsible for your injuries. One way to do this is by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Through this type of claim, you may be able to recover a number of damages, including:

Medical expenses like hospitalizations, surgical procedures, physical therapy, and medication.

Lost wages if you were unable to work because of your injuries.

Loss of earning potential if you can no longer hold your regular job because of your injuries.

Pain and suffering for the emotional trauma you endured as a result of the accident.

Disability if your injuries temporarily or permanently impacted your quality of life.

How a Bicycle Injury Attorney Can Help

Cases involving bicycle accidents can be complex, as you must prove that the driver is responsible for causing the accident. An attorney who has experience working on bicycle accident cases can help by:

Gathering evidence like witness statements and police reports.

Investigating the driving record of the negligent driver.

Working with accident scene reconstruction experts, if necessary, to determine liability.

Analyzing medical records and gathering bills and receipts to calculate the total value of your claim, including the cost of non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Negotiating with the insurance company or defendant’s lawyer to pursue a fair settlement for your injuries.

Fighting for your rights at trial if an agreeable settlement cannot be reached.

Talk to a Lawyer for Free

If you are suffering because of a bicycle accident, you have the right to hold the negligent driver responsible to the fullest extent of your injuries. For a free review of your case, contact the team at Lem Garcia Law today.

CALL (626) 777-2424 OR TEXT (626) 252-2168.