A veritable economic way to give substance to human health consideration, cycling has its risks associated with it, often in a road environment that doesn’t conform to cyclists’ requirements. Every year, thousands of cyclists get injured or lose their lives in accidents entirely avoidable.
Understanding the causes for an accident and how one could build a legal case following a collision is a prerequisite to getting fair compensation.
The Top Causes of Bicycle Accidents, Whereby One Could Go on To Protect Their Rights
1. Distracted or Negligent Drivers
Driver inattention is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents. Whether texting, eating, speeding, or not being vigilant enough to see cyclists, the consequences can prove fatal. Common driver causes include:
- Failure to yield at intersections.
- Merging into bike lanes.
- Opening car doors in the path of cyclists (the act of “dooring”).
- Turning without checking for bikes.
If a driver’s negligence was responsible for your accident, you might have a decent chance of winning damages in court.
2. Poor Road Conditions
Cyclists are extremely vulnerable to road hazards. Potholes, uneven pavements, poor lighting, or a lack of signs could all cause severe accidents. In such cases, a city or government agency responsible for road maintenance and repair could be found culpable.
Document the hazard on the road itself and any failed warnings or signage that may cause or contribute to the accident.
Vehicle-Bicycle Collisions at Intersections
Intersecting traffic injuries are hot spots for instances of bicycle accidents, especially when a driver runs a red light, rolls through a stop sign, or makes a left turn into the path of a cyclist. If you have been subjected to this, your case can be supported with video evidence, eyewitness statements, or traffic camera footage.
4. Unsafe or Defective Bicycle Equipment
Sometimes, the road or another driver is not responsible for the accident, but rather faulty brakes, tires, or bike parts. If you were injured due to a manufacturing defect or the failure to provide adequate instructions, the manufacturer or seller of the bike could potentially be liable.
Make sure to preserve the damaged bike and employ a professional to inspect it for defects for your evidence.
5. Aggressive or Intoxicated Drivers
Some crashes involve drivers who are reckless, speeding, or intoxicated. This kind of case leads to more serious injuries and can have criminal penalties attached to it. Police reports and blood alcohol results will be a key element of evidence.
This article was written by Alla Tenina. Alla is one of the best bankruptcy attorneys in Los Angeles, California, and the founder of Tenina Law. She has experience in bankruptcies, real estate planning, and complex tax matters. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; the ABA and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.