Bike Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Friendly cities have become more and more popular over the last decade. People are choosing bikes over cars for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s for the health benefits, the environmental benefits, or the ease of transportation, there is a strong case for cities to help reduce bicycle accidents and keep their cyclists safe.

MAIN CAUSES OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS ON THE ROADS

When cars are the dominant mode of transportation, it can be easy for drivers to overlook bicycles. Some of the more common collisions between bikes and cars are the following:

• The Sneak Peak. This happens when a car pulls out of a side street, alley, or hidden driveway. Often times, the car will need to pull out to be able to check the cross-traffic. However, this can trap and block the cyclist’s path, leaving them no choice but to run into the car.
• The Right Turn. This usually happens when a car is making a right turn at an intersection and fails to see or yield to the bicyclist on their right who is proceeding through the intersection.
• The Left Turn. Similar to the right turn, this accident happens when a car making a left turn fails to yield to a bicycle proceeding straight through an intersection.
• The Door Stop. The sort of collision occurs when the driver of a parked car opens the door directly in the path of a cyclist. It usually happens so fast and without any warning, and can be quite damaging to both the bike rider.
• The Rear End. As the name implies, this accident occurs when the car rear-ends the bike and is perhaps the most common cause of auto-bicycle collisions.

HOW TO REDUCE BICYCLE INJURIES

In order to reduce the amount of injuries, it is imperative that cities implement infrastructures that help make the roads safer for everyone. Suggestions include:

• Dedicated Bike Lanes. Studies have found that dedicated bike lanes can reduce injuries by 50%. They also help motorists and pedestrians become more aware of where they are diving and walking.
• Traffic Calming. This term describes a variety of methods used to slow down cars as they move through commercial and residential neighborhoods. Cars driving at slower and safer speeds is a benefit for both pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Cyclist Education. Education the community’s cyclists on how to ride safely is a big fact in reducing bicycle accidents. Safety precautions include:
  • Wearing a Helmet
  • Wearing bright and/or reflective gear
  • Using front and rear lights
  • Keeping a safe distance from vehicles and pedestrians
  • Obeying the “Rules of the Road”, like riding with traffic.

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, contact a law office. An experienced bike accident lawyer can help you understand what sort of damages you may be entitled to and will fight to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.