To Prevent Accidents and Injuries, Cyclists Must Always Ride Defensively

As the number of bicyclists grows, the number of accidents involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other vehicle collisions, a large number of them occur at intersections. A number of these accidents are the result of motorists who appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They neglect to look out for bicyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.

These kinds of accidents are exacerbated by overly large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are put at risk by quickly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they completely cross the intersection.

What Are the Most Frequent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents involve:

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some drivers might not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the road. This lack of awareness can be especially hazardous when a bicyclist and a vehicle are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most hazardous places for cars and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the main locations where collisions resulting in devastating injuries occur.

A motorist failing to observe cyclists on the street

Drivers not seeing a cyclist when driving is a common cause of a crash involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists need to take safety measures to limit this very avoidable cause of bike collisions.

Cyclists can utilize safety accessories like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored apparel to help lower the possibility of a collision. Likewise, drivers must know that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers should be especially careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a large number of bike commuters.

Drivers encroaching into bike lanes

Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, bicyclists must be alert at all times for distracted and negligent drivers. Vehicles can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of distraction. This can potentially cause a cyclist to sustain major injuries.

Bicycle doorings when a driver or passenger does not pay attention while opening a car door

As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a serious danger to cyclists, especially in urban environments. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can result in devastating injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Engaging in defensive riding techniques is the most effective way for a cyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.

Distracted drivers hitting a cyclist

Distracted driving is one of the most significant concerns for roadway safety that we face today. As smartphones have become a major part of our daily lives, many people find it difficult to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a threat to other vehicles. However they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians because they have almost no protection if they are hit. Somebody who is distracted by texting, eating, or a multitude of other things may divert into bike lanes. Likewise, they might not notice a bicyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a bicyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big concern that it's been identified as the leading cause of bicycle crashes involving cars.

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots

When a motorist that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not completely check their surroundings, it can result in serious repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while people are backing out due to their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are beginning to lessen these kinds of collisions. However drivers can not rely on these technologies in place of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.

How Can I Avoid a Bike Accident?

Following proper safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Alhambra is the best way to avoid collisions and injuries. When riding in traffic, bicyclists should do the following:

• Obey the rules of the road
• Presume that cars and motorists will fail to see you
• Provide cars a wide berth
• Occasionally yield to automobiles under certain conditions when you do not know if a motorist has seen you
• You should have appropriate safety gear

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?

If you get hurt in a bicycle accident, it is vital to do the following:

• Call 911 and file a police report. Do not let a motorist talk you into not making a police report. That can result in problems later on.
• Exchange information with the motorist that hit you. Photograph of their driver's license and insurance coverage card.
• Take several pictures of your bike, the car that hit you, and the scene of the crash.
• Obtain witness information from anyone that happened to see the collision. Don't skip this step, as authorities do not always take down witness information and you may need it later on.
• If needed, seek medical attention immediately.
• Call a knowledgeable bike accident attorney in Alhambra. Do this prior to calling the other side's insurance carrier.

Contact an Alhambra Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Mendez & Sanchez

If you sustain an injury in an accident with a car while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you need to talk to an experienced bicycle accident attorney immediately. He or she will help determine whether you might have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent driver.

At Mendez & Sanchez, our skilled bicycle accident lawyers help cyclists in seeking claims against negligent motorists who have caused serious injuries. We understand how to receive all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or seeking a solution through other methods.

OUR PERSONAL INJURY AND BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA, ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY TO TAKE YOUR CALL. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, CALL US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.