What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle accidents are one of the deadliest types of road accidents. As a cyclist, you are more unstable and have minimal external protection compared to if you were a passenger in a car or truck. 

This also means that you are likely to sustain severe injuries that might require high medical bills, long-term treatments, time off of work, and so on. If you or your loved one was involved in a bicycle accident that was not your or their fault, a bicycle accident lawyer could help you seek justice by filing for fair compensation. 

The first thing your injury attorney will do is establish fault by identifying which party was negligent. Fault can be established by figuring out what caused the bike accident. Below are the most common causes of bicycle accidents to help you get started. 

Road Hazards

Road hazards such as potholes, cobblestone streets, and sewer grates can be harmless to a car but dangerous for bicycles. The thin tires and lesser stability of a bike make it easy for a cyclist to lose control and get in an accident.

Claims involving a bicycle crash caused by a road hazard can be challenging to prove fault, but an attorney can help you fight for your compensation to the end. Often, the organization responsible for maintaining the roadways can be named in your suit.

Intoxicated Drivers

Everyone knows that you should not get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Yet annually, thousands die due to drunk driving. 

An intoxicated driver is slow to react and makes impaired decisions on the road, creating a risk for themselves and every other road user, including cyclists.

Distracted Driving

When you’re riding or driving, it’s paramount that all your attention remains on the road. A quick glance at your screen or a seemingly harmless conversation with a passenger can turn tragic in seconds.

Rear-end bicycle accidents and head-on collisions are the most common types of crashes involving distracted driving. 

Cars Crossing in Front of a Bicycle

This mostly happens at intersections and in alleys and driveways, where a driver turns without looking out for oncoming cyclists. Inattentive riding or driving and failure to wear reflective gear for bicycle safety are some of the main contributors to this type of accident.  

Dooring

Dooring occurs when a car or truck driver opens their door in the path of an incoming cyclist. This type of accident often results in serious injuries, especially if the cyclist was riding at a high speed. 

Fault isn’t automatic in a majority of such cases, and insurance companies may argue that you could’ve taken more precautions to prevent the accident. A lawyer can help defend you.

Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Determining the cause of your bicycle accident is critical in proving fault and recovering the damages you’ve suffered. A bicycle accident lawyer can take off the burden of gathering evidence, investigating the accident, and talking with insurance companies on your own. 

An attorney might also be able to hasten the process because they have sufficient knowledge of bicycle accident laws and how they can support your case. Partner with a bicycle accident lawyer today from Nye Law Group and claim your free case review.

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