Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Ontario, CA
As the amount of cyclists grows, the number of collisions involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other vehicle accidents, a number of them occur at intersections.
Many of these accidents are the result of motorists who seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They neglect to look out for cyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.
These types of accidents are exacerbated by excessively large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are endangered by rapidly changing traffic signals that might 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:
Motorists failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some motorists might not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of understanding can be particularly hazardous when a cyclist and a vehicle are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most hazardous areas for vehicles and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where crashes resulting in devastating injuries take place.
A driver failing to observe bicyclists on the road
Drivers not seeing a cyclist on the street is a common reason for a collision involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists must take preventative measures to minimize this very avoidable cause of bike collisions.
Bicyclists can use safety accessories like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of an accident. Similarly, motorists must realize that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to be especially cautious at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a large number of bike commuters.
Motorists encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, bicyclists must be alert at all times for distracted and careless motorists. Cars can unintentionally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of distraction. This can potentially cause a bicyclist to sustain serious injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a motorist or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door
As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a major threat to bicyclists, especially in urban environments. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause devastating injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Practicing defensive riding techniques is the most effective way for a bicyclist to avoid being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted drivers hitting a bicyclist
Distracted driving is one of the biggest concerns for roadway safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a major part of our everyday lives, many people find it difficult to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a threat to other vehicles. Yet they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians because they have practically zero protection if they are hit. Someone who is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other reasons might divert into bike lanes. Likewise, they might not notice a cyclist 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 collisions involving cars.
Drivers neglecting to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots
When a driver that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not fully check their surroundings, it can lead to major consequences 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 cameras and sensors are beginning to lessen these kinds of collisions. But motorists can not rely on these technologies in place of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.
How Can I Prevent a Bike Accident?
Following appropriate safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Ontario is the most effective way to prevent collisions and injuries. When moving in traffic, cyclists should do the following:
How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you get injured in a bicycle accident, it is essential to do the following:
Contact a Ontario Bicycle Accident Lawyer at First Law Group
If you suffer an injury in an accident with a motor vehicle while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer immediately. He or she will help determine whether you might have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent motorist.
At First Law Group, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys help cyclists in seeking cases against negligent drivers that have caused major injuries. We know how to collect all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or pursuing a remedy using other methods.
At the First Law Group, the client comes first. Contact us today for a free case evaluation where we will discuss your health needs first, then get you the compensation you deserve.
