Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Lawyer
To Prevent Accidents And Injuries, Cyclists Must Always Ride Defensively
As the number of bicyclists increases, the number of accidents involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like a lot of other car accidents, a large number of them happen at intersections.
Many of these accidents are the result of motorists that seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They fail to look for bicyclists when making turns or proceeding through intersections.
These kinds of accidents are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Additionally, 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 crashes include:
Motorists Failing To Yield To Bicyclists In Intersections
Some motorists might not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the road. This lack of understanding can be particularly dangerous when a bicyclist and a vehicle are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most dangerous areas for vehicles and cyclists. Intersections are one of the main locations where collisions resulting in devastating injuries take place.
A Driver Failing To Observe Cyclists On The Street
Motorists not seeing a cyclist on the road is a common reason for a collision involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists should take precautions to reduce this very preventable cause of bike collisions.
Bicyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of a collision. Likewise, drivers must understand that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers should be particularly careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a lot of bike commuters.
Motorists Encroaching Into Bike Lanes
Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, bicyclists need to be alert at all times for distracted and negligent motorists. Cars can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of distraction. This can potentially cause a cyclist to sustain serious 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 major threat to cyclists, especially in urban environments. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause catastrophic 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 bicyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted Drivers Hitting A Bicyclist
Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems for roadway safety that we experience today. As cell phones have become a huge part of our daily lives, many people find it hard to set 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 zero protection if they are hit. Somebody that is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other reasons may divert into bike lanes. Likewise, they might not notice a bicyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a cyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big concern that it's been identified as the leading reason for bicycle collisions involving motor vehicles.
Motorists Failing 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 cause serious repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Cyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while individuals are backing out due to their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are starting to lessen these types of collisions. But drivers 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 proper safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Rancho Cucamonga is the most effective way to prevent accidents and injuries. When riding in traffic, cyclists need to do the following:
- Follow the rules of the road
- Assume that vehicles and motorists will fail to see you
- Give cars a wide berth
- Occasionally yield to cars under certain conditions when you don't know if a motorist has seen you
- You should have proper protective gear
How Can I Protect Myself In A Bicycle Accident?
- Wear a properly-fitting helmet
- Wear bright or reflective clothing
- Use a bike light, reflectors, and reflective tape
- Follow all posted traffic laws
- Flight with the circulation of traffic
- Use bike lanes whenever possible
- Make sure your bicycle is in good working condition
- Stay alert at all times and avoid distracted riding
What Should I Do After A Bicycle Accident?
If you get injured in a bicycle accident, it is vital to do the following:
- Call 911 and file a police report. Do not let a driver talk you into not making a police report. That can lead to problems later.
- Exchange information with the motorist that hit you. Photograph of his or her driver's license and insurance coverage card.
- Take several photos of your bike, the car that hit you, and the scene of the crash.
- Get witness information from anyone that happened to see the crash. Do not bypass this step, as authorities don't always take down witness information and you might need it later.
- If needed, get medical attention immediately.
- Get in touch with an experienced bike accident lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga. Do this prior to calling the other party's insurance provider.
Contact A Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Lawyer At First Law Group
If you suffer 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 lawyer as soon as possible. He or she will help figure out whether you might have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent driver.
At First Law Group, our knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys help cyclists in seeking claims against negligent motorists who have caused severe injuries. We know how to receive all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or pursuing a solution through other methods.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Rancho Cucamonga, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
