Question 1

What Are The Most Frequent Causes Of Bicycle Accidents?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How Can I Prevent A Bike Accident?

Accepted Answer

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:

Obey the rules of the road
Presume that cars and drivers will fail to see you
Provide vehicles a wide berth
Regularly yield to automobiles under certain conditions when you don't know if a motorist has seen you
You should have proper protective gear

Question 3

How Can I Protect Myself In A Bicycle Accident?

Accepted Answer

Wear a properly-fitting helmet
Wear bright or reflective clothing
Use a bike light, reflectors, and reflective tape
Follow all posted traffic laws
Trip with the flow of traffic
Use bike lanes whenever possible
Be sure your bicycle is in good working condition
Remain alert at all times and avoid distracted riding

Question 4

What Should I Do After A Bicycle Accident?

Accepted Answer

If you get injured in a bicycle accident, it is essential 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 lead to 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 accident.
Get witness information from anyone that happened to see the crash. Don't bypass this step, as police officers don't always take down witness info and you could need it later.
If needed, get medical attention right away.
Call a qualified bike accident lawyer in Ontario. Do this before calling the other side's insurance company.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer In Ontario, CA

Ontario Bicycle Accident Attorney