What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

The most common causes of bicycle accidents include motor vehicle collisions, intersection accidents, and being hit with the door of a vehicle. Understanding what caused your injuries will help you take legal action against the at-fault party and recover damages. A bicycle accident attorney will investigate the details of your injuries and help you hold the liable party accountable.

At SKG, we offer assertive and efficient legal advocacy. We uphold the utmost standards of excellence, compassion, and integrity for our clients. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Davie offer personalized attention and timely communication. Call us today to start your case with a free legal consultation.

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Accidents involving motor vehicles pose a significant risk to cyclists on the road. The inherent size and speed disparity between bicycles and motor vehicles create a potential for serious collisions. The limited visibility of cyclists compared to larger vehicles adds to the risk, as drivers may overlook or underestimate the presence of bicycles on the road.

The inherent vulnerability of cyclists leaves them exposed to the force of impact, often resulting in severe injuries. The lack of a protective metal shell leaves cyclists susceptible to direct contact with the vehicle or the road surface.

Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, are particularly concerning as helmets may offer limited protection in high-impact situations. Additionally, the absence of seat belts or airbags contributes to the increased potential for ejection or being pinned between the bicycle and the vehicle.

Intersection Incidents

Intersections are a high-risk area for accidents. Cyclists often face increased risks due to factors such as right-turn conflicts, left-turning vehicles, and disregarded traffic signals.

In these scenarios, cyclists may be overlooked by motorists, leading to collisions with serious consequences. Low visibility, driver distraction, and failure to yield the right of way are common contributing factors to intersection-related bicycle accidents.

If you were injured in an intersection accident while riding your bicycle, seek immediate legal help. These types of cases can be particularly difficult to navigate, especially when dealing with the complexities of traffic laws and establishing liability. An experienced Davie personal injury lawyer can assist in gathering evidence and building a strong case.

Dooring Accidents

Something as simple as opening a car door can lead to a dangerous situation. When a parked vehicle’s door is suddenly opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist, it may lead to catastrophic injuries. Cyclists, often traveling at a considerable speed, may not have enough time to avoid the danger and collide with the abruptly opened door.

The impact can lead to falls, crashes, or the cyclist being thrown into the path of other vehicles. Dooring accidents are particularly common in urban environments where cyclists share the road with parked cars.

Implementing safety measures such as the “Dutch Reach” technique can lower the risks associated with dooring accidents and enhance overall road safety for cyclists. Originating from the Netherlands, where cycling is a popular mode of transportation, the technique involves opening a car door using the hand farthest from the door.

This encourages drivers and passengers to turn their upper body and head, naturally leading to increased visibility of approaching cyclists. By adopting the “Dutch Reach,” motorists are more likely to check for oncoming cyclists before opening the door, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing overall road safety.

Unsafe Lane Changes

When motorists fail to check their blind spots or signal adequately before changing lanes, they may inadvertently collide with a cyclist traveling in the same direction.

The slim profile of bicycles compared to larger vehicles makes them more susceptible to being overlooked during lane changes. Cyclists may find themselves in the path of a swerving vehicle, leading to side-impact collisions or forcing the cyclist off the road.

Distracted Driving

When drivers divert their attention away from the road to engage in activities such as texting, their ability to notice and react to cyclists is compromised. Bicycles, being smaller and less visible than other vehicles, are particularly susceptible to being overlooked by distracted drivers. The split-second lapse in attention can result in collisions, often causing serious injuries or fatalities for cyclists.

Common activities that lead to distracted driving include:

• Texting
• Talking on the phone
• Using in-car entertainment systems
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting GPS or navigation systems
• Grooming or applying makeup
• Reaching for objects in the car
• Watching videos or using social media
• Smoking
• Checking or sending emails

Mechanical Failures

Cyclists heavily rely on the proper functioning of their bicycles to navigate traffic and varying terrains safely. When a mechanical failure occurs unexpectedly, riders may find themselves unable to react swiftly, increasing the risk of collisions, falls, or injuries.

Common mechanical failures that could cause bicycle accidents include:

• Brake failures
• Chain malfunctions
• Gear shifting issues
• Pedal malfunctions
• Steering system problems
• Suspension system failures
• Loose or damaged handlebars
• Faulty braking cables or levers

If you believe that a mechanical failure or defective bicycle part caused your accident, seek legal representation. Our lawyers will investigate the circumstances of the incident and determine the cause. We will rely on all available evidence to determine who was at fault for your injuries and build a winning case against them.

Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Will Help You Seek Justice

At SKG, we understand the unique challenges cyclists face on the road. We are committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you need. Whether you’ve been injured due to a negligent driver or a defective bicycle component, our experienced legal team will help you hold the responsible party accountable.

With our support, you can focus on your recovery while we work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair and just compensation. Contact us today to share the details of your case.