5 Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents

Many people choose to ride a bicycle instead of other vehicles nowadays. Riding a bike is healthier than driving around in a car and is also ecological. Unfortunately, being a cyclist is not always the safest option due to various road hazards or distracted drivers.

When asking a personal injury attorney, they agree that bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries if you do not respect road regulations and wear proper safety gear. Many things can potentially harm you while riding a bicycle, so always be prepared.

Suppose you want to improve your lifestyle by including riding a bicycle in your daily routine. In that case, the following points will help you understand why some bicycle accidents commonly happen and how you can improve your safety on the road.

1. Hit By A Car

You are sharing the road with various types of vehicles. Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents as more and more drivers use their mobile phones while at the wheel. In such cases, noticing a cyclist might be more challenging than when you are paying full attention to the road.

But not only car drivers are guilty of being distracted while on the road. Cyclists who look down at their phones to text, call or use any type of social network have an increased risk of being involved in an accident as well.

Additionally, if you are riding too close to a lane intended for motor vehicles, you might end up in their way. Many states require drivers to give three feet of space while in the same lane as cyclists. Despite this, you can not assume that all drivers respect this law, so you must be vigilant to ensure your safety.

2. Falls

Bicycle riders know that falling off a bike is common. Depending on how hard you fell, you might need to take some time off to ensure that you can continue your ride safely.

As California is a no-fault state, you will receive compensation for any injuries that occurred while you were riding a bicycle. Regardless, you must check your capability of continuing your morning ride if you fall. 

You should avoid standing up too quickly and move your arms and legs to see if your mobility was affected by the fall. If you can move without feeling pain, you should also verify your bicycle to prevent further damage.

3. Road Hazards

According to research made by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 43% of cyclists suffered injuries due to road hazards, including potholes, sinkholes, uneven roads, malfunctioning traffic lights, and others.

Your cycling skills and experience are irrelevant when facing road defects. If you are riding on a busy street, a road hazard will increase the chances of colliding with a motor vehicle.

In such cases, being fully equipped with safety gear will minimize the potential damages that an accident can inflict. You should wear a fitted helmet at all times, as it can reduce the severity of a head injury. Reflective tape and gear are essential for your safety if you ride at night.

4. Rider’s Error

Motor vehicle drivers are not the only ones at fault when a collision with a cyclist occurs. You must ensure that you know the state’s regulations for riding a bicycle as well.

If you ride on a sidewalk, you risk harming a pedestrian or running into an object. On the other hand, you might follow traffic laws for motor vehicles instead and increase the risk of colliding with a vehicle. 

As a car offers more protection than a bicycle, you will suffer more severe injuries than the driver. Having lights installed on your bicycle when you ride at night and keeping your bicycle in good condition is vital when riding in traffic.

5. Collision With An Object

Car doors are made from sturdy, inflexible materials, which can cause injury if you collide with them while riding at full speed. Being doored in traffic will inflect extensive injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, internal bleeding, and spine injury. Furthermore, you might interfere with heavy traffic if you try to swerve away from the open car door.

In this situation, there is a high probability of colliding with another motor vehicle or a fixed object (trees, poles, or traffic barriers). Unfortunately, these circumstances can lead to fatalities. To avoid this type of accident, you should drive at least three feet away from the sides of parked cars and be aware of your surroundings.