5 Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents

Your bicycle accident could be the cause of dangerous injuries that prevent you from living a normal life. Whether your injuries temporarily or permanently disabled you, you may be owed compensation based on the circumstances of your cases.

Allow a Tallahassee personal injury attorney to investigate your claim to find out who is liable. They can also gather valuable evidence about your bicycle accident. Often, the car driver is the one at fault for bicycle crashes. The most common causes of bicycle accidents include the following:

Aggressive Driving

One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents is driver negligence. Drivers may fail to yield to bicyclists, drive recklessly around them, or even ignore traffic signs and signals which could lead to an accident. They should always be aware of their surroundings when driving and take extra precautions when there is a cyclist nearby.

Road Hazards

Poor road conditions can lead to bicycle accidents as well. Potholes and uneven surfaces can cause a bicyclist to lose control of their bike and crash into nearby objects or the ground. Bicyclists should always be aware of their surroundings and the condition of the road to avoid this type of accident.

Mechanical Issues 

Faulty brakes, gears, or other mechanical components can lead to an unexpected crash if they fail while riding. This can be true for the car driver if there was a manufacturer’s defect with their vehicle. Regular maintenance can help identify and address any potential problems before they cause an accident.

Distracted Driving

Drivers who are distracted, such as by using their cell phones or other electronic devices while driving can easily fail to see a bicyclist near them. Bicyclists should always be aware of their surroundings and make sure that drivers nearby are paying attention before they ride out in front of them.

Blind Spots

It is easy for a driver to have trouble seeing a bicyclist if the bike is in the car driver’s blind spot. Bicyclists should always make sure that drivers are aware of them before they enter or exit an intersection or lane. 

How You Can Protect Yourself As A Bicyclist

Bicycling is a great way to get around and stay active, but it can also be dangerous if the necessary safety precautions are not taken. By following these tips, you can remain safe while out on the road:

Follow Traffic Laws

Bicyclists should always follow traffic laws to ensure that they are operating their bikes safely. This includes obeying the speed limit, coming to full stops at stop signs and traffic lights, and yielding to pedestrians. 

Safety Gear

Wearing safety gear such as a helmet, reflective clothing, and lights can help protect bicyclists in case of an accident. These items can help make the cyclist more visible to drivers and alert other people nearby if there is an issue.

Stay Aware Of Your Surroundings

Bicyclists should always be aware of their surroundings. This includes looking around for potential hazards such as potholes, uneven surfaces, and drivers who may not be paying attention. 

By understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents and taking steps to protect themselves, you can greatly reduce their chances of being involved in a crash.

Being aware of potential hazards and following the rules of the road can help keep cyclists safe while they are out riding. Speak to a bicycle accident attorney today if you were in a recent bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault.