Common Causes of Bike Accidents
Bicycling is a popular and eco-friendly mode of transportation, promoting a healthy lifestyle and reducing environmental impact. But the activity is not without risks, as bike accidents unfortunately happen all the time. Please contact a skilled bike accident attorney now if you were injured in a bike crash. You deserve fair compensation for your injuries.
7 Common Causes of Bike Accidents
There are seven main causes of bike accidents. These include:
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of bike accidents is distracted driving. Motorists who engage in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio while driving pose a significant threat to cyclists. In such cases, the legal system may hold the distracted driver responsible for negligence.
- Failure to Yield: Bike accidents often occur when motorists fail to yield the right of way to cyclists. Whether at intersections or when merging into traffic, drivers must adhere to traffic rules to ensure the safety of cyclists. Violations can lead to legal consequences for the at-fault party.
- Dooring Incidents: Opening a car door without checking for approaching cyclists can result in severe accidents. Known as “dooring,” this negligent act can cause significant injuries to people on bicycles. The legal system may consider the motorist liable for damages in dooring incidents.
- Unsafe Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, and hazardous conditions contribute to bike accidents. Municipalities and local authorities may be held responsible for accidents caused by unsafe road conditions. Cyclists may have legal grounds to seek compensation for injuries sustained due to these factors.
- Reckless Cycling: Cyclists themselves can contribute to accidents through reckless behavior, such as running red lights, riding against traffic, or failing to signal. In such cases, the legal system may attribute a percentage of fault to the cyclist, impacting potential compensation in personal injury claims.
- Lack of Visibility: Inadequate visibility, especially during low-light conditions, increases the risk of bike accidents. Both cyclists and motorists bear responsibility for ensuring they are visible to others on the road. Failure to do so may result in shared liability in legal proceedings.
- Driver Intoxication: Alcohol or drug-impaired driving significantly heightens the risk of accidents involving cyclists. Legal consequences for the impaired driver may include criminal charges and civil liability for damages caused to the cyclist.
Damages in Bike Accident Cases
If you were injured in a bike accident, and another party was at-fault for the incident, you are entitled to damages. “Damages” is just a legal term that refers to the compensation you can receive in bike accident cases. The specific compensation that you may receive includes payment for:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Future lost earning capacity,
- Property damage,
- Out-of-pocket expenses, and
- Pain and suffering.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in a bike accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.
* Main image at top by prostooleh on Freepik