Bike Accidents Caused by Motor Vehicles
Bicycling is a healthful, inherently safe activity for tens of millions of people. However, with more than 700 bicycle accident fatalities annually, there is an obvious risk to bike riding. The number of estimated bicyclist injuries climbed to 50,000 in 2014, up from 48,000 in 2013. The six most frequent sources of bike injuries are, motor vehicles, falling, unsafe roadways, negligence, collisions, and dogs and pedestrians. Bike accidents involving motor vehicles usually result from a driver’s inattention. Here are the most common causes of bicycle accidents from a motor vehicle collision.
The Right Cross:
The Right Cross occurs when a car pulls out of a side street and the cyclist has already passed the front of the vehicle, causing a crash. A tip to help avoid this type of collision is to make sure cyclists are visible to the vehicle drivers. Bike riders can use a flashing light or yell and wave to the driver to make sure they are visible. Cyclists can also drive closer to the left to help provide full visibility of the vehicles.
The Right Hook:
The Right Hook occurs when the bike rider is in front of the cross street and is struck because the driver of the car fails to see the bicyclist when making a right turn. This can also occur when a motor vehicle operator overtakes a bicyclist then cuts him off when making a right turn. The car passes the biker, forgets about them, and then quickly makes a right turn causing the cyclist to slam into the side of the car. A tip to avoid this type of collision is to have cyclists ride on the left side of the road.
The Door Prize:
The Door Prize occurs when the car doors opens right in front of a cyclist, without enough warning to allow the biker to stop or swerve out of the way. Bikers should try to be more visible to car occupants to avoid this collision. Bikers can ride behind the car to let the driver know that he/she is present. Cyclists should also keep an eye out for parked cars.
Motor vehicles should always keep look out for cyclists on the road. Just because a bike is substituted for a car, the responsibility of motor vehicle drivers regarding the right of way for bicyclists does not change. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle or bicycle accident, the personal injury lawyers at Goidel & Siegel, LLP, will put your needs and concerns first and help you receive financial compensation.
