Biking can be a fun and exciting way to travel, but it is also possible to get into a bike accident. Some people are at a higher risk than others, so it is important to know what to do to prevent a bike accident. Taking a few simple precautions can help you avoid being injured or losing your bike.
Right-cross collisions
A right-cross collision is a type of bicycle accident. This type of crash occurs when a car pulls out of a side street or driveway and turns into the path of a cyclist. In this situation, the motorist fails to see the cyclist and hits the bicyclist.
Most states require cyclists to ride as far to the right of the roadway as safely possible. Riders should always wear reflective clothing and lights and follow traffic flow to avoid right-cross collisions.
Drivers may not be paying attention to cyclists at intersections or even while turning left or right. Instead, they are focusing on timing their turn. While they are doing this, they are not looking for cyclists on the sidewalk. They also fail to check their mirrors.
Distracted riding
One of the most common reasons for bike accidents is distracted riding. This type of driving can take your eyes off the road, reduce your visibility, and increase the risk of severe injuries or even death. If you are a cyclist, you may want to learn more about how to avoid this dangerous practice.
Distracted riding is a growing problem that has resulted in the death of over two thousand people in 2018. Drivers are responsible for about 60 percent of all pedestrian and bicycle fatalities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, a cognitive distraction is an activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Examples include staring at a phone, watching TV, playing video games, talking to passengers, or reading a text message.
Speeding
Many cyclists have been injured or killed because a speeding driver failed to notice them. If you are one of the unlucky, it’s important to know your rights so you can file a claim for damages. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover your losses and get on the road to recovery.
Speeding is a leading cause of motorcycle and bicycle accidents. Drivers who are speeding put everyone on the road at risk, and can lead to catastrophic crashes.
While there is no universal rule, it is safe to say that a motorbike’s traction is largely affected by the roads it is on. Debris in the road can also impede a bike’s progress.
Another cause is a failure to obey traffic laws. Many drivers think it is okay to drive over the speed limit, which is not the case. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 9,000 people were killed by speeding last year.
Part of fault
If a car hits a bicycle, determining who is at fault is crucial. A thorough investigation may involve obtaining medical records, surveillance footage, police reports, and an accident reconstruction expert.
In most bike accidents, the driver is responsible for the collision. However, if the bicyclist is negligent, he or she can also be held liable for the damages.
Bicyclists who violate the law by running red lights, failing to yield right of way, or weaving in and out of traffic may be at fault. These actions are considered contributory negligence.
The amount of compensation awarded to cyclists who are partially at fault depends on the state’s comparative negligence laws. For example, in California, the court allows a maximum recovery of one percent of the damages. That amount can be a significant sum.
Compensation for injuries
There are a number of different types of compensation that victims of bike accidents can claim. These may include monetary damages, emotional suffering, and physical pain. The process for filing a bicycle accident claim can be complicated, but there are some things to keep in mind.
First, it is important to note that each individual case is different. This is because bicycle accidents are governed by state laws. In order to file a successful claim, you need to gather evidence.
For example, you should take pictures of the accident scene, contact the police, and get a copy of the accident report. You should also collect medical records and contact information from the other driver. If you have friends or family members who are able to help, you should reach out to them.
