Causes of Bicycle Accidents

There are multiple causes of bicycle accidents and while many motor vehicle drivers like to place the blame on the cyclist, however, statistics show that the majority of bicycle accidents occur because of the actions of the driver. Because cyclists are much more likely to be injured or killed in a bicycle accident, it is important that they understand the main causes of bicycle accidents and stay alert to prevent these serious accidents from occurring.

At 844 See Mike, we represent clients in Illinois who have suffered personal injuries from a bicycle accident, as well as family members who have lost a loved one in a road accident caused by negligent or reckless conduct of another person. We know that when a bicycle collides with a vehicle weighing at least 2,000 pounds, the odds are not in the cyclist’s favor and the results can be tragic.

It’s important to consult with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against a reckless or negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation.

Distractions and Human Error

Distracted driving is a major cause of all types of accidents, but in bicycle accidents, it can be especially deadly. According to the National Safety Council, using a smartphone while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes every year, and texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving. Distracted driving is not the only major cause of bicycle accidents, though.

Other causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Speeding-Speeding is a major cause of all motor vehicle accidents, however, when a driver cannot slow down to avoid hitting a cyclist, the results are often deadly.
• Driving under the influence-Taking to the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only negligent behavior, it is dangerous.
• Failure to follow signs/traffic devices-Cyclists assume that motorists will follow all rules of the road including traffic devices and signs, but this isn’t always the case.
• Reckless cycling-Bicyclist are required to follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicle drivers. Cyclists who run through lights and signs, weave in and out of traffic, do not use proper hand signals, or act in an aggressive manner put themselves at-risk for serious injuries and death.
• Weather-Weather can have a huge impact on bicycle accidents, including sun glare, storms and downpours, and snow and ice. While cyclists often avoid riding in inclement weather, sudden storms can pop up and put cyclists in danger.

Positioning Accidents

Bicycling accidents are often caused by the positioning of the bicycle in relation to the motor vehicles they share the roadways with. The most common positioning accidents that occur include:

• Right turning accidents-If a cyclist is positioned on the right side of a motor vehicle, they run the risk of being hit when the car or truck attempts to make a right-hand turn. The right side of the vehicle is a large blind spot for drivers, so it is best for cyclists to keep more to the left of a vehicle.
• Right cross and left cross accidents-These types of accidents occur when a motor vehicle crosses into the line of a bicycle, either from the right or left, usually at in intersection, side street, or driveway. Visibility and distracted driving are usually the cause of these types of accidents.
• Side-swipe accidents-When a motor vehicle driver doesn’t allow a cyclist enough space or time to pass, they often side swipe the cyclist.
• Rear-end accidents-Drivers that aren’t paying attention or misjudge the distance between themselves and the cyclist commonly strike the cyclist from behind.
• Dooring accidents-Dooring accidents occur when a driver opens their door into the flow of traffic causing the cyclist to either strike the door or swerve into traffic to avoid hitting it. It is the responsibility of drivers to ensure that they have a clear path when opening their door and they are required by law to do so quickly for only the amount of time it takes to load or unload passengers.

Cyclists are at a distinct disadvantage due to their lack of protection while riding. It is important that both drivers and cyclists do their part to keep everyone safe when they take to the roadways. If you or a loved one was involved in a bicycle accident due to no fault of your own, an experienced personal injury lawyer can review your case and help you to receive the compensation that you deserve.

We at 844 See Mike are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google.  Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.