Bike crashes are terrifying and can happen in countless ways. Each type of accident can cause different injuries. Knowing how they happen can help you stay safer on the road.
At Good Guys Injury Law, we help people who have been in bike accidents be aware of their rights and get the help they need. We have seen all types of bicycle accidents and use our experience to help our clients in the best way possible.
Motor vehicles and bikes must share the road. While many bicycle crashes are caused by motor vehicles, not all are. A bicycle accident can happen with a motorcycle or truck or as a solo incident. Even small bicycle accidents can lead to devastating bicycle injuries.
Learn more about bicycle injuries and crashes below. Then, contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your bicycle accident claim.
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Why Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?
Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, it’s because cars don’t see bikers or the roads are in poor condition. Even bad weather can make biking more dangerous. Other times, bikers might not follow the rules of the road or not wear the right safety gear. No matter the reason, accidents can cause serious injuries or worse.
The most common injuries in a bike accident are head injuries, accounting for over 60% of bicycle accident fatalities. Drivers often don’t know how to share the road with bikers, which can lead to bicycle accidents. Some cyclists might not know all the laws they must follow on the road.
Teaching both drivers and bikers about road safety can help prevent accidents. Importantly, depending on the circumstances of your crash, you might be able to pursue legal action after bicycle crash.
Importance of Understanding Accident Types for Prevention and Legal Action
Knowing the different causes of bike accidents can help prevent them. If you know how dangerous conditions develop, you can be more careful to avoid those situations. This knowledge can also help you if you need to take legal action after a crash.
Our bicycle accident attorney at Good Guys Injury Law uses this information to help protect your rights and get you the support you need if you’re in an accident.
Awareness of the risks helps you ride safer and makes it easier for us to help you if something goes wrong. We’re here to support you by ensuring you know your rights and what steps to take next. We want every cyclist to feel confident and secure on the road and in the legal process.
Collision with Motor Vehicles
Collisions with cars are among the most common and dangerous types of bike accidents. When bikes and cars try to share the road, things can go wrong if neither party exercises appropriate caution. These accidents can cause head injuries because cyclists do not lack any protection.
Both cyclists and drivers must be aware of each other and follow road safety rules to avoid these accidents.
Right Hook and Left Cross Accidents
Right-hook bike accidents happen when a car turns right and hits a cyclist riding next to them on the right side. Left cross accidents occur when a car turns left across the path of an oncoming cyclist. Both types of accidents often happen at intersections and can be potentially catastrophic. Cyclists can help protect themselves by staying visible and paying close attention to the signals and actions of cars around them.
Rear-End Collisions and Door Prizes
Rear-end collisions occur when a car hits a cyclist from behind. This can happen if the driver isn’t paying attention or misjudges the cyclist’s speed.
Door prizes happen when a driver opens their car door without checking for passing cyclists, causing the cyclist to run into the door. Both situations are risky and can lead to serious injuries for the cyclist.
Single-Bike Accidents
Sometimes, bike accidents happen without any cars involved. These single-bike accidents can still be severe and have many causes.
Causes of Solo Bike Accidents
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, cracks, or debris in the bike path can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.
- Equipment failure: A bike malfunction, like brake failure or a tire blowout, can lead to an accident.
- Dodging obstacles: Swerving to avoid an animal, pedestrian, or unexpected obstacle can make a cyclist fall.
- Weather conditions: Rain, ice, or snow can make roads slippery and dangerous for cyclists.
- Lack of experience: Inexperienced cyclists might make mistakes, like taking turns too fast, leading to accidents.
Bike Lane Accidents
Accidents can also happen when cars invade bike lanes. These spaces are supposed to be safe for cyclists, but when cars infringe on them, it can lead to collisions.
Invasions of Bike Lane Space by Cars
Sometimes, drivers accidentally or carelessly drive into bike lanes. This can happen if they’re not paying attention, trying to pass another vehicle, or don’t know the bike lane boundaries. When cars enter bike lanes, cyclists are at risk of being hit or forced out of their path. These bike crashes can lead to severe injuries. Common examples include traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Legal Rights of Cyclists in Bike Lanes
Cyclists have specific rights when they’re in bike lanes. These lanes are meant to provide safety and a designated space on the road. If a motor vehicle enters a bike lane and causes an accident, the driver is often at fault. Cyclists should know their rights to protect themselves legally if an accident occurs.
Cyclists must be aware that they can use these lanes without interference. If a car invades a bike lane and an accident happens, the cyclist may be entitled to compensation for injuries and damages.
Good Guys Injury Law team can help cyclists be familiar with these rights and represent them in legal actions against drivers who violate them. Even common bicycle accident injuries can be devastating. Contact our bicycle accident attorney to schedule a case consultation.
Accidents at Intersections
Intersections are common places for bike accidents. These areas are high-risk because vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians often move in different directions and may not be aware of each other.
Risks Associated with Urban Intersections
Urban intersections can be particularly dangerous for cyclists due to the high traffic volume and complex signal systems. Drivers may be focused on other vehicles and fail to notice cyclists, so cyclists must be extra cautious and assume that drivers might not see them.
Best Practices for Navigating Intersection Challenges Safely
- Be visible: Wear bright clothing and use lights on your bike, especially early in the morning or at night. You should also wear a bright helmet, which can reduce the risk of a traumatic brain injury.
- Follow traffic signals: Always obey traffic lights and signs like any other vehicle.
- Make eye contact: Try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before you cross an intersection.
- Use hand signals: Signal your turns and stops to let drivers and other cyclists know your intentions.
- Stay Alert: Watch for cars turning across your path and be ready to stop or maneuver safely.
Accidents Involving Pedestrians
Sometimes, cyclists and pedestrians collide. These accidents can happen when one or both parties are not paying attention or misunderstand each other’s right-of-way.
Right-of-Way Misunderstandings
Misunderstandings about who has the right-of-way at crosswalks, sidewalks, and trails can lead to accidents. Cyclists and pedestrians must know and recognize the rules to avoid conflicts and collisions. These collisions could result in head injuries and spine injuries.
Strategies for Preventing Pedestrian-Related Bike Accidents
- Slow down in crowded areas: Reduce your speed in areas where pedestrians are common, such as parks, shopping areas, and residential streets.
- Use a bell or horn: A bell or horn can help alert pedestrians to your presence, reducing the risk of surprise encounters.
- Be predictable: Follow the rules of the road, use consistent speeds, and avoid erratic movements that can confuse pedestrians.
- Yield to pedestrians: Always give way to pedestrians, especially in crosswalks and shared paths. This could prevent brain injuries.
- Stay visible: Use lights and wear reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions, to ensure pedestrians can see you coming.
What Should You Do After a Bike Accident?
If you are in a bike crash, knowing the steps to take to protect yourself and your rights is important.
- Check for injuries: Immediately check yourself and others for injuries. Prioritize medical attention by calling 911 if needed.
- Move to safety: If possible, move yourself and your bike to a safe area away from traffic to avoid further danger.
- Exchange information: Get contact and insurance information from everyone else at the scene. This includes witnesses.
- Document the scene: Take pictures of the crash site, your injuries, and any damages to your bike and personal belongings.
- File a police report: Call the police to file an official report. This document can be needed for insurance and legal purposes. This is true even if you strike parked cars and suffer a serious injury.
- Seek medical attention: See a doctor as soon as you can, even if you don’t think you are heavily hurt. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Even a spinal cord injury in a bicycle crash might not show up right away.
- Contact a bike accident lawyer: Consult with a bike accident lawyer who can review your rights and options for seeking compensation.
Our Utah Bike Accident Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Compensation
Handling the consequences of a bike accident can be overwhelming, especially if you are injured. Our Utah bike accident lawyer at Good Guys Injury Law is here to help. We can guide you through the legal process and work to get you the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Our team knows the complexities of bike accident claims and will advocate vigorously on your behalf. We’re committed to ensuring you receive fair treatment from insurance companies and responsible parties.
Contact Our Utah Bike Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Case Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Reach out to Good Guys Injury Law today to schedule a free case review with our skilled Utah bike accident lawyer. We’ll review your case and see if we can pursue compensation on your behalf.
We could help you recover compensation for a head injury, soft tissue injuries, and countless other complications. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.