Cyclist accidents are some of the most severe. It is estimated that over a thousand cyclists have been fatally injured in the past years by auto accidents. The cause of so many fatal cyclist accidents happens because of how little protection cyclists have.
What causes so many cyclist accidents? Here is what you should know:
1. Dooring
Cyclists can not predict when people will open car doors. It is often the responsibility of people in cars to be aware of their surroundings. When someone opens a car door in the path of a cyclist and causes the cyclist to hit the door, it is known as “dooring.”
2. Left turns
A driver who turns left across the opposite lane could drive into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This often happens when a driver is unaware of cyclists in the other lane.
3. Lane sharing
Even with dedicated cycling lanes, cyclists may need to share the road with motor vehicles. Some drivers may not share the road with cyclists. As a result, a vehicle may collide with a cyclist or cause the cyclist to ride off of the road.
4. Distractions
Distracted driving is a common cause of auto accidents, but it can also cause bike accidents. Distracted driving happens when a driver is not aware of their surroundings because their focus is trained on something other than the road. Bikes are often harder to spot than vehicles, which is why distracted drivers may be more likely to collide with cyclists.
5. Speeding
People who are driving well over the speed limit have little time to react to oncoming obstacles, such as cyclists. If a driver is speeding, they may not give the cyclist enough space on the road.
If you or someone you know was injured by a negligent driver, then you can pursue damages by understanding your legal options.
