Many individuals choose to make biking their primary form of transportation or go out on scenic bike rides for a fun activity. Unfortunately, bicyclists can be in danger of getting hit by motorists who may be sharing the road.
Bicyclist fatalities are on the rise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has seen a growth of over 10 percent regarding cyclist fatalities in just one year. What are the main causes of cyclist/ motor vehicle accidents?
Causes of accidents
- Motorist drives too close to cyclist: If a car is driving too close to the side of the road, they can sideswipe bikers, which can cause severe injury and death.
- Vehicle turns into cyclist: Often, individuals driving cars do not look before turning left and right. Turning right into a bike lane or turning right on red can cause drivers to turn into a cyclist. Many drivers turn left and do not see a cyclist, causing a t-bone type collision.
- Driver opens door into cyclist: When a biker is cycling next to parked cars, there is always a risk of a door opening into them. This can be dangerous for cyclists, as individuals in parked cars often do not look for or see bikers coming up next to them.
- Driver following cyclist too closely: When cyclists drive with cars on the road, it can be easy for a car to follow too closely without realizing it. Because bikers don’t have brake lights, a driver may rear-end a cyclist if they are not paying attention.
Proving motorist liability
If you can prove that the driver of the car’s negligence caused the accident and it resulted in your (the biker) injury, you may be able to hold the driver accountable for their actions. Making sure you are compensated for the damages to you or your bike can seem daunting, but it does not need to be. Knowing what you need to prove driver liability can help you win your case.