A bike accident can be very scary. Sometimes, it even results in death.
These crashes typically involve a cyclist who is legally occupying the road or sidewalk and gets hit by a vehicle that overtakes them from behind.
Drivers should always yield to bicyclists. They should also keep an eye out for traffic conditions and slow down to avoid a collision.
Traffic laws
Traffic laws are critical to preventing bicycle accidents. They make drivers assume the responsibility to share the road and respect the rights of others.
Drivers should use a signal when passing, give cyclists the proper space, allow them to travel in a full lane of traffic where there is no bike lane and allow cyclists to turn safely when it is safe.
Cars should also avoid opening doors or turning into the bike lane (also known as “dooring”). This can lead to collisions between cars and cyclists.
A motorist who is in violation of the law can be held liable for injuries to a bicyclist in a crash. This can include damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and other losses.
Injuries from a bike accident can be catastrophic. They can result in limb loss, paralysis, or other physical disabilities. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, it’s important to speak with a qualified attorney to explore your options for compensation.
Road hazards
Road hazards can be a dangerous element for cyclists because they can cause them to veer off course. This is due to the fact that bicycles are more unstable than cars and their thin tires make abrupt changes in the road surface very dangerous.
If you are a bicyclist injured in an accident caused by a road hazard, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you file a claim, the better your chances of success.
Cyclists can be injured by a number of different road hazards including potholes, sewer grates, railroad and trolley tracks, and other roadway conditions that are dangerous for cyclists. If you are injured in an accident due to a road hazard, it is likely that the public agency responsible for maintaining the roadway will be liable for your injuries.
The best way to prove your case is to take photographs and video of the hazard. This is especially true if you are filing a claim against a government entity.
Drivers
Drivers can cause bike accidents because they fail to follow traffic laws or take safety precautions. For example, they may make a left turn without warning or swerve across lanes that aren’t wide enough to accommodate two-wheelers.
These mistakes give bicyclists little or no time to react and cause them to collide with vehicles in the path of their travel. Driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs, for example, also makes drivers vulnerable to collisions with bikers.
Road rage can also lead drivers to behave recklessly when confronted by cyclists who ride faster than they’re used to or are blocking their path. These actions, which are often aggressive, can result in bikers being rear-ended by a car or in other serious collisions.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after the crash. You should also keep a record of your injuries, treatment, and recovery.
Cyclists
Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation in New York, with more than 778,000 cyclists riding their bikes in the city alone. While cycling is a great way to stay fit, it can also pose some risks for cyclists.
Cyclists can become victims of accidents due to road hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel and animal debris. Often, bicycle accidents can be avoided if drivers and cyclists follow the rules of the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident, contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney for legal advice. They can help you determine if you may have grounds to seek compensation from the responsible parties.
A number of studies have been conducted on the impact of transport infrastructure on bicyclist safety. Results to date suggest that sidewalks and multi-use trails pose the highest risk, while roads with marked bike lanes and paths are the safest.