A bicycle accident can cause significant damage and severe injuries to bicyclists because bicycles have little protection to protect them from impact. Bicycle accidents can result from the negligence of bicyclists, motor vehicle drivers, bicycle parts manufacturers, etc. Some common causes of bicycle accidents include distracted driving, speeding, dooring, defective bicycle parts, etc.
If you were the victim of a bicycle accident, you could file a bicycle accident claim to pursue compensation for damages, such as medical bills, lost earning potential, and loss of enjoyment of life. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you calculate your current and future damages, determine who caused the bicycle accident, and negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The bicycle accident lawyers at The Russo Firm have experience in litigating bicycle accident claims that could put you in the best position to recover fair compensation for your bicycle accident damages.
Negligent Behavior from Bicyclists Can Cause a Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident can result from a bicyclist’s negligent behavior while they ride their bike. This negligent behavior can cause them to come into the path of another bicyclist or motor vehicle, which can result in a bicycle accident. Any cyclist that takes their bicycle off of designated bike lanes or sidewalks can come into contact with a motor vehicle and can cause a bike accident.
The following are some of the negligent bicyclist behaviors that can cause a bicycle accident:
- Distracted cycling
- Drunk cycling
- Aggressive cycling
- Drowsy cycling
- Riding a bicycle outside of a sidewalk or bike lane
- Pulling out in front of another cyclist
Motor Vehicle Drivers Can Cause Bicycle Accidents Through Negligent Driving Behavior
One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents is when a motor vehicle driver behaves negligently behind the wheel. This is when they breach the duty of care they owe others on the road, including bicyclists.
Drivers can become distracted, unfocused, or angry behind the wheel and act in reckless and dangerous ways. Their negligent behavior can expose others to harm and lead to a crash that can severely injure other parties. A negligent driver can strike a bicyclist and cause severe injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), neck injury, or broken bones.
The following are some of the negligent driving behaviors that can cause bicycle accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Road rage
- Not using turn signals
- Not following road rules
- Disobeying right-of-way laws
Staying Safe While Cycling
Here are some tips on how to stay safe while bicycling. By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself safe while bicycling.
- Wear a helmet. This is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself in the event of a crash.
- Obey the rules of the road. This means riding with the flow of traffic, stopping at red lights and stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians.
- Be predictable. Let drivers know where you are going by signaling your turns and changes in direction.
- Be visible. Wear bright clothing and reflective gear, especially at night.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to what’s going on around you, including cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists.
- Don’t drink and bike. Alcohol impairs your judgment and coordination, making it more likely that you will be involved in a crash.
- Take the lane. If you are riding on a narrow road, take the lane to make yourself more visible to drivers.
- Be prepared for anything. Have a plan in case you have a flat tire or other mechanical problem.
- Ride defensively. Assume that drivers do not see you and be prepared to take evasive action.
- Use hand signals. Hand signals can let drivers know what you are doing.
- Be aware of blind spots. Drivers may not be able to see you if you are riding in their blind spot.
- Avoid riding in the door zone. This is the area between parked cars and moving traffic.
- Watch for hazards. Be aware of road hazards such as potholes, debris, and uneven pavement.
- Give yourself a break. Take breaks often, especially if you are riding in hot weather.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being involved in a bicycle accident.
Learn more: Does Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents?
Defective Bicycle Parts Can Cause Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists can lose control of their bicycle if it has a defective or malfunctioning part, such as their brakes or wheels. Without integral parts operating correctly, the bicycle can no longer function properly and can lead a bicyclist to crash into something or someone else. The bicycle part manufacturer can be held liable in a product liability claim for selling a part that was not fit for use.
Severe Injuries Caused by Dooring
Dooring is when a motor vehicle driver opens their door in the path of another road user. This type of accident normally occurs between a car driver and a bicyclist. The car driver likely is not paying attention to a cyclist’s path and opens their door as a bicyclist rides by, with the door smashing into the bicyclist and causing them to fall from their bicycle.
The bicyclist will receive impact twice during a dooring accident: once with the door and another with the ground. A bicyclist’s face, arms, legs, back, and neck can all be exposed to impact that can generate a severe injury.
Damages in a Bicycle Accident Claim
If you were the victim of a bicycle accident, you could file a bicycle accident claim to pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Your financial situation can be affected, as you have to pay for medical costs associated with your severe injuries and could miss time from work while you recover.
You could also suffer psychological effects, as depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders can reduce your quality of life. A bicycle accident lawyer can help to calculate the current and future cost of your damages to ensure you recover fair compensation for your bicycle accident.
The following are some of the bicycle accident damages a victim can pursue:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of society
How Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help With Your Bicycle Accident Claim?
Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer can help with the process of pursuing compensation for bicycle accident damages. They have the experience in litigating bicycle accident claims that you lack and can put you in a better position to recover fair compensation. The bicycle accident claims process will also require you to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company which will try to deny, delay, or devalue your settlement to keep its profits up. Your bicycle accident lawyer can see through these attempts and help to ensure you recover fair compensation for the full cost of your damages.
The following are some of the ways a bicycle accident lawyer can help with your bicycle accident claim:
- Calculate the value of your current and future bicycle accident damages
- Determine the liable party who caused the bicycle accident
- Draft and send out the demand letter to the liable party and their insurance company
- Collect evidence to prove your bicycle accident case
- Speak to witnesses and expert witnesses
- Explain your rights and bicycle accident laws
- Negotiate a settlement with the liable party’s insurer
- Represent you in court in a bicycle accident lawsuit
Contact The Russo Firm to Help With Your Help With Your Bicycle Accident Claim
The Russo Firm is a personal injury law firm with bicycle accident lawyers that can help you pursue compensation for damages. They understand laws for bicycle accidents across the United States and can use their experience to put you in the best position to recover compensation for bicycle accident damages. Allow our bicycle accident attorneys to help you recover compensation for damages by using the firm’s resources, their experience, and personalized legal counsel catered to the specifics of your case.
At The Russo Firm, we offer free consultations to allow bicycle accident victims to see how our bicycle accident lawyers can help them pursue compensation for damages. Contact us at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
