Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Serious injuries are common in bicycle accidents. Knowing the common causes allows you to prevent it and, when necessary, seek justice.
Negligent Drivers
Bicycle accidents are often caused by negligence on the road. Cyclists are usually hit by drivers who aren’t paying attention. Texting, eating, or adjusting a navigation system increases the risks. For example, a person with their mind on their phone could swerve into a cyclist’s lane, resulting in a serious accident. Other risky behavior that can endanger bicyclists include aggressive driving, like tailgating or making abrupt lane changes.
Calling the top Alaska motorcycle accident lawyer is important if you have been injured due to a negligent driver. An experienced attorney will know how to gather evidence, identify liability, and fight for your deserved compensation. Medical expenses, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering resulting from someone else’s carelessness can be recovered through your legal advocate.
Flouting Traffic Laws and Regulations.
The biggest threat to cyclists is drivers who ignore traffic laws. Running red lights, failing to yield, or driving in the wrong lane often causes these devastating collisions. Yet, both motor vehicle and cyclist violations can lead to accidents, and motor vehicle violations are a major problem. Turning or opening a car door in a cyclist’s path without checking blind spots before doing so is a motorist’s lack of accountability and awareness.
You must understand your rights under local traffic statutes. For instance, Alaska law requires drivers to give bicycles plenty of room when passing, yet violations of such rules are common. If you are a victim of such recklessness, you need to be held accountable by a responsible party.
Poorly Maintained Bike Lanes or Roads
Bicycle safety is heavily dependent on infrastructure. Bike lanes are unsafe because of potholes, cracked pavement, and debris. Poor lighting and faded lane markings make it difficult to navigate safely on nighttime rides. When the negligence of government agencies or property owners whose responsibility is to maintain roadways contributes to an accident, they may be liable.
For example, if cyclists crash because of an unmarked road hazard, they could file a claim against the entity responsible for maintenance. If you believe that inadequate road conditions played a part in your accident, an attorney experienced in personal injury can help you determine that and seek compensation.
Inexperienced or Unlicensed Motor Vehicle Drivers
Cyclists often have to share the road with inexperienced drivers who lack the skills and judgment needed to do so safely. Whether it’s young drivers without a license or unlicensed drivers, they may misjudge a cyclist’s speed, fail to yield at intersections or panic in critical situations. The lack of knowledge of traffic rules multiplies the risk for everyone on the road.
If an inexperienced or unlicensed driver caused your accident, don’t hesitate to call an accident law office for help. These cases are complicated, and attorneys specializing in them will investigate the driver’s qualifications, reconstruct the accident, and build a strong case to ensure you get just compensation.
Dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance claims after a bicycle accident is overwhelming, especially when navigating the aftermath. A good bicycle accident attorney can help. To determine liability, they will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze police reports. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to get a fair settlement.
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