The bicycle is a popular mode of transportation for millions of people around the globe. However, millions of people are involved in bicycle accidents every year, so knowing the most common causes is essential.
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Bicycle Accident
Before diving into the leading causes of biking accidents, the first thing you should know is what you should do if you have been involved in one. So what are some of the steps you must take?
Ensure You Are Safe
The first step is to ensure that you and anyone else involved is safe and seek medical attention if necessary. During a bicycle accident, it is crucial to remain aware of your surroundings. If someone approaches you, ask them to call the police, an ambulance, or your family members for help.
Gather Evidence
Once you have been checked for injuries, you should attempt to gather as much evidence about the situation as possible. Never admit fault and ask eyewitnesses for a statement. If they are willing to provide it, you should also ask for their contact information. In addition, if your accident involves a vehicle, you should take photos of the car and number plate and ask the owner for their insurance details. If the police and paramedics came, you should also ask for an official report.
Contact A Lawyer
If you believe that you were the victim in this event, it is wise to contact a lawyer who can assist you. Their assistance will help you deal with the perpetrator’s insurance company and get the medical treatment you deserve. These sorts of accidents can end up costing a lot of money in medical bills, so it is in your best interests to get help. However, a lawyer can also help you to know if you have a case or not. According to the bicycle accident lawyers at https://bestbicycleaccidentlawyer.com/, the only way you’ll see if you have a case is to speak with a trained legal professional. Moreover, as you will see later in the post, assigning fault for bicycle accidents is often tricky because numerous factors are involved.
Bicycle Accidents Have A Variety Of Causes
Having learned what to do in a situation like this, you should also identify the most common causes. You can avoid these issues by knowing the reasons for their occurrence.
Driver And Cyclist Distraction
Cycling while distracted can lead to accidents and injuries. This is why it is essential to stay alert and aware of all surroundings and not cycle while using any distracting app or device. While this is the most common cause for cyclists, it is also one of the main reasons riders get hit by vehicles. Distracted drivers often do not notice cyclists when they are in their path.
Inadequate Buffering
When drivers follow bikes too closely and pass too close to them, they put themselves in a perilous position. Furthermore, these drivers have fewer options to avoid collisions with cyclists, making them more likely to hit them. The best way to stay safe while riding a bicycle is to provide yourself with a wide enough buffer zone that you can take evasive action if necessary.
Excessive Speeding
Speeding prolongs the time taken for drivers to stop and reduce their ability to make decisions on the road. Even low-speed collisions can be exceedingly dangerous for cyclists, even if high-speed collisions cause more severe injuries or even death. Nevertheless, this is also true for cyclists. Those who ride at excessive speeds are more likely to injure themselves and others.
Weaving Through Traffic
Cyclists are less visible to drivers maneuvering through traffic. Additionally, they are less likely to be able to avoid crashes by taking evasive action. Wandering motorists frequently stray from traffic lanes and onto cycle paths without realizing it. Cyclists who do this also put themselves at a higher risk of injury than if they keep to the designated bike lanes. Therefore, in order to remain safe, you should always stick to the designated lanes or stay on your side of the road.
Violation Of A Stop Sign Or Red Light
This is one of the most avoidable incidents, and both parties are often guilty of it. Unfortunately, it is ubiquitous for motorists to ignore traffic signs which can make cycling even more hazardous.
Most bicycle accidents occur because of cyclists or drivers not paying attention to their surroundings. Regardless of what you are doing, it would be best to always be alert to your surroundings.
