What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

Whether you are riding a bicycle for leisure or transportation, there are several things you should be aware of, including what causes bicycle accidents. These include defective bicycles, road hazards, and dooring. These factors can be dangerous, and you may suffer injuries in a bicycle accident.

Distracted driving

During the last five years, the number of bicycle accidents caused by distracted driving increased by about 30 percent. This is a significant increase, especially considering the fact that bicycle accidents caused by distracted drivers tend to be more deadly than those caused by other drivers.

Distracted driving involves using a hand-held device such as a cell phone. These devices are designed to help the driver avoid distractions while driving, but it is often difficult to tell whether the driver is actually using the phone or not.

There are a number of different types of distracted driving. Some of the most common types include texting, talking on the phone, and using a GPS device.

Another type of distracted driving involves right turns. These types of crashes tend to be more dangerous because the driver is likely to miss the turn and end up hitting another vehicle or bicyclist. It is also a good idea to avoid running red lights.

Defective bicycles

Despite the fact that bicycling is a great way to get around, defective bicycles can cause accidents. Cyclists are at a higher risk of injury than other motorists because they lack the same protective equipment.

While bike helmets may offer some protection, they still do not prevent serious injuries from occurring. Broken pedals, for instance, can cause a rider to fall to the pavement.

Another type of defect is an improperly welded frame. When the frame is welded improperly, the bike may fail and a rider may fall.

Manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure that bikes are safe for consumers. If they fail to do so, the company could be held liable.

Bicycling is a popular activity in the United States. Many people choose to do it as part of their exercise and social lives. However, many people become injured while riding their bikes. Bicycling accidents can be serious and even fatal.

Dooring

Among the many types of bicycle accidents that occur, dooring is one of the most serious. It occurs when a car door opens without the driver or passenger looking for a cyclist. This can cause serious injuries such as neck pain, broken bones, whiplash and internal organ damage.

Dooring can be very dangerous to both bicyclists and motorcyclists. Bicyclists need to ride in the designated bike lane or side of the road to avoid dooring. Cyclists also need to avoid parked cars and ride in a safe distance from them. If a door is opened in front of a bike, the rider may be thrown over the door onto the pavement ahead.

Dooring can also occur when a passenger opens the rear door of a vehicle into traffic. If a door is opened in the middle of the lane, a cyclist may have to swerve to avoid it.

Road hazards

Whether you are on the road or on a bike path, there are many road hazards that can cause serious injuries. These include potholes, railway tracks, uneven surfaces, debris, construction areas, and more. Those who are injured due to road hazards can pursue compensation for damages.

A pothole is a hole in the road, usually caused by long-term wear and tear. The hole can tip a bike off balance and cause the cyclist to lose control. The bike can then hit an oncoming vehicle, causing a crash.

Railway tracks and sewer grates can be dangerous for bicyclists. The narrow slits in these grates can wedge the bike’s tires between the rails and the road.

Other road hazards include debris that piles up on the sidewalk. The debris can cause a cyclist to skid and be injured.

Injuries caused by a bicycle accident

Often times bicycle accidents result in severe injuries that can be costly to treat. Injuries include broken bones, lacerations, and internal organ damage. These injuries may require extensive hospitalization.

Bicyclists often suffer from head injuries, concussions, and broken bones. These injuries can cause lasting damage or even amputation.

In addition to these injuries, bicycle riders often suffer from soft tissue injuries such as muscle sprains and back pain. If you have been in a bicycle accident, call 911 immediately. This will help you obtain a medical report, which is essential in a potential lawsuit.

Another serious injury that bicycle riders can sustain is spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can cause a person to be paralyzed from the neck down. Depending on the severity of the injury, the person may be confined to a wheelchair or have to make adjustments in their home.

If you need legal help from a bike accident, I recommend this bicycle accident lawyer in New York City.