Causes of Bicycle Accidents

In California, drivers often like to blame reckless or careless bicyclists for bicycle accidents. However, most of the time, these crashes are caused by negligent drivers. Drivers simply do not watch out for cyclists the same way they watch for other drivers, or they do not provide them with enough room to keep the cyclists safe. When that happens, and a crash occurs, a San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer can help victims claim the compensation they need.

Drivers often approach a cyclist traveling the same direction as them. When that happens, drivers should try to provide these cyclists with the necessary room when passing. Too often, they do not, resulting in the vehicle side-swiping the cyclist and causing serious injuries.

Dooring accidents occur when a driver has parked his or her vehicle. The driver attempts to exit the car and, unintentionally but still carelessly, opens the door into the cyclist’s path. Cyclists often do not have time to slow down or stop and so, end up crashing into the driver’s door. This is a much more common cause of bicycle accidents than people think.

Motorists often do not give cyclists the space they need. When a cyclist is in the same lane as motor vehicles and a driver approaches, the driver can end up rear-ending the bicyclist. Sometimes this is because the driver does not properly judge the amount of room the bike needs. More often, though, these accidents occur because drivers simply do not see the cyclists ahead of them. If you have been injured in such an accident, the help of an experienced bicycle accident attorney in San Francisco is integral to achieving the compensation you need to recover.

These accidents occur when a cyclist is traveling straight through an intersection. As the bicycle passes through the intersection, a vehicle approaches from a side street or an alleyway. The driver makes a turn, either right or left, and crashes into the cyclist. This common cause of bicycle accidents also typically happens because drivers are not watching for cyclists.

Speeding does not just cause bicycle accidents, it also contributes to the severity of the injuries incurred. Speeding may cause an accident because the driver is going too fast to see the cyclist or because the driver does not have enough time to stop or slow down.

Impaired driving slows a motorist’s reaction time, interferes with perception, and prevents a driver from fully concentrating on the road. Impaired driving causes many types of accidents on California’s roads, and bicycle accidents are some of the worst.

There are many common causes of bicycle accidents, and they can all lead to severe and debilitating injuries. If you have been hurt in any type of bicycle accident or any other type of accident, you need to speak to a bicycle accident attorney in San Francisco right away. At the Brod Law Firm, we are passionate about standing up for the rights of accident victims. We will negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to help you get the full amount of compensation to which you are entitled. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form for your free consultation so we can begin reviewing your case.