Cycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreation that offers many benefits. It promotes physical fitness, reduces traffic congestion, and is eco-friendly.
However, this activity also exposes riders to risks—risks that may cause severe injuries or even death. Most accidents happen in urban settings, so it’s especially important that cyclists practice care when biking on busy streets. Knowing the common types of bicycle accidents can help everyone take more precautions when motorists and cyclists share the roadways.
If you’ve suffered an injury in this type of crash, you should learn more about seeking compensation. Contact a bicycle accident attorney in McLean and arrange a free consultation.
Dooring Accidents
Among bike accidents, “dooring” is a frequent incident. This accident happens when someone in a parked car opens their door into the path of an oncoming bicycle. The cyclist will either crash into the open door or swerve into traffic to avoid hitting it. In either case, they can get hurt badly or sustain life-changing injuries.
Dooring Injuries
Dooring accident injuries may include bone fractures, road rash, and joint injuries, which limit mobility. Moreover, fatal complications may result from internal injuries. If a cyclist stops suddenly, they can also suffer spinal injuries, soft tissue injuries, such as strains and sprains, or concussions. Facial injuries frequently include fractures, bruises, lacerations, and cuts.
Getting immediate medical attention in these accidents is important so you can contact a bicycle accident attorney about your claim. Medical diagnoses and bills can serve as evidence when filing a claim for damages.
Preventing a Preventable Accident
Drivers don’t always take care when they open or shut car doors. For example, safety professionals advise that motorists use the “Dutch Reach” technique when opening the door of their car. This involves taking the far hand by twisting the body and head to check for approaching traffic. This method, founded in the European Dutch cycling community, is meant to prevent dooring accidents and the resulting injuries or fatalities. It’s also called the Far Hand Reach method.
Right-Hook and Left-Cross Collisions
A right-hook accident happens when a motorist quickly turns to the right, blocking the cyclist.
A left-cross collision occurs when a driver turns left across the path of an approaching cyclist from the opposite direction through an intersection or driveway.
When these accidents occur, drivers often do not check their mirror or blind spots when turning. When accidents happen, the cyclist has already begun crossing while the driver is making their turn.
These turns can be especially serious if the vehicle turning is a large truck or bus.
Right-Hook and Left-Cross Injuries
Cyclists can get injured badly in these accidents.
A left cross accident can lead to injuries that include broken bones, hip fractures, abrasions, concussion, broken jaw or facial bones, or dental injuries.
Injuries from a right hook accident may involve brain injuries, organ damage, internal bleeding, road rash, neck and back injuries, spinal cord injuries, damaged limbs, and lacerations.
Left cross accidents, therefore, can lead to more problems with facial disfigurement, while right hook crashes can lead to serious complications that may lead to a fatality.
Most right-hook accidents are the fault of the driver. If they’re driving distracted, they may not see the cyclist traveling to their right before they make a turn.
Rear-End Bicycle and Car Crashes
A rear-end crash occurs when a driver hits a biker from behind. This type of accident is particularly dangerous because it often happens at higher speeds and can result in severe injuries or a fatality. Rear-end collisions are common when a driver fails to notice a cyclist in front of them.
According to statistics, time and light conditions play a major role in fatal bicycle accident crashes. Approximately 56 percent of deaths occur at dawn, dusk, or in the nighttime hours, with the highest number (22 percent) of fatalities occurring weekdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The highest number of fatal accidents happen on the weekend at the same time.
Drivers at fault usually do not follow a safe distance behind or may be guilty of distracted driving. In these cases, you should talk to a bicycle accident attorney to find out more about filing a bicycle accident claim if you’re an injured cyclist.
Injuries
Major injuries that result from bicycle rear-end crashes include:
Back Injuries
The force of a rear-end crash can stress the vertebrae, leading to spinal compression or slipped discs.
Concussions and TBIs
When the brain strikes the skull’s inner wall, it can trigger severe headaches, vomiting, tiredness, and nausea. Even if the cyclist wears a helmet, they may still suffer a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Whiplash
Just like the cracking of a whip, whiplash happens when a great force jolts the spine—an injury that leads to neck pain, headaches, weakness, or stiffness of the neck. A severe case of whiplash can trigger nerve injuries that cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulders and arms.
Compression Fractures
When an accident victim suffers a compression fracture, the vertebrae of the spine collapse, which may lead to a deformity, excruciating pain, or loss of height.
Internal Injuries
If the cyclist hits the bike’s handlebars, it can lead to internal injuries. A distended abdomen is a sign of internal bleeding. This is also known as hemoperitoneum.
Paralysis
The force of a rear-end collision can trigger spinal damage and permanent paralysis.
The above injuries can greatly impact your life. Talk to a bicycle accident lawyer about receiving money to ensure a full recovery or continued care.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are where many bicycle accidents happen. These crashes often occur when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way or runs a red light, stop sign, or other traffic signal or indicator light. A motorist’s inattention due to distracted or impaired driving may also lead to the incident.
Collisions that Involve Road Hazards
Cyclists may also crash if they run over a pothole or debris in the road or strike an uneven pavement, which causes them to lose control. In these instances, you may file a personal injury claim against a governmental entity that oversees the roadway. It’s up to municipalities to make sure that roads are well-maintained and clear of objects or debris.
Overtaking Accidents
An overtaking accident may occur when a motorist underestimates the distance needed to pass a cyclist safely. The vehicle attempting to overtake the cyclist may hit them from behind.
Lane Merging Incidents
A lane merging crash frequently occurs if the motorist or cyclist moves into the space occupied by the other party. It’s important to signal clearly, whether you’re a driver or cyclist sharing the road. This type of accident often occurs when a cyclist leaves a bike lane and merges with the regular traffic flow.
Sidewalk and Crosswalk Accidents
Sometimes, cyclists move through pedestrian crossings or crosswalks, strike walkers, or get hit by drivers. Therefore, it’s imperative that drivers give way to pedestrians and cyclists and that cyclists yield to pedestrians.
Bicycle Accidents at Night
Visibility is poor at night, so drivers may miss a cyclist traveling on the road. To avoid not being seen, cyclists, as noted, should wear reflective clothing and have lights on the front and back of their bikes. It’s also important to avoid streets that are dark or not well-lighted.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Right Away
As a cyclist, it’s always important to cycle defensively. If you’ve been in a bicycle crash where the other party was at fault, learn more about your rights for compensation. Contact a McLean personal injury lawyer now for a free consultation.