Bicyclists are at risk of being involved in an accident, and there are many pitfalls to avoid. Some of the pitfalls to avoid include: failure to yield, distracted drivers, and dooring. There are also ways to minimize the damage from an accident, as well as nonsurgical treatments for injuries.
Distracted drivers
One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents is distracted drivers. In fact, it is estimated that 83% of all bicycle fatalities are due to driver distraction.
Distracted driving is a very serious problem in the United States. It has cost countless lives and a number of fatal car crashes have been linked to the practice.
While there is no clear-cut answer to the question of who is most at risk of a distracted driving crash, it is safe to say that bicyclists are among the highest risk. Cyclists have few protections in the event of an accident. Bicyclists can suffer broken bones, internal organ damage, amputations and even death from larger motor vehicles.
As a result, it’s important for cyclists to know their rights when a motorist becomes distracted. If they do become involved in an accident, they can seek compensation from the motorist’s insurance company.
Failure to yield to bicyclists
A failure to yield to bicyclists causes a great number of accidents every year. The risk of an accident can be severe and deadly.
A cyclist may be injured by a car door opening, or by another driver who does not see the bike. Bicyclists have the same rights on the road as motorists, and they must obey the law. If a driver fails to yield to a cyclist, they may be liable for any injury or damage to property.
While bicyclists are protected by gear, helmets, and sideview mirrors, they may still be hit by a vehicle. This can occur when a motorist enters an intersection at the same time as the cyclist, or when a car swerves to avoid a door opening.
Failure to yield to bicycles can be a result of ignorance of traffic laws, or a motorist who does not want to give the bicycle a fair chance. The rules governing right of way can be confusing, and drivers need to be especially careful near bike lanes.
Dooring accidents
Dooring accidents can be devastating for cyclists. They can cause serious injury or even death. In the case of a collision with a car door, the injured bicyclist should seek medical attention immediately. The vehicle occupants can also be held liable for damages.
In the U.K., dooring incidents have risen steadily over the past few years. Statistics show that between 12 and 27 percent of urban car-bike collisions involve dooring. Some cities report that doorings are the top three causes of bicycle-vehicle collisions.
Dooring can be an accident in which the driver or a passenger opens a vehicle door without looking out for bicyclists. Cyclists in door zones can be thrown into the path of moving vehicles, or flip over the car door and be thrown off their bike.
Nonsurgical treatments for injuries
Depending on the type and severity of the bike accident injury, a patient may require nonsurgical treatments. Some of these include physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and chiropractic care. These treatments help a patient recover quickly and manage pain.
The most serious injuries involve the head and neck. Head injuries are among the most common and result in long-term disabilities. Occupational therapy is also a required treatment for head and neck injuries. It helps the accident victim restore basic motor skills, and regain mobility.
In addition to surgery, patients can also undergo plastic surgery to correct outward signs of the accident. Physiotherapy is a commonly recommended treatment for post-surgical patients. Physiotherapists help patients increase their range of motion, improve their mobility, and accelerate their healing. This is especially important for athletes and active young adults.
Legal pitfalls to avoid
One of the most daunting tasks that a bike accident victim faces is getting the insurance company to pay for the damage. Insurance companies will do their best to limit the amount they’ll compensate you for your injuries. Luckily, a bicycle accident attorney can help you navigate the tricky world of personal injury law. By enlisting the services of a lawyer, you’ll be able to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
When it comes to a bike accident, you should never attempt to fix your bike on your own. This not only wastes time and money, but it also ruins any evidence that you might have that could be beneficial in proving your claim.
If you want to avoid any legal pitfalls, you should always make sure that you’re taking a camera with you at all times. Taking pictures of the scene may be the best way to document your injuries.