Let’s paint a picture, shall we? John is your average guy, cycling to work one morning, enjoying the fresh air and the scenery. He’s following traffic rules, wearing a helmet, and using the bike lane. Whistling, he basks in the crispness of the morning air, safe and sound.
Out of nowhere, a car door suddenly opens right in front of him. John has no time to react — he crashes into the door and flies over the handlebars. Now he’s on the pavement, bruised and bleeding. The driver of the car looks at John with a shocked expression and says, “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.” John is just one of many involved in bicycle accidents caused by motorists, some more gruesome than what John had to go through.
Bicycle accidents are a serious and common problem in the United States. Every year, hundreds of bicyclists are killed and thousands are injured in collisions with motor vehicles. These accidents can cause severe injuries, such as head trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal bleeding. They can also result in emotional distress, financial hardship, and a loss of quality of life, resulting in the need for a bicycle accident lawyer to help sue for damages and claim full compensation.
What causes these bicycle accidents and, more importantly, how can they be prevented? While many factors can contribute to bicycle accidents, such as road conditions, weather, and mechanical issues, one of the most common and serious causes is the negligence or recklessness of motorists.
Motorists often fail to respect the rights and safety of bicyclists on the road. It’s either they’re driving too fast, too close, or too aggressively around bicyclists. They may also be distracted, impaired, or unaware of the presence of bicyclists.
Let’s highlight some of the ways that motorists can cause bicycle accidents and how they can be avoided:
Dooring
Like John in our earlier story, this is when a motorist opens a car door without checking for bicyclists, causing a collision. Motorists can prevent this by looking over the shoulder or using the mirrors before opening the door and by leaving enough space between the car and the bike lane or path.
Right Hook
This is when a motorist turns right at an intersection or driveway without yielding to a bicyclist who is going straight or turning left. Signaling the turn, checking the blind spot, and waiting for the bicyclist to pass before turning can prevent this from happening.]
Left Cross
A left cross happens when a motorist turns left at an intersection or driveway without yielding to a bicyclist who is going straight or turning right. It can be prevented by signaling the turn, looking for oncoming traffic, and waiting for the bicyclist to pass before turning.
Rear-end Accidents
Rear-end collisions happen when a motorist hits a bicyclist from behind, either because of speeding, tailgating, or failing to brake. As a driver with a bicyclist in front, maintaining a safe distance and speed, paying attention to the road, and braking gradually and smoothly could save a life.
Sideswipe
This seems a little more malicious than the others, in my opinion. It occurs when a motorist passes a bicyclist too closely, either because of impatience, aggression, or ignorance. This can cause the bicyclist to lose balance, swerve, or fall. Motorists can prevent this by giving at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist and by sharing the lane when necessary.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the ways that motorists can cause bicycle accidents. As motorists, being more careful, courteous, and aware on the road can help prevent these accidents and make the road safer for everyone. Bicyclists also have a responsibility to follow the traffic rules, wear protective gear, and use lights and reflectors. And when crashes do happen, a bicycle accident attorney can help injured riders understand their rights.