What Cyclists In California Should Look Out For
Cycling is a great hobby and mode of transportation. It's more affordable than cars, and it's great for exercise. Unfortunately, while a bicycle is convenient, it is also highly susceptible to accidents. Seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features cannot be fitted into such a compact frame. As a result, anytime there's an accident with a bigger vehicle, the biker always sustains the most injuries.
When you get injured in an accident, you'll most likely have to deal with a lot of financial and emotional losses. You'll need to get and pay for medical help. If your injuries are severe, you might have a huge bill for immediate care and rehab. You might not even be able to work while you recover, which is considered a loss of income.
Here's a list of the most common causes of bike accidents, so you know what to look out for when cycling in California:
1. Dangerous Left Turns
This is not only the primary cause of Bike Accidents, but it also leads to incidents with other vehicles and pedestrians. In addition, drivers are frequently pressed for time when making a left turn because the window of opportunity to do so lawfully is limited.
As a result, a driver in a hurry to make this turn frequently fails to check for potential hazards, such as cyclists crossing the road or pedestrians. This can happen fast, but the injuries sustained by the cyclist can be more severe than someone driving a car.
2. Using Road Intersections
Smaller streets are incorporated into larger roads, and eventually freeways and highways, as part of the roadway plan. Cars must either accelerate or slow down to pass through these intersections, depending on the situation.
When moving from a minor route to a larger one, it's common to slow down. However, if drivers aren't cautious, bicycles on the road may not have enough time to adapt to their quick deceleration. As a result, bikers must choose between colliding with the car or attempting to swerve out of the way and colliding with something else.
3. Poor Weather And Road Conditions
When it comes to cyclists, everything concerning road conditions is amplified. Poor road conditions that make driving a car just a little more difficult can be more harmful to cyclists.
While potholes are challenging to anyone, it can be more dangerous for a cyclist who misses them because of inattention, poor visibility, or bad weather.
When this happens, several people can be liable for a cyclist's injuries (i.e., road contractor, maintenance, etc.). While a bit more complicated than your standard Personal Injury Claim in California, a cyclist can file their case with the right Personal Injury Lawyer.
4. Opening of Vehicle Doors
In these cases, both cyclists and motorcyclists are at risk. In addition, drivers and passengers of cars are frequently in a hurry to leave soon after stopping or parking their car.
Assume the vehicle is parked in a straight line on a road. In that instance, anything traveling toward the car when the door opens has a chance of colliding with the doors as they swing open.
Most drivers and passengers will be more concerned with avoiding a large, evident hazard such as another vehicle. Bicycles, on the other hand, are smaller and often go unnoticed. When a car door strikes a cyclist, it can cause significant injury.
5. Switching Lanes
Vehicles must occasionally change lanes in order to prepare to move to another road or make a turn. Most drivers who are paying attention to their blind spot are on the lookout for other vehicles.
Bicycles, like motorbikes, are smaller and can be overlooked while people are concentrating on larger vehicles. As a result, cars changing lanes may crash with bicyclists accidentally, resulting in an accident.
What If You Can't Avoid The Accident?
Avoiding these accidents is the best way to go. However, accidents are often unexpected. In addition, it is often a stressful time for victims, so they need all the help they can get.
When you do get into an accident, you should consult with a Personal Injury Attorney in California. They'll know how to negotiate with insurance companies, calculate economic and non-economic damages you can claim, and help you sue the defendant when they refuse to give you the insurance payout you deserve.
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