The Role of Car Drivers in Bicycle Accidents

A bike is among man’s greatest inventions. It helps in transportation, doesn’t use fuel, doesn’t emit anything, and gives a great leg workout. But the small size and the lack of protective covering make cyclists vulnerable to injuries. Even the simplest of pushes from other vehicles, even pedestrians, will injure a cyclist.

But cyclists aren’t always the liable parties in a bicycle accident. Sometimes, a car driver’s reckless actions or negligence may lead to a bicycle accident. When this happens, it is important to consult an experienced bicycle accident attorney. They will help with everything related to the bicycle accident claim process.

A lawyer cannot do much if drivers are negligent or careless. There’s a certain level of duty of care that car drivers owe to others on the road. This article sheds light on that. It discusses how car drivers cause bicycle accidents.

Car drivers are involved in the following bicycle accidents:

1. Distracted Driving Accidents
2. Drunk Driving Accidents
3. The Left Cross
4. The Right Hook
5. Dooring

Distracted Driving

When it comes to accidents, the term distraction refers to multiple things. Common examples include:

• Texting while driving
• Engaged in conversation with a passenger while driving
• Eating while driving
• Styling hair/applying makeup while driving
• Playing with children/pets while driving
• Messing around with the stereo, GPS system, or other gadgets

Driving is an activity that requires a lot of concentration. The chances of accidents increase when drivers are busy with something else. They may fail to notice the bicycle or just about any vehicle in their path when they’re distracted.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is a cause for worry for everyone, not just cyclists. A drunk driver has lower reaction times and impaired vision and judgment. This makes their cars death machines. Drunk drivers tend to swerve erratically on the road, hitting everything in their path, and cyclists are no exceptions.

The Left Cross

This type of bicycle accident is pretty common at intersections. It happens when a car and a bicycle are approaching from opposite directions. When the car makes a left turn, it rams into the cyclist. This mainly happens because the driver misjudged the cyclist’s speed or completely missed the cyclist.

The Right Hook

This type of car-bike accident can happen at intersections and on streets. A driver cutting off a cyclist when turning right or crashing into the bike when pulling out of a driveway are the most common ways right hook accidents happen. Another instance is when a cyclist rides past a slow car on the right and gets hit by the car that makes a sudden right turn.

Dooring

This accident happens near parked cars. A cyclist may crash into the door that was opened by the driver or passenger of the parked car. It is the responsibility of the occupants of the car to look out for cyclists, other vehicles, and pedestrians when opening car doors, especially the ones that are facing the road.

Wrapping Up

Irresponsible drivers are often the prime cause of most accidents. Drivers who do not follow safe driving practices and those who multitask while driving are prone to accidents. If you are a cyclist who was injured due to an irresponsible driver, reach out to your local bicycle accident attorney. They have the skills and expertise to make your bicycle accident claim a successful one.