According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), roughly 843 bicyclists lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2019. Bicycle accidents can be dangerous no matter the circumstances, leaving riders vulnerable to injury. However, there are many different bike accidents — from hit and runs to bike lane collisions.
Continue reading to learn more about common types of bike accidents.
Speed Bump Accidents
One type of accident that can seriously injure bicyclists is a bicycle speed bump accident.
Speed bumps, which are road obstacles designed to control vehicles' speeds, can pose a risk to unsuspecting bicyclists. These bumps encourage drivers to lower their vehicle's speed, helping to reduce speed-related car accidents. However, speed bumps can sometimes be dangerous to bicyclists, causing them to lose control and potentially fall off their bikes and sustain injuries.
Bicycle speed bump accidents can occur if a rider does not see the bump or if the bump is unsafely designed or constructed. In cases involving hazardous speed bumps, the negligent party (such as a municipality) involved in putting up the speed bump may potentially be liable for damages caused.
Dooring Bicycle Accidents
A dooring bicycle accident can occur when a bicyclist travels past a parked vehicle, and an occupant in the car opens their door into the bicyclist's path. These types of accidents are typically sudden and unexpected, catching the rider off guard. When a bicyclist is hit forcefully by a door, that person can suffer severe injuries resulting from the impact or by being pushed into traffic or another object.
Dooring accidents often happen due to driver negligence. In some cases, a driver or passenger is parked next to a bike lane and may fail to check for approaching bicyclists before opening their door to exit the vehicle.
Bike Lane Accidents
Along with dooring accidents, bike lane crashes can also injure bicyclists traveling in bike lanes. Many cities and other municipalities have designated bike lanes to help keep bicyclists safe on busy streets with multiple lanes. Bicyclists use bike lanes to travel safely with the flow of traffic.
A bike lane accident can occur if a vehicle enters or swerves into the lane or makes a right turn and collides with a bicyclist. These accidents can leave a bicyclist with serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, neck and back injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, broken bones, lacerations, and other soft tissue injuries.
Hit-and-Run Bike Accidents
Sadly, some drivers leave the accident scene without stopping or checking whether the bicyclist is okay. This is what's called a hit-and-run bike accident.
There are a few reasons a driver may leave the scene after striking and injuring a bicyclist — which is a criminal offense. A driver may panic in the moment and make a fearful decision to flee rather than accept the consequences. If a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their judgment may be impaired, or they may not even realize what has occurred. Lastly, if an at-fault driver is already in legal trouble, they may flee the accident to avoid the police.
Victims of a hit-and-run bicycle accident can be left in a difficult situation. An experienced attorney can assess the particular facts and work to recover maximum compensation.
Contact an Experienced Bike Accident Attorney Today
If you've been injured in a bike accident, contact William Mattar today. Our bike accident attorneys can help you file a claim to get maximum compensation. We will guide you through the legal process and ensure your best interests are kept in mind. Schedule an initial consultation today using our free consultation form, or call our offices at (844) 444 - 4444.