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Bicycling is popular throughout Long Island because it offers fresh air and exercise for commuters. Whether you ride a bicycle for exercise or for work, however, you are at risk every time you hit the road. Unfortunately, drivers often fail to obey the law and respect the rights of cyclists, which can result in accidents.
Bicyclist victims have the burden of explaining how and why their accident occurred. By understanding some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents, you can establish the required elements of a personal injury claim. The attorneys of Dell & Dean PLLC take a look.
#1: Distracted Driving
Drivers have a legal obligation to pay attention to the road, but distractions abound. They routinely focus instead on their cell phones (texting and making calls), GPS systems, and other electronic devices. In general, anything that takes a driver’s focus away from safely operating the vehicle can be considered a distraction.
Distracted driving is a common cause of all automobile accidents, many of which involve cyclists. By using hands-free calling, staying off the phone for texting and other non-urgent uses, and planning navigation before driving, motorists can minimize the risk of a crash.
#2: Driving Too Closely
Drivers who follow and pass bicycle riders too closely create dangerous situations for everyone involved. Not only are drivers who behave like this more likely to hit cyclists, but they also make it difficult for cyclists to avoid collisions with stationary objects like parked vehicles. Driving too closely in Long Island is irresponsible and may be viewed as negligent under the circumstances.
Motorists should allow ample space between their vehicles and bicyclists at all times. It’s also important that they stay out of bike lanes and yield to bicyclists.
#3: Speeding
Speeding makes it difficult to stop quickly, properly focus, and make appropriate decisions while on the road. When a speeding driver encounters a bicyclist, they may not be able to slow down in time to avoid a wreck. Unfortunately, bicyclists who are struck by speeding vehicles are likely to suffer serious injuries and even death.
Speeding is against the law in Long Island and is therefore strong evidence of negligence. However, a motorist can also drive too fast for the prevailing environmental and weather conditions. They should follow all posted limits and adjust their speeds to the conditions, especially if they encounter bicyclists.
#4: Unsafe Lane Changes
Drivers who make unsafe lane changes put bicyclists at serious risk. Bicycle accidents stemming from unsafe lane changes typically occur when drivers merge into cyclists’ lanes without first ensuring that the lane is clear. The failure to check blind spots and failure to use signals are often to blame.
Before changing lanes, motorists should check all blind spots and make sure they signal well enough in advance of the change. Meanwhile, a bicyclist can minimize the risk of an accident by staying out of motorists’ blind spots and paying attention to changing traffic.
#5: Failing to Look Before Turning
When drivers make turns at green lights, they still have an obligation to check for bicyclists. It’s easy to assume that nobody is going to cross their paths during a turn, but this is not always the case. If the driver doesn’t look before turning, a serious accident can occur.
It’s a good idea for drivers to take a close look at the intersection before they turn, and be aware of any bicyclists in the vicinity. They should signal, slow down, and carefully make the turn, being ready to brake if an unexpected cyclist emerges in their path.
#6: Failing to Stop
Every driver in Long Island must stop at red lights and stop signs. Not doing so is illegal and creates a serious risk for themselves and others. And unfortunately, these risks are magnified for bicyclists, who often incur catastrophic injuries in an accident..
Motorists should avoid distractions, rushing to their destinations, or anything else that could cause them to drive through a stop sign or red light. Bicyclists, meanwhile, should always assume the possibility that a driver will not stop when they are supposed to.
#7: Poor Visibility
Bicyclists are sometimes not visible due to weather conditions, the time of day, obstructions, and other circumstances. A careless driver may not see the bicyclist in time to avoid an accident or adjust their driving. Even though they have a duty to drive safely, they may mistakenly think that they will only encounter other vehicles on the road.
Bicyclists can wear brighter clothing, avoid riding near or behind obstructions, and stay in designated bike lanes. Meanwhile, a motorist should maintain situational awareness and assume that they could cross paths with bicyclists any time.
#8: Impaired Driving
Finally, one of the most dangerous things a driver can do is operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol and drugs can significantly reduce a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, and a high number of bicycle accidents involve impaired drivers. It’s also illegal, so negligence is virtually assured any time a drunk driver hits a bicyclist.
All drivers must be aware of their limits with alcohol, and never drive after taking a prescription medication or drug that impairs driving. It’s also a good idea for bicyclists to avoid traveling near bars and other areas in Long Island where impaired driving is common.
Who May Be Liable For Your Bicycle Accident?
Depending on the unique circumstances of your bicycle accident, there are several different parties who could be liable for your losses. Among them are:
- The driver: The most obvious place to begin with liability is the driver who hit you, which necessarily includes their insurance company.
- State or local government: The government entity responsible for road maintenance could be liable for a crash, for example if it involved a malfunctioning traffic signal.
- A bar or restaurant: If the driver was drunk at the time of the crash, a Long Island bar or restaurant that served them too much alcohol could also be liable.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturer: The maker of the vehicle or its parts may be to blame if a malfunction contributed to the accident.
- Bicycle or parts manufacturer: Similarly, a problem with the bicycle or its parts could indicate liability if it somehow caused the wreck.
Hurt In a Bicycle Crash? It’s Time to Claim the Compensation You Deserve
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in New York, Dell & Dean PLLC is here to help. When you come to us for assistance following your bicycle accident, we will do everything we can to obtain a successful result in your case. Please contact us to arrange a case evaluation with an experienced Long Island bicycle accident attorney.
