Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Beaumont, TX

Beaumont Bicycle Accident Lawyer

To Prevent Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Have to Always Ride Defensively

As the number of cyclists increases, the amount of collisions involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like a lot of other vehicle collisions, a number of them happen at intersections.

A lot of these accidents are the result of drivers that appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roads. They fail to look out for bicyclists when making turns or driving through intersections.

These types of collisions are worsened by excessively large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are endangered by quickly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they completely cross the intersection.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents involve:

Motorists failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some motorists may not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the street. This lack of understanding can be particularly hazardous when a cyclist and a vehicle are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most hazardous areas for vehicles and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where collisions leading to devastating injuries take place.

A motorist failing to observe cyclists when driving

Motorists not seeing a cyclist when driving is a common cause of an accident involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists should take safety measures to minimize this very preventable cause of bike accidents.

Bicyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of a crash. Similarly, motorists should realize that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to be particularly careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in areas with a large number of bike commuters.

Motorists encroaching into bike lanes

Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, cyclists should be alert at all times for distracted and careless drivers. Vehicles can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a bicyclist to suffer significant injuries.

Bicycle doorings when a motorist or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door

As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a serious danger to cyclists, especially in urban environments. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause devastating injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Engaging in defensive riding techniques is the best way for a bicyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.

Distracted drivers hitting a cyclist

Distracted driving is one of the greatest problems for road safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a huge part of our daily lives, many people find it difficult to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a risk to other vehicles. But they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians since they have practically zero protection if they are hit. Someone that is distracted by texting, eating, or a multitude of other reasons might veer into bike lanes. Likewise, they might not notice a cyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a bicyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big concern that it's been identified as the leading cause of bicycle crashes involving automobiles.

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots

When a motorist that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not fully check their surroundings, it can cause serious repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while people are backing out due to their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are starting to lessen these types of collisions. However drivers can not rely on these technologies instead of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.

How Can I Avoid a Bike Accident?

Following appropriate safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Beaumont is the best way to prevent collisions and injuries. When riding in traffic, bicyclists need to do the following:

• Follow the rules of the road
• Assume that vehicles and motorists will fail to see you
• Give cars a wide berth
• Periodically yield to motor vehicles under certain conditions when you do not know if a driver has seen you
• You should have proper protective gear

How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?

• Wear a properly-fitting helmet
• Wear bright or reflective apparel
• Use a bike light, reflectors, and reflective tape
• Adhere to all posted traffic laws
• Flight with the flow of traffic
• Use bike lanes whenever possible
• Make sure your bicycle is in good working condition
• Remain alert at all times and avoid distracted riding

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?

If you get hurt in a bicycle accident, it is important to do the following:

• Call 911 and make a police report. Do not let a motorist talk you into not making a police report. That can result in problems later.
• Exchange information with the motorist that hit you. Photograph of their driver's license and insurance policy card.
• Take multiple photos of your bike, the vehicle that hit you, and the scene of the accident.
• Obtain witness information from anybody that happened to see the collision. Don't miss this step, as authorities do not always take down witness details and you could need it later on.
• If needed, get medical attention immediately.
• Consult with an experienced bike accident attorney in Beaumont. Do this prior to calling the other side's insurance provider.

Contact a Beaumont Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Dunk Law Firm

If you sustain an injury in an accident with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should talk to a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer right away. They will help determine whether you may have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent motorist.

At Dunk Law Firm, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys help cyclists in seeking claims against negligent motorists that have caused major injuries. We understand how to receive all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or seeking a remedy through other methods.

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