Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Galveston, TX

Galveston Bicycle Accident Lawyer

To Prevent Accidents and Injuries, Cyclists Need to Always Ride Defensively

As the amount of bicyclists increases, the amount of accidents involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other car crashes, a number of them occur at intersections.

Many of these accidents are the result of motorists who seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They fail to look out for cyclists when making turns or proceeding through intersections.

These types of collisions are exacerbated by excessively large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are put at risk by rapidly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they fully cross the intersection.

What Are the Most Prevalent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of bicycle crashes involve:

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some motorists might not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the road. This lack of knowledge can be particularly dangerous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most hazardous areas for cars and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where collisions leading to devastating injuries happen.

A driver failing to observe bicyclists when driving

Motorists not seeing a cyclist when driving is a common reason for a collision involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists should take precautions to reduce this very avoidable cause of bike accidents.

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

Motorists encroaching into bike lanes

Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, bicyclists should be alert at all times for distracted and careless drivers. Cars can unintentionally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of distraction. This can potentially cause a cyclist to suffer significant injuries.

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

As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a major danger to cyclists, particularly in urban settings. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can lead to devastating injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Practicing defensive riding techniques is the most effective way for a bicyclist to avoid being the victim of a dooring.

Distracted drivers hitting a cyclist

Distracted driving is one of the greatest concerns for road safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a major part of our daily lives, many individuals find it difficult to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a danger to other vehicles. Yet they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians because they have practically zero protection if they are struck. Someone who is distracted by texting, eating, or a myriad of other reasons may divert into bike lanes. Also, they might not notice a bicyclist 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 collisions involving cars.

Motorists neglecting to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots

When a driver that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not completely check their surroundings, it can lead to major repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while individuals are backing out because of their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are starting to lessen these kinds of collisions. However drivers can not rely on these technologies in place of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.

How Can I Prevent a Bike Accident?

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

• Follow the rules of the road
• Assume that cars and drivers will fail to see you
• Provide vehicles a wide berth
• Periodically yield to cars under certain conditions when you don't know if a driver has spotted you
• You should have appropriate protective gear

How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?

• Use a properly-fitting helmet
• Wear bright or reflective apparel
• Use a bike light, reflectors, and reflective tape
• Follow all posted traffic laws
• Flight with the flow of traffic
• Use bike lanes whenever possible
• Be 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 file a police report. Do not let a driver talk you into not making a police report. That can lead to issues later.
• Exchange information with the motorist that hit you. Photograph of their driver's license and insurance card.
• Take multiple photos of your bike, the car that hit you, and the scene of the crash.
• Obtain witness information from anybody that happened to see the crash. Do not miss this step, as police officers do not always get witness info and you may need it later.
• If needed, get medical attention right away.
• Consult with a qualified bike accident attorney in Galveston. Do this prior to calling the other party's insurance carrier.

Contact a Galveston Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Dunk Law Firm

If you suffer an injury in an accident with a car while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should speak with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will help figure out 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 assist bicyclists in seeking claims against negligent drivers who have caused serious injuries. We understand how to collect all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or pursuing a remedy through other methods.

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