Bicycling is a good way to exercise, commute, and avoid traffic on today’s busy roads. As long as everyone obeys the rules of the road, cyclists and cars can share the streets safely. Unfortunately, when drivers forget that bicycles have the same rights as vehicles, accidents happen. When a car hits a bicycle rider, the cyclist will suffer serious injuries from the impact.
The talented bicycle accident attorneys at Largey Law Firm are familiar with the common causes of bicycle accidents in Clermont. If you have been injured while cycling and need legal assistance, we are here to help. Bicyclists are entitled to the same protections as others on the road. If you’ve been injured because of another driver’s negligence, we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents range from minor falls that cause abrasions to major collisions that result in severe injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that approximately 38,000 cyclists suffer injuries and more than 670 lose their lives in collisions each year. The causes of these accidents in Clermont fall into three broad categories, which may overlap and contribute to one another.
Driver-Related
Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating, can prevent drivers from seeing cyclists until it is too late.
Unsafe driving practices, whether speeding, unsafe or improper lane changes, and failure to signal, can all put cyclists at risk.
Cyclist-Related
Lack of protective equipment, like helmets, can make injuries worse if an accident happens.
Improper riding techniques, like lane-splitting, passing on the right, or riding in a car’s blind spot.
Weather and Road Factors
Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility for everyone and make it hard for drivers to spot cyclists. Slippery roads are a special hazard for bicycles.
Potholes, debris, and road construction can require cyclists to move into traffic lanes. Sudden road hazards can make cars swerve without warning into a cyclist’s path.
Location
Intersections and turn lanes are high-risk areas, since cyclists must enter traffic lanes to turn left. At the same time, drivers often look in the opposite direction to avoid oncoming traffic and may not see cyclists when they turn.
Who is at Fault in a Bicycle Accident?
Determining fault in a bicycle accident follows the same process as in other accidents. An injured person must first file an insurance claim with their own automobile policy. If medical expenses and lost wages exceed PIP coverage, they may need to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
The driver of a car is not automatically at fault in a collision with a bicycle. It is necessary to prove that the driver acted negligently or carelessly and that those actions caused the injuries. An attorney could assist in establishing the driver’s fault in such a case.
Discuss the Cause of Your Bicycle Accident in Clermont With an Attorney
After a bicycle accident, you need to file an insurance claim like you would after any vehicle accident. The common causes of bicycle accidents in Clermont are no different than the causes of any other collision, but the consequences may be worse. Injured individuals are still entitled to receive compensation for their injuries.
At Largey Law Firm, we can help you file your claim and get a fair settlement after your accident. Contact us today for your free and confidential consultation.
