Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation in cities and rural areas alike. It offers health benefits and environmental friendliness. However, bicycling can also expose riders to huge risks. This is particularly true when sharing the road with motor vehicles.

Each year, thousands of bicycle accidents result in severe injuries and even fatalities. Understanding the most common causes of these accidents is important for prevention and safety. At Vaziri Law, we know that bicycle accidents happen at any time.

Many bicycle accidents can be prevented with proper knowledge and taking safety precautions beforehand. How do bike accidents occur? What are some common bicycle injuries that people might suffer?

Learn more about how safety precautions can prevent a bike accident below. Then, contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Bicyclists Are More Vulnerable in Accidents Than Motor Vehicle Drivers

Bicyclists lack the protective enclosure that cars and trucks offer, making them more susceptible to injuries during accidents. When a bicycle and a motor vehicle collide, the cyclist will likely bear the brunt of the force of vehicle collisions. This vulnerability can lead to serious injuries or death, even in collisions that might be minor if they involve only motor vehicles.

The design of bicycles also contributes to their vulnerability. Bikes are lightweight and lack stability compared to motor vehicles, which can lead to loss of control during sudden stops or when navigating road irregularities. Enhancing cyclist visibility and ensuring adequate protective gear are critical steps in reducing these risks.

Injuries You Might Suffer in a Bicycle Accident

• Traumatic Brain Injuries. A head impact can cause traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Helmets favorably reduce this risk.

• Fractures. Arms, legs, and ribs are commonly fractured in bicycle crashes due to direct collisions or falls. Protective gear like gloves and padded clothing can offer some protection.

• Road rash. Sliding across pavement can strip away layers of skin. Wearing long sleeves and pants provides a barrier between the skin and the road.

• Spinal injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can result from high-impact crashes, potentially leading to temporary or permanent paralysis. A properly adjusted bike can help maintain better control and prevent falls.

• Dental and facial injuries. Face and mouth injuries can occur when cyclists face-plant or are hit by debris. Full-face helmets and mouthguards can help protect these areas.

• Internal injuries. Internal bleeding or organ damage can happen during severe trauma. Emergency medical attention is vital for detecting and treating these injuries.

• Psychological trauma. Accidents can lead to anxiety, PTSD, or depression, especially in severe or life-threatening situations. Counseling and support are important for recovery.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents To Know

Recognizing the causes of bicycle accidents is the first step toward prevention. Most crashes occur due to cyclist and motorist errors, environmental factors, and unforeseen hazards.

By comprehending these causes, cyclists, and drivers can adopt behaviors that minimize the risk of fatal bike crashes and promote safer interactions on the road.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving poses a substantial threat to bicyclists. Distractions can lead to fatal bicycle accidents. Drivers who do not pay attention might fail to see cyclists, especially in busy urban environments.

Texting, using navigation systems, or any activity that strips the driver's attention off the road can lead to catastrophic accidents involving cyclists.

Drivers should commit to focusing solely on the road to prevent collisions caused by distracted driving. Using hands-free devices, setting up navigation before driving, and avoiding mobile phone use are effective strategies when drivers fail to maintain attention and ensure the safety of all road users, including bicyclists.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol drastically impairs a driver's judgment and reaction times, making it one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. For bicyclists, encountering a drunk driver can be fatal, as these drivers may swerve unpredictably or fail to yield the right of way.

To combat drunk driving and most bike accidents, drivers must plan by arranging alternative transportation if they consume alcohol. Community awareness programs and strict enforcement of DUI laws also play key roles in reducing these preventable accidents.

Lane Changes

Sudden and unsafe lane changes are a frequent cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers might fail to check their blind spots or signal their intentions, leading to collisions with bicyclists legally using the road. This risk is particularly high near bike lanes, where drivers might not anticipate the presence of cyclists.

Drivers can prevent these accidents by always checking blind spots and signaling before changing lanes. Bicyclists can increase their safety by being aware of traffic patterns and avoiding riding in drivers' blind spots.

Door Collisions

"Doorings" occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist. These collisions can throw a cyclist into oncoming traffic, resulting in severe injuries. Such accidents are especially common on busy city streets where cars frequently park along the side of the road.

Both drivers and passengers should look for bicyclists before opening car doors. Bicyclists can reduce risk by wearing bright clothing, riding far enough from parked cars to avoid opening doors and staying alert in environments where dooring is likely.

Tired Drivers

Fatigue impairs a driver's ability to concentrate and react to road conditions, making tired drivers a hazard to bicyclists. Drowsy driving can result in slow reaction times and poor decision-making oncoming cyclists, similar to the effects of alcohol intoxication.

Drivers should ensure they are well-rested before getting behind the wheel. Taking breaks on long trips and avoiding driving during normal sleeping hours can help prevent fatigue-related accidents.

Poor Weather

Bad weather conditions like rain, fog, and snow can reduce visibility and road traction, making it harder for drivers to see bicyclists and bicyclists to control their bikes. Wet or icy surfaces also increase the risk of skidding.

Bicyclists and drivers should adjust their speed and use extra caution in poor weather conditions. Using lights and reflective gear can enhance visibility, and avoiding non-essential travel during extremely bad weather can prevent accidents.

Speeding

Speeding reduces a driver's ability to stop or maneuver quickly enough to avoid a crash. For bicyclists, high-speed encounters with vehicles can be deadly, as the force of impact increases with speed.

Drivers must follow speed limits and be particularly cautious in areas frequented by bicyclists, such as near schools, parks, and bike paths. Reducing speed in these areas can make a great difference in the safety of bicyclists.

Low Visibility

Low visibility conditions, whether due to time of day, weather, or obstructed views, increase the risk of bicycle accidents. Drivers may not see bicyclists until too late, particularly at dawn, dusk, or nighttime.

Bicyclists distracted drivers can improve their visibility by using lights and reflective clothing. Drivers should be extra vigilant for bicyclists and pedestrians in low visibility conditions, especially near bike lanes and areas with frequent bicycle traffic.

Road Hazards

Potholes, uneven road surfaces, debris, and other obstacles can cause bicycle riders to lose control and crash. These accidents can occur suddenly, giving the bicyclist little time to react.

Local governments should maintain roads to minimize these hazards and avoid bicycle accidents. Bicyclists should report road hazards to local authorities and use caution when navigating areas with poor road conditions.

Safety Tips for Bikers in Los Angeles

• Use proper lighting. Arm your bike with front and back lights to boost visibility, particularly during early morning or evening rides.

• Wear a helmet. Always wear a helmet to protect against head injuries in an accident.

• Follow traffic laws. Follow all traffic signals and signs, and use the bike lane whenever available.

• Be predictable. Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops so drivers can anticipate your actions.

• Stay alert. Look ahead and be aware of drivers and other road users' actions.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You After a Bike Crash

A bicycle accident injury lawyer can help you recognize your rights, possible forms of compensation you might deserve, and the legal processes involved in making a personal injury claim. A knowledgeable attorney will manage all aspects of your case. This means you can focus on getting better.

Your lawyer will collect evidence, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if necessary. They know the details of bicycle accident cases and will strive to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Contact Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

If you or someone you know has been involved in a bike crash, we can help you. At Vaziri Law, we would be honored to represent you following a bike crash. We will investigate your collision thoroughly and fight for the maximum settlement possible in your bicycle accident case alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident attorney.