Canton Bicycle Accident Lawyer

To Avoid Accidents and Injuries, Cyclists Must Always Ride Defensively

As the number of bicyclists increases, the number of accidents involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like many other vehicle accidents, a large number of them happen at intersections. Many of these collisions are the result of drivers that appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They neglect to look for bicyclists when making turns or moving through intersections. These types of accidents are worsened by excessively large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are endangered by quickly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they fully cross the intersection.

What Are the Most Prevalent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Several of the most common causes of bicycle collisions involve:

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some motorists might not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the street. This lack of awareness can be especially dangerous when a cyclist and a vehicle are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most hazardous places for vehicles and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the main areas where collisions leading to devastating injuries happen.

A driver failing to observe cyclists on the road

Drivers not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common reason for a collision involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists must take safety measures to minimize this very preventable cause of bike collisions.

Bicyclists can utilize safety devices like side-view mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help lower the possibility of a crash. Similarly, motorists must understand that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers should be particularly 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, cyclists need to be alert at all times for distracted and reckless motorists. Vehicles can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of distraction. This can potentially cause a cyclist to sustain significant injuries.

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

As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a major threat to bicyclists, particularly in urban environments. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can lead to catastrophic 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 prevent being the victim of a dooring.

Distracted drivers hitting a bicyclist

Distracted driving is one of the most significant concerns for road safety that we face today. As cell phones have become a huge part of our daily lives, many people find it hard to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a threat to other vehicles. However, they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians since they have practically no protection if they are hit. Somebody that is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other things may divert into bike lanes. Also, they may not notice a cyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a cyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big problem that it’s been identified as the leading cause of bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles.

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 assess their surroundings, it can lead to major consequences for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while individuals are backing out due to their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are beginning to lessen these kinds of collisions. However motorists can not rely on these technologies instead of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.

How Can I Prevent a Bike Accident?

Following proper safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Canton is the best way to prevent collisions and injuries. When moving in traffic, cyclists need to do the following:

• Obey the rules of the road
• Presume that vehicles and drivers will fail to see you
• Give cars a wide berth
• Periodically yield to cars under certain conditions when you do not know if a motorist has seen you
• You should have appropriate safety gear

How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?

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

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?

If you get injured in a bicycle accident, it is vital to do the following:

• Call 911 and file a police report. Do not let a motorist talk you into not making a police report. That can lead to issues later.
• Exchange information with the driver that hit you. Photograph of their driver’s license and insurance policy card.
• Take multiple pictures of your bike, the car that hit you, and the scene of the accident.
• Get witness information from anyone that happened to see the crash. Don’t skip this step, as authorities do not always get witness info and you may need it later on.
• If needed, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Get in touch with a knowledgeable bike accident lawyer in Canton. Do this before calling the other party’s insurance carrier.

Contact a Canton Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Marko Law

If you suffer an injury in a collision with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you need to speak with a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will help determine whether you might have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent driver.

At Marko Law, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers assist cyclists in pursuing cases against negligent motorists that have caused severe injuries. We understand how to receive all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or seeking a remedy using other methods.

Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation

If you are ready to start your case or need more information about Bicycle Accidents in Canton, Michigan, contact Marko Law Firm today. Let us represent you as you seek justice and compensation for your pain and damages. Call (313) 777-7LAW today to get a free consultation or visit our website: MarkoLaw.com to get more information.