Bicycle and car collisions can happen for many reasons. While these accidents can be tragic, they are also preventable. By following the tips below, you can reduce the risk of being in one. You can use this knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones from road accidents. Just remember to always wear a helmet, and avoid riding in the wrong direction if you are on a bike. In addition, keep your bike locked up when you are on the road, as well as in the parking lot.
Distracted drivers
According to NHTSA statistics, distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who are not. Whether a driver is texting or dialing a cell phone, he or she is liable to become distracted. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports 1,161 accidents caused by distracted drivers every day. Bicycle riders are equally vulnerable to distracted drivers. In addition, drivers are more likely to fail to yield to bicycle riders.
Uncontrolled intersections
Unlike controlled intersections, uncontrolled intersections do not have traffic signals or stop signs. These intersections can occur on urban streets or rural areas, and they are a leading cause of traffic accidents. These types of intersections are dangerous for both cyclists and motorists. One in three traffic accidents occurs at an intersection. In fact, 40% of all car accidents happen at an intersection. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid uncontrolled intersections, but you should always keep these things in mind when driving on a street.
Dooring accidents
Bicycle dooring accidents are common and can be very dangerous. When a driver of a car opens his or her door without looking for bicycles, cyclists are in danger of colliding with the door of the car. Common sense should prevent cyclists from being injured. If a cyclist is injured in such an accident, contact a personal injury law firm. They will be able to help you determine your rights.
Drunk drivers
Drunk drivers are a leading cause of automobile and bicycle collisions. Research has shown that alcohol use contributes to an alarming number of traffic deaths. From 1982 to 2001, 43% of fatal traffic accidents were alcohol-related. Alcohol impairs judgment and cognitive functions, making a driver more vulnerable to collisions. Because of this, legislation has been passed to help prevent driving under the influence. Additionally, research has shown that drunken pedestrians exhibit risky behavior, increasing the likelihood of injury by motor vehicles.
High-velocity impact
To estimate the severity of injuries resulting from high-velocity bicycle and car collisions, the authors coded various variables to describe the crash events. The variables included the cyclist’s age, the direction of travel, the relative position between the car and the bicycle, and the estimated impact speed of the car. A logistic regression model was developed to evaluate the influence of each factor on the severity of injury. Despite the small sample size, the results suggest that this approach is an effective way to estimate the severity of bicycle and car collisions.
Serious injuries
A bicycle and car collision can cause many serious injuries. Many bicyclists experience broken bones and fractures to the spine, but many people do not realize that they could suffer severe injuries to their abdomens, pelvises, and lower spine. These injuries can result in paralysis, perforated colons, or herniated spinal disks. Even the most minor bicycle accident can cause serious internal injuries, resulting in months of physical therapy.
Compensation
A cyclist injured in a collision with a car can file a claim for compensation. The cyclist should be aware of the time limits and documentation requirements for filing a lawsuit with the help of a good attorney like this bicycle car crash lawyer NYC. Under the law, a cyclist has 90 days to file a claim after the collision. The injured cyclist should seek video evidence of the collision and must determine the severity of the road conditions that contributed to the accident. If the cyclist is unable to work due to the accident, he or she may be eligible for compensation.