Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Dallas, TX

Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyer

To Prevent Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Have to Always Ride Defensively

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

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

These kinds of accidents are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are endangered by rapidly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they fully cross the intersection.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of bicycle collisions include:

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some motorists might not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of awareness can be especially hazardous when a bicyclist and a car are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most hazardous places for cars and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where crashes leading to devastating injuries happen.

A motorist failing to observe bicyclists on the road

Motorists not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common reason for an accident involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists need to take precautions to limit this very preventable cause of bike accidents.

Bicyclists can utilize safety accessories like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help lower the possibility of an accident. Similarly, drivers should know that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers need to be particularly cautious at intersections, near bike lanes, and in areas with a large number of bike commuters.

Drivers 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 drivers. Cars can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of distraction. This can potentially cause a bicyclist to suffer major 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 serious danger to cyclists, particularly in urban environments. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause catastrophic injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Practicing defensive riding techniques is the best way for a cyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.

Distracted motorists hitting a bicyclist

Distracted driving is one of the most significant problems for road safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a major part of our everyday lives, many people find it difficult to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a risk to other vehicles. However they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians because they have almost zero protection if they are struck. Somebody that is distracted by texting, eating, or a multitude of other things may veer into bike lanes. Also, they may 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 reason for bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles.

Motorists neglecting 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 completely check their surroundings, it can result in major repercussions 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 cameras and sensors are beginning to minimize these types of accidents. But drivers can not depend on these technologies instead of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.

How Can I Avoid a Bike Accident?

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

• Follow the rules of the road
• Assume that vehicles and drivers will fail to see you
• Provide cars a wide berth
• Regularly yield to automobiles under certain conditions when you do not know if a motorist has spotted 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
• Adhere to all posted traffic laws
• Flight with the circulation 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 injured in a bicycle accident, it is essential to do the following:

• Call 911 and make a police report. Do not let a motorist talk you into not making a police report. That can result in problems later.
• Exchange information with the driver that hit you. Photograph of their driver's license and insurance policy card.
• Take multiple photos of your bike, the vehicle 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 record witness information and you may need it later on.
• If needed, seek medical attention immediately.
• Get in touch with a knowledgeable bike accident lawyer in Dallas. Do this before calling the other side's insurance company.

Contact a Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Dunk Law Firm

If you sustain an injury in a collision with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or someone 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 might have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent motorist.

At Dunk Law Firm, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers help cyclists in pursuing cases against negligent drivers that have caused serious injuries. We know how to receive all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or seeking a solution through other methods.

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