by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Bicycle Accident Law, Car accident attorneyJune 17, 20220 comments

What Are The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Whether it be for fun, for exercise, or a new way of commuting to work, the number of cyclists in the United States has steadily increased over the last decade. However, with more cyclists entering the roadway, it’s imperative to practice bicycle safety.

In 2020, the National Safety Council reported that the number of preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents increased by 16 percent and 806 of those deaths were caused by motor-vehicle crashes. How do we decrease these numbers?

Well, the answer is simple. To prevent bicycle crashes, motorists need to understand how these crashes happen. That way, they are better equipped to avoid them. So, what are the most common causes of bicycle accidents? Allow us to explain.

Cyclists Hit By a Car

The majority of bicycle accidents occur when cyclists are hit by cars. It is easy for drivers to become distracted while driving (using their cell phones, listening to music, talking to other passengers, etc.), and distracted drivers are not able to give their full attention to the roadway.

Poor Road Conditions

If there are dangerous road conditions like icy roads or low visibility, it can become hazardous for bicyclists. Not only do such conditions grant drivers less control over their vehicles, but it becomes harder to see and react to obstacles in the roadway.

Rider Error

While vehicle drivers are to blame for most bicycle accidents, some accidents are caused by the cyclist’s own failure to abide by road rules. For example, if a cyclist fails to stop at a stop sign or they run a red light, then they run the risk of entering oncoming traffic or being hit by a car that is unable to react fast enough.

Falling Down

Another cause of bicycle accidents is when a cyclist falls off their bicycle. Not only can this result in injuries relating directly to the fall itself, but drivers (distracted or not) cannot easily see cyclists if they are on the ground.

Unsafely Opening Car Doors

The final common cause of bicycle accidents that we’ll mention is when vehicle drivers (or passengers) open their car doors into a cyclist’s path. While this seems fairly uncommon, many ride-share companies drop passengers off in bicycle lanes. If a passenger does not check for oncoming cyclists or simply fails to see one, they might unknowingly open their door directly into the cyclist’s path.

Top-Rated Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ

Still wondering what are the most common causes of bicycle accidents? Hopefully, this blog post provided a better idea of what to look for. However, we understand that some bicycle accidents are unavoidable.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, then you need a skilled bicycle accident attorney by your side. Our team here at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve. Give us a call or contact our team for a free consultation today.