As the weather continues to warm up this spring, many Illinois residents are looking to enjoy the outdoors, and bicycling provides a great way to do so. In addition to getting fresh air, bicyclists can improve their health through exercise and save on transportation costs. However, these benefits also come with certain risks, since bicyclists can be seriously injured if they are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. In many cases, bicycle accidents are caused by the negligence of drivers. Injured bicyclists can work with an attorney to establish liability for their accident and pursue compensation for their injuries.
Negligence That Can Cause Dangerous Bike Accidents
Drivers are required to share the road with bicycles, but many people fail to take the proper measures to protect the safety of bicyclists, either because they do not notice bicycles or because they do not respect bicyclists’ rights. Drivers may strike bicycles and cause serious injuries for a number of reasons, including:
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Failure to yield – Drivers should yield the right of way to bicycles just as they would to other vehicles. Before making a right or left turn or proceeding through an intersection, a driver should check in all directions to avoid striking a bicyclist who is proceeding through the intersection.
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Aggressive driving – Some drivers become unhappy about sharing the road with bicycles, especially if they believe a bicyclist is traveling too slowly or getting in their way. Drivers should always allow at least three feet of room between their vehicle and a bicycle. Unfortunately, drivers may act aggressively and fail to provide enough space. A driver who passes a bicyclist without enough room may strike them or force them off the road. A driver who follows too closely behind a bicycle may be unable to slow down in time to avoid hitting the bicyclist and inflicting serious injuries.
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Distracted driving – Drivers may fail to notice a bicycle that is in their blind spot or traveling near their vehicle due to distractions such as texting while driving, eating and drinking, talking with passengers, or adjusting a vehicle’s radio or navigation system. This may cause them to inadvertently turn in front of a bicycle or strike a bicyclist when changing lanes.
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Dooring – When exiting a vehicle, drivers and passengers should check behind them for any bicycles. If a person does not do so, they may open their door into the path of a bicycle. This can knock a person off of their bike and cause them to suffer serious injuries when they strike the ground. If a bicyclist is knocked into the path of other vehicles, they may suffer even more serious injuries or wrongful death.
Contact Our Will County Bike Accident Lawyer
If you have been struck by a vehicle while riding your bicycle, it is likely that the driver was at fault for the accident, and you may be able to hold them liable for your injuries. At Flaherty Law, LLC, we can help you gather evidence showing that a negligent driver was responsible for your accident, and we will fight to make sure you are fully compensated for your damages. Contact our Plainfield bicycle accident attorney at 815-860-5702 to arrange a free consultation today.
Sources:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety
https://cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a143.pdf