Bicycle accidents lead to an array of injuries and fatalities every year due to accidents involving motor vehicle drivers. In 2018 alone, it was reported that approximately 857 bicyclists lost their lives in accidents across the U.S. Many of these accidents take place in Florida every year.

Bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers are expected to share the roads with one another. These accidents happen commonly when motor vehicle drivers are not paying close attention to our roads or the safety of these vulnerable parties.

Common Reasons for Bicycle Accidents 

Intersections: Intersections are some of the most dangerous places for bicyclists. Intersection accidents happen in a large percentage of the collisions that take place between bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers. The most common type of accident takes place when a cyclist has the right-of-way on a street without a stop sign. The vehicle approaches and drives out into the intersection without looking out for a bicyclist. This can lead to a very serious accident that ends in catastrophic and even fatal injuries in some cases.

The best way that both parties can avoid an intersection accident is by ensuring that bicyclists stay visible at all times, keep a lookout when approaching an intersection, and obey all traffic signs and signals.

Left Cross: These accidents take place when a passenger vehicle driver and a bicyclist approaching an intersection from different angles. The motorist turns left, which causes them to collide with the bicyclist. In many of these cases, the motorist will tell police that they never even saw the bicyclist. The driver of the car is almost always liable in these cases.

A cyclist can remember some simple steps to avoid a left cross accident. These include adjusting the speed at an intersection, taking an entire lane through the intersection to increase visibility, and never riding into the crosswalk from a sidewalk.

Right Hook: These accidents occur when a car is turning right at an intersection. These accidents most commonly occur when a bike and car are approaching the intersection and the car turns right without looking, ultimately cutting off the bicyclist. In most of these cases, the driver of the passenger vehicle is also at fault. However, there are still steps that a cyclist can take so that they can be seen and hopefully avoid one of these accidents.

A bicyclist should always be on the lookout, which means that they should use a mirror at an intersection. The bicyclist should also be prepared to brake if a vehicle enters the intersection without looking.

Speaking with an Attorney After a Bicycle Accident 

There are many things that cyclists can do to stay safe on our roads but this does not mean that every accident will be avoided. In some cases, drivers are not watching out for these parties, causing them to become victims of very serious accidents. A bicyclist should always have options as they navigate the legal system for the first time. Our personal injury attorneys at Sheftall & Associates understand how difficult the aftermath of a collision can be. Please contact our attorneys in Florida to find out what options are available for you at 904-647-2296.