Common Bike Accidents

In a majority of common bike accidents, the injured cyclist is the victim of driver’s inattention that causes the motorists to hit the cyclists and cause cycling accidents. Some of the most serious injuries take place when the motorists under-estimate the speed of the cyclist, over-take him or her, make right turn directly from the front of the cyclist thus leading to a collision. In most of these accidents, the cyclists suffer from road rashes, broken bones, lacerations and multiple bruises. Some of the most common bike accidents take place under the following circumstances:

• The cyclist exited from a drive-way in front of the on-coming vehicle.
• The cyclist turned to the left in front of the passing vehicle.
• The motorist overtook the cyclist causing the accident that was unforeseen.
• The cyclist gets struck by a vehicle while riding on the wrong side of the road.
• The cyclist, while riding on wrong side, turns right in front of the vehicle.
• The motorist overtakes the cyclist and fails even to see him or her.
• The cyclist loses control of the cycle and swerves into the way of other vehicles.
• The cyclist makes a usual left turn but ignores the on-coming traffic.
• The motorist loses control of his or her vehicle and strikes the cyclist.

In all the cases of cycling accidents, both the cyclist and the motorist need to be more responsible about their driving habits. Being a good cycle or motor driver also means that he or she stays alert for road hazards including pedestrians, farm animals, dogs, tree limbs or rocks. Even careful motorists need to slow down in darkness or under poor visibility conditions, to pass further only when they are able to see ahead clearly and to take into account the posted speed limits. It is a fact that a person, who rides a bicycle, obeys the traffic rules and uses care all the time will experience an improved health condition as a result. Some of the safety guidelines while riding a bicycle are riding a cycle helmet, riding in the flow of traffic, in a single file and straight line, stopping at red light and stop signs, using lights, reflective clothing and reflectors, riding to your right unless you want to turn to left, using proper hand signals, keeping the cycle in perfect condition, wearing bright clothes at daytime, keeping safe distance from the parked cars, using extra caution while it is raining and allowing some extra time for it to stop.

Obviously compensation claims can be very complicated and it would be unwise to attempt to pursue a claim without professional assistance which should be provided by a solicitor with expertise in this field. Excalibur Solicitors is a specialist personal injury practice dealing with all types of injury claims such as road accidents, accidents at work, accidents in public places, medical negligence. If you have been injured in the last three years and require advice on your potential compensation claim we can provide a free legal assessment of your case if you complete our Application Form. We operate on a "No Win No Fee" basis at no cost to you.

The information in this article is designed to provide general information only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, it does not constitute legal or other professional advice.