According to reports from the CDC, nearly 1,000 bicyclists die in automobile-related accidents every year. Any death in an accident is devastating, and as personal injury lawyers, the team at Genthe Law Firm is always prepared to help prevent accidents where possible.
Bicycle accidents in Dallas and nearby communities are an issue we often see in the cases we represent. Here’s a closer look at 5 of the most common reasons behind these accidents and what bicyclists and drivers can do to prevent these horrific accidents.
1. Not Following the Rules of the Road
Biking is a great way to get around, but it can be dangerous if you don’t follow the road rules. One of the most common causes of bike accidents is when cyclists run stop signs or red lights.
When you approach a stop sign, come to a complete stop and look both ways before proceeding. If there’s no traffic, slowly roll through the intersection.
When approaching a red light, wait until it turns green before crossing.
Other points of following rules of the road that could prevent bicycle or pedestrian accidents are:
- Never ride on the sidewalk – that’s for pedestrians only
- Always ride with traffic
- Use hand signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers
2. Distracted Driving
So many devastating bike accidents occur when cyclists are distracted by their phones or other devices.
When you’re biking, you’re at your most vulnerable. Thus, staying focused on the road and being aware of your surroundings is important.
That means keeping your phone in your pocket and not listening to music too loudly. If you need to take a call, pull over to the side of the road first. And never text while biking; it’s just as dangerous as texting while driving.
3. Drunk Cycling
One of the most common causes of bike accidents is when cyclists are drunk and driving.
When you’re biking, it’s equally against the law to do so while under the influence of alcohol or any other impairing substance.
If you insist on going out drinking, we suggest leaving the bicycle at home and arranging a ride with a designated driver or reliable car-share service.
Keep yourself away from a DWI and others safer on the road.
4. Reckless Behavior
The rules of the road are the law for bicyclists as well. That’s why we discourage cyclists from engaging in reckless driving.
Some examples of reckless biking behavior that can lead to accidents include riding too close to cars, weaving in and out of traffic, and riding without lights at night.
5. Traveling on Poorly Maintained Roads
The roads you use for your commute can play a big role in whether or not your bicycle is at-risk of an accident with another vehicle. Traveling on poorly maintained roads is a major risk that we’ve seen lead to several personal injuries that have put riders out of commission for months.
Some examples of poorly maintained roads that can lead to bike accidents include:
- Roads with potholes or cracks
- Roads with debris or obstacles in the way
- Roads that are too slippery due to rain or snow
- Roads with poor lighting
- Roads that are winding or have blind spots
If you know your commute involves these types of threats, it’s best to devise a new route plan or travel these areas on higher alert.
Need Help After a Bicycle Accident? Genthe Law Firm Has Your Injuries Covered
If you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident that resulted in injuries or death, it’s time to reach out to a personal injury lawyer.
The team at Genthe Law Firm specializes in helping with bicycle accident cases and can help you recover compensation from offending third-parties and their insurance agents.
We even help you save on your case through our Genthe Guarantee, which ensures you don’t pay us a penny until we’ve recovered for you.
Contact us to schedule your free consultation today!
