As the number of bicyclists increases on many Texas roads, so does the number of bike accidents that occur each day. It seems that an unfortunate consequence of turning to this more health-conscious mode of transportation is the risk of suffering serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage, in the event of a collision.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most catastrophic and fatal bike accidents occur as the result of a negligent motorist, despite efforts to raise awareness among drivers that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as they do.
In order to help reduce the chances of being injured or worse, it is important to know common risk factors when sharing the road with other vehicles and how to avoid them.
Blind Spots – In many cases, a motorist will claim that he or she simply did not see a bike before a crash occurred and that is because a driver’s visibility is limited behind the vehicle.
Driveways – If a vehicle backs up or pulls out of a driveway too suddenly, a bicyclist crossing the path will not have time to stop or swerve out of the way.
Poor Visibility – Riding at night can be particularly dangerous for bicyclists without lights, reflective tape, or brightly-colored clothing to stand out on the road.
Door Zone – Motorists are required to look for bicyclists before opening the door of a parked vehicle into the path of an unsuspecting cyclist.
Contact a Successful Legal Team
If you or someone you love has been involved in a serious bicycle accident as a result of negligence, the attorneys at Brown Trial Firm, PLLC will fight on your behalf to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable. Bicyclists that have suffered severe and permanent injuries deserve to receive financial compensation for the resulting medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us to learn about our services and your potential legal options at (866) 393-2611.