Bicycle accidents can occur in a wide variety of ways. Sometimes, these incidents result in relatively minor injuries, but bicyclists are much more vulnerable on the roadway than others. The reality is that even a seemingly minor collision can lead to major trauma for a bicyclist. Here, we want to review some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in our area of California.
Driver Failing to Yield
One of the most common causes of bicycle collisions in California is a driver failing to yield the right of way to a cyclist. This often occurs at intersections where drivers may not be paying attention or are unaware of the bicyclist’s presence. For example, a driver might make a right turn without noticing a bicyclist approaching from the opposite direction or may turn left across the path of a cyclist traveling straight through the intersection. Failing to yield can result in severe collisions, especially since the bicyclist has little protection against the force of a vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a significant problem on the roads, and it poses a particular danger to bicyclists. When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting their GPS, or engaging in other distractions, they are less likely to notice a bicyclist sharing the roadway. Even a brief moment of operator inattention can lead to a driver drifting into a bike lane or failing to see a cyclist in time to avoid a collision. Unfortunately, the rise in smartphone usage has only increased the risk of distracted driving incidents, making it a leading cause of bicycle accidents.
Dooring Accidents
Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist. This type of accident is common in areas with heavy street parking, where cyclists must ride close to parked vehicles. When a door is suddenly opened, the bicyclist may have little time to react and could crash directly into the door. These accidents can cause serious injuries, including head and brain trauma, broken and dislocated bones, and deep lacerations. Drivers and passengers are responsible for checking for approaching cyclists before opening their doors, but many fail to do so, leading to these preventable accidents.
Speeding Drivers
Speeding is the leading cause of vehicle accidents in California and increases the likelihood of accidents for all road users, but it is particularly hazardous for bicyclists. A speeding driver has less time to react to a cyclist on the road, and the force of impact in a collision is much greater, leading to more severe injuries or fatalities. Speeding also makes it more difficult for a driver to navigate curves, stop at red lights, or avoid obstacles, all of which can result in a crash with a bicyclist. Even in areas with lower speed limits, drivers who exceed the posted limit pose a significant risk to cyclists.
Poor Road Conditions
Bicyclists are more vulnerable to road hazards than drivers in vehicles, making poor road conditions a common cause of bicycle accidents. Potholes, cracked pavement, debris, and uneven surfaces can cause a cyclist to lose control and crash. In some cases, the city or municipality responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable for accidents caused by unsafe conditions. Additionally, poor signage, inadequate bike lanes, or lack of proper lighting can contribute to accidents, particularly in urban areas where cyclists frequently share the road with vehicles.
Challenges in Determining Liability
Determining liability in a bicycle accident can be complex, and this can significantly impact a victim’s ability to recover compensation. In many cases, liability is disputed by the parties involved, with drivers often claiming that the bicyclist was at fault. This is where the process of gathering evidence becomes critical. Eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and police reports can all play a role in establishing who was responsible for the accident.
In California, the concept of comparative negligence may also come into play. This means that even if the bicyclist is found to be partially at fault for the accident, they may still be able to get monetary compensation, although the amount may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a bicyclist is found to be 35% at fault for an accident, their compensation would be reduced by that percentage.
