Bicycling is an enjoyable, eco-friendly, and healthy mode of transportation — but it can also be dangerous. When bicycle accidents occur, the results are often severe or even fatal for the cyclist. As our Raleigh, NC bicycle accident lawyer can attest, understanding the most common causes of bicycle accidents and determining who may be liable is essential for victims seeking justice and compensation.
Here are the typical bicycle accident scenarios and break down how liability is determined.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is distracted driving. When motorists are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting their GPS, or even eating behind the wheel, they may fail to see a cyclist on the road. A moment of inattention can result in a devastating collision.
Liability:
In cases involving distracted driving, the motorist is usually found liable. Cell phone records, dashcam footage, or eyewitness testimony may be used to prove negligence.
Dooring Accidents
“Dooring” occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door directly into the path of a cyclist, giving the rider no time to react. These accidents are common in urban areas with on-street parking and bike lanes running adjacent to parked cars.
Liability:
The person who opened the car door — typically the driver or a passenger — is usually held liable for not checking for approaching cyclists before exiting the vehicle.
Unsafe Lane Changes Or Turns
Many bicycle accidents happen when drivers make sudden lane changes or turns without signaling or checking blind spots. This is especially dangerous at intersections, where cars may turn right directly into a bike lane or make a left turn across oncoming bicycle traffic.
Liability:
The driver making the unsafe maneuver is typically at fault. Traffic camera footage and witness accounts can help establish liability.
Failure To Yield Or Obey Traffic Laws
Motorists who ignore traffic signs or signals, run red lights, or fail to yield to cyclists at intersections create dangerous situations that frequently lead to collisions.
Liability:
In these cases, the driver’s violation of traffic laws usually results in a clear determination of fault. A police report often supports the cyclist’s claim.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, broken pavement, debris, and poorly designed bike lanes can all cause a cyclist to lose control and crash. While no vehicle may be involved, these conditions may still lead to a valid legal claim.
Liability:
When a government entity is responsible for maintaining safe roads, they may be liable for injuries resulting from hazardous conditions — though claims against municipalities often have strict deadlines and requirements.
Driving Under The Influence
Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and reduced awareness, making them a serious threat to cyclists.
Liability:
A drunk or drug-impaired driver is almost always liable for a crash involving a cyclist. Criminal charges may also be filed separately from any civil personal injury claim.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, determining the cause and identifying who is at fault are the first steps toward securing compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Liability may rest with a negligent driver, a careless passenger, or even a municipality that failed to maintain safe roadways.
Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Speak with our experienced bicycle accident lawyer today to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. At Burton Law Firm, we are here to help you.