Bicycles are increasingly used for transportation, exercise, and recreation. But cyclists remain vulnerable when motorists fail to recognize them or fail to share the road safely.
A collision between a car and bicycle can produce catastrophic injuries even when the bicycle appears to have suffered relatively minor damage.
Common Driver Behaviors That Cause Bicycle Crashes
Driver negligence may include:
- Failing to yield
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe passing
- Turning across a cyclist’s path
- Opening a car door into a cyclist
- Running a red light
- Speeding
- Driving while impaired
Any of these behaviors can create a dangerous situation.
A Driver May Claim They Did Not See the Cyclist
Visibility can become an issue in bicycle accident cases.
However, a driver’s failure to see a cyclist does not automatically establish that the cyclist caused the crash.
The investigation should determine what each road user could see and whether the driver acted reasonably.
Bicycle Damage Can Help Tell the Story
The location and severity of bicycle damage can provide information about the impact.
Vehicle damage, broken components, paint transfer, debris, and roadway evidence may also help reconstruct the collision.
Video Evidence Can Be Valuable
Many bicycle accidents occur near businesses, intersections, trails, and residential areas where surveillance cameras may be present.
Cyclists may also have helmet cameras or other recording devices.
Promptly identifying potential footage can help preserve evidence.
Serious Injuries Are Common
Cyclists may suffer:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Fractures
- Internal injuries
- Road rash
- Amputations
Ponton Law’s practice includes bicycle accidents and catastrophic personal injury cases.
When a cyclist suffers a serious injury, the case should focus on evidence rather than assumptions about bicycles or cyclists. Determining exactly how the crash occurred can be critical to establishing responsibility and pursuing compensation.