Common Bicycle Accident Scenarios

Riding a bicycle provides many Florida residents with a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to get around. Unfortunately, riding bicycles in busy urban areas like Tampa also comes with its fair share of risks. Read on to learn more about the most common bicycle accident scenarios and what to do if you are injured in such a crash in Florida.

Left Turn Accidents 

One of the most common bicycle accident scenarios we see occurs when a vehicle turns left in front of a cyclist. In these types of crashes, a motorist and a cyclist are typically approaching an intersection from opposing directions when the motorist fails to yield the right-of-way. Whether in an attempt to beat a light or due to distraction, this type of accident can have devastating consequences for the cyclist, who is far less protected in the event of a collision.

Right Hook Accidents 

Another common bicycle accident scenario involves a vehicle turning right into a cyclist who is traveling beside the vehicle, striking the rider on his or her left. In most cases, these kinds of crashes can be attributed to a driver’s failure to check his or her blind spots and a general lack of awareness of his or her surroundings. What would normally be a sideswipe between two vehicles can have much more serious repercussions for the cyclist.

Passing Accidents 

Bicyclists have the same rights as other motorists when sharing the road. Unfortunately, these rights are not always respected and it is not uncommon for drivers to carelessly crowd bicyclists when attempting to pass them. This can be extremely dangerous, leading to a sideswipe or rear-end collision with the rider.

Dooring Accidents 

Dooring accidents are a type of crash that is unique to bicycles and motorcycles. This kind of collision occurs when a driver in a parked car opens his or her door into the path of a cyclist. Cyclists who don’t have enough time to swerve out of the way could end up striking the door and subsequently being thrown over the handlebars and onto the road. Although there are laws in place to prevent these kinds of collisions, dooring accidents continue to occur at a surprising rate.

Backing Accidents 

It’s not only on Florida’s main roadways that bicycle accidents occur. For instance, many bicycle accidents happen when a driver is backing out of a driveway or parking spot and collides with a passing cyclist. Even though these kinds of collisions usually occur at low speeds, they can still cause serious injuries for the cyclist.

Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers

 If you were injured in a bicycle accident, having an experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer on your side can make it easier to deal with the insurance company and maximize your chances of recovery. To discuss your own legal rights with a dedicated attorney, please call Boone & Davis at 954-566-9919 or send us an online message. A member of our legal team is standing by and prepared to get started on your case today.

Sources:

 nhtsa.gov/share-road-its-everyones-responsibility

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes./index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2005.html