What causes bicycle accidents?
Bicycle accidents often happen as a result of driver negligence. Too many drivers don’t share the road with cyclists, fail to drive responsibly or don’t pay attention when there are bicyclists on the road. Common causes of bicycle accidents related to driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are distracted by mobile devices, texting while driving, eating, adjusting the radio, or other activities may fail to notice cyclists on the road.
- Failure to yield – Many bicycle accidents happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists, particularly at intersections or when making turns.
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases stopping distance, making it harder to avoid collisions.
- Impaired driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain medications may have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced ability to spot cyclists.
- Unsafe passing – When drivers pass cyclists too closely, they can cause the cyclist to lose their balance or veer off the road.
- Running red lights or stop signs – Reckless drivers who run red lights or stop signs may collide with cyclists who have the right of way.
Types of bicycle accidents
There are several different types of bicycle accidents, each with unique causes and circumstances. Every year, bicyclists throughout New Hampshire are hurt in:
- Dooring accidents – These occur when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. The cyclist may collide with the door or swerve into traffic to avoid it.
- Right-hook accidents – These happen when a car makes a right turn across the path of a cyclist who is either going straight or riding on the right side of the road. The cyclist can be struck by the turning vehicle or forced to brake suddenly, resulting in a crash.
- Left-hook accidents – These crashes occur when an oncoming vehicle makes a left turn in front of a cyclist traveling in the opposite direction, cutting across their path. The cyclist may not have enough time to stop, resulting in a collision.
- Sideswipe accidents – Bicyclists can be hurt when a vehicle passes too closely to a cyclist, grazing them with the side of the car. This often occurs when a driver fails to give the cyclist enough space, particularly in narrow lanes.
- Rear-end collisions – These occur when a motor vehicle strikes a cyclist from behind. This type of accident is especially dangerous on high-speed roads or when the driver is distracted or fails to notice the cyclist in time.
Bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries
Bicyclists have no protection in a collision and can be seriously hurt. In some cases, loved ones are lost in a fatal bicycle accident.
Many injured bicyclists suffer broken bones, especially in the arms, wrists, and collarbone, as cyclists instinctively extend their arms to break their fall after being knocked off a bike. Bicyclists can also suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI), chest pain, or leg pain. Lacerations and bruising after a bicycle accident are common.
More severe accidents, especially those involving motor vehicles, can lead to catastrophic injuries. For example, spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. Being hit by a car can result in a leg injury that causes a permanent disability.
Medical treatments can vary depending on the type and severity of injuries. An injured cyclist may need imaging tests such as CT scans, X rays or MRIs to assess the damage. Treatment may include surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Medical expenses can quickly become overwhelming.
If you were hit by a car in New Hampshire, you deserve financial compensation
The claims process can be complicated for bicycle accidents in New Hampshire. Insurance companies may use different tactics to try to limit compensation. They may argue that you were at least partially at fault for what happened. They may downplay the severity of your injuries or argue that they were pre-existing.
Another common tactic used by insurance companies is offering a quick, lowball settlement shortly after the accident. They are hoping that you’ll accept it without fully understanding the long-term costs of your injuries, such as ongoing medical care or lost future earnings.
That’s why you need an experienced bicycle accident attorney who knows how to hold negligent drivers accountable and who will fight for the financial compensation you rightfully deserve.
Our New Hampshire bicycle accident lawyers are ready to help
We want to hear from you about what happened. One of our bike accident attorneys can review the details of your collision and go over your legal options for recovering financial compensation. We can also answer any questions or concerns you have about your potential legal case. If we represent you, we’ll guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
Our attorneys are focused on helping you get the best possible resolution to your case, whether it’s through a bicycle accident lawsuit or a negotiated settlement. We’ll fight for the money you deserve for all of the damages you suffered – including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident in Dover, Portsmouth, or anywhere in New Hampshire, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
