Bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents and what actions to take in the event of a crash can help bicyclists stay safe on the road.

If you get involved in a bicycle accident, you should hire a bicycle accident lawyer to help you handle the legal procedures. A lawyer will help you tackle the challenging phases of your compensation process.

Here are some of the causes and actions you should take after a bicycle crash.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle accident can result from a variety of causes. Here are some of the common causes of bicycle accidents.

Poor Road Conditions

Poor road conditions can include a variety of hazards, such as potholes, debris, or uneven pavement. These hazards can cause you to lose control of your bike and crash. They can also make it difficult for bicyclists to navigate safely, thus forcing them to ride in traffic.

Motorists’ Failure To See or Yield

This can occur when a motorist fails to see you, misjudges your speed or distance, or disregards your right of way. To prevent these accidents, you make yourselves visible to drivers by wearing bright clothing and using lights on your bikes.

Distracted or Impaired Riding

Impaired riding occurs if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Distracted riding can happen when you are using your phone or doing something that takes your attention away from riding. It can affect your ability to think, make decisions, and react quickly, making navigating the road more difficult.

Poor Bike Maintenance

The brakes and other parts of your bike may not work well if you don’t maintain them. This can make it difficult to stop in time to avoid obstacles or other vehicles. Worn-out or loose parts can also cause the bike to become unstable, making it difficult for you to maintain control.

Failure To Obey Traffic Laws

This refers to when you do not follow the same laws and rules that apply to motor vehicles. It can include running red lights, riding on the wrong side of the road, or failing to signal when making turns.

Actions To Take Post a Bicycle Crash

Knowing what steps to take when you get involved in a bicycle crash can help your damages case. Here are steps you should take post a collision.

Seek Medical Attention

Seeking medical attention immediately after a bicycle accident is crucial. Some injuries can take time to manifest. Additionally, some injuries, such as head injuries, may not show symptoms for hours or days after the accident.

Call the Police

Calling the police and filing a report after a bicycle accident is vital in ensuring thorough documentation of the incident. The report can be used as evidence in any possible legal proceedings and help determine fault and liability.

Take Pictures of the Scene

This involves taking pictures from different angles to view the accident scene comprehensively. It includes taking photos of the overall scene and close-ups of specific details. Someone else should do it for you if you cannot take pictures, such as a passerby or a witness.

Get the Contact Information of Other Parties Involved

This is essential to ensure that your lawyer can adequately address legal or insurance claims. Your lawyer can use this information to contact the other party or their insurance company. It can also help identify other parties with relevant information about the accident.

Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

You should know that insurance companies may have their legal representation and do not have your best interest in mind. An attorney can help level the playing field and ensure they protect your rights.

Final Thoughts

Bicycle accidents can have severe consequences, and you should take steps to protect your rights in the event of an accident. Awareness of the potential risks and taking the appropriate actions can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for damages and decrease your chances of being in a crash.