If you have been injured in an accident while riding a bike, you may be owed damages. Although not every single case of bike vs. car is the fault of the vehicle driver, many can be. Here are some common ways passenger vehicles and bicycles end up colliding:

  • Right-turn accidents: These occur when a vehicle turns right at an intersection or into a driveway or parking lot, colliding with a bicyclist who is riding in the bike lane or crossing the intersection.
  • Dooring accidents: These occur when a passenger in a parked car opens their door without checking for oncoming bicyclists, causing the bicyclist to collide with the door.
  • Rear-end collisions: These occur when a vehicle strikes a bicyclist from behind, often when the driver is distracted or following too closely.
  • Left-turn accidents: These occur when a vehicle turns left at an intersection or into a driveway or parking lot, colliding with a bicyclist who is riding straight through the intersection.

Determining Fault

In many cases, the driver of the vehicle is at fault for failing to yield to the bicyclist or for driving negligently or recklessly. In other cases, you may be partially or fully at fault for failing to obey traffic laws, such as riding on the wrong side of the road or failing to stop at a stop sign or traffic signal. A qualified attorney can help determine fault and liability in these cases.

What to Do After a Bike Accident

Here are some important things to do after a vehicle vs bicycle accident:

Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should be your priority after an accident. Even if you don't think you've been seriously injured, it's important to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure that you haven't sustained any internal injuries or other hidden damage.

Contact the police: Call the police to report the accident and wait for them to arrive at the scene. Provide them with a full and accurate account of what happened.

Exchange information: If you can get the contact and insurance information from the other driver. If you are not able to do this, the information can usually be found on the accident report prepared by law enforcement.

Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicle and bicycle, and any injuries you've sustained.

Consult with an attorney: Consult with an attorney who can advise you on your legal options and help you navigate the claims process.

After a bike accident, it's important to stay calm, seek medical attention if needed, and take steps to protect your health and legal rights. Speak to a personal injury lawyer at a firm such as Williams & Swee to find out more.

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