Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them

In California, bicycle accidents are a frequent problem and amount to a significant percentage of traffic accident fatalities. Whether a motorist is driving distracted, or a bicycle is failing to obey the rules of the road, bicycle accidents are easily preventable if drivers and bicyclists pay attention to the following tips from the personal injury attorneys at Ramtin Sadighim.

1. Speed: Just as cars should not speed, neither should people rising bicycles. While bikes cannot match the speed of a car in most cases, speeding on a bike can still result in some bad accidents. Speeding on a bike is especially dangerous in construction zones, during inclement weather, and during periods of heavy traffic.
2. Distracted driving: A common problem that exists between both drivers and bicyclists is distracted driving. Bicyclists should remember to keep their eyes on the road ahead of them at all times, and avoid looking at their phone or iPod while riding.
3. Riding too close to traffic: Many bicyclists get hit because they are simply riding too close to traffic. It is important to ride in a shoulder bike lane or on the sidewalk where possible, and avoid being on the right edge of the road. Even though vehicles are supposed to maintain a safe distance from bicycles, this is not always possible.
4. Following rules of road: When bicycles are on the road with cars, they are considered vehicles. This means they must obey the same rules of the road as cars, like stopping at stop signs and following traffic signals. When bicyclists fail to follow the rules of the road they are more likely to be struck by a car.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at the law office of Ramtin Sadighim today. We will review your case and get you the compensation you deserve. We are proud to serve Los Angeles and surrounding communities with our personal injury law services.