Bicycle accidents can happen on busy Sherman Oaks streets, in bicycle lanes, at intersections, and anywhere cyclists share the road with motor vehicles. Because bicycles provide little physical protection compared with cars and trucks, a collision can result in significant injuries and property damage.
Some bicycle accidents happen because a driver is speeding, distracted, or fails to notice a cyclist before turning. Others may involve unsafe lane changes, traffic violations, or road conditions. Understanding common causes can help cyclists and motorists recognize potential hazards and take appropriate precautions.
If a bicycle accident does happen, identifying how the collision occurred can also be important when determining responsibility. Lionsgate Law Group APC represents people injured in bicycle accidents in Sherman Oaks and throughout the San Fernando Valley, including cases involving bike lanes, roadway collisions, distracted drivers, and dooring accidents.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
There are many circumstances that can contribute to a bicycle collision. The five causes below are among the situations cyclists should be particularly aware of when sharing the road with motor vehicles.
1. Speeding
Speeding can make a bicycle collision more dangerous and reduce the amount of time a driver has to react to a cyclist.
A driver traveling too quickly may have difficulty stopping when a cyclist enters an intersection, changes position on the roadway, or becomes visible around a parked vehicle.
Speed can also increase the force involved in a collision. Even a cyclist who is following traffic laws can be seriously injured when struck by a moving vehicle.
How Can Cyclists Reduce the Risk of Bicycle Accidents?
Cyclists should remain alert and avoid assuming that approaching vehicles will always see them. When riding near traffic, pay attention to vehicles that may be approaching from behind or entering the roadway.
Drivers also have a responsibility to operate at a safe speed and remain attentive to cyclists.
If a collision occurs, evidence such as photographs, witness statements, traffic-camera footage when available, and other information may help establish what happened.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another significant danger for cyclists.
A driver who is looking at a phone, texting, adjusting something inside the vehicle, or otherwise diverting attention from the roadway may fail to notice a cyclist.
The risk can be especially serious when a distracted driver approaches an intersection, changes lanes, turns across a bicycle lane, or passes a cyclist.
Why Is Distracted Driving Dangerous for Cyclists?
Cyclists can be difficult to see when drivers are not paying attention. A driver may notice a cyclist only after it is too late to avoid a collision.
Lionsgate Law Group’s Sherman Oaks bicycle accident practice specifically addresses collisions involving distracted drivers. The firm states that, when appropriate, it can investigate evidence such as phone records to determine whether driver distraction contributed to an accident.
How Can Cyclists Stay Safer?
Stay alert to nearby traffic and avoid distractions while riding. Use appropriate signals when turning or changing position and remain aware of vehicles that may be entering your path.
However, cyclists cannot always prevent a crash caused by a distracted motorist. If you are injured because a driver was not paying attention, documenting the circumstances may be important.
3. Unsafe Lane Changes and Weaving Through Traffic
Unsafe lane changes can create serious risks for cyclists.
A motorist may move into a bicycle lane without checking for a cyclist, merge across a cyclist’s path, or make an abrupt maneuver in congested traffic.
Cyclists can also create risks when they make unpredictable movements between traffic lanes. Every person using the roadway should follow applicable traffic laws and make movements only when they can do so safely.
Bicycle Lanes Require Attention From Drivers
Drivers should check for cyclists before crossing or entering a bicycle lane. A cyclist traveling lawfully in a bike lane may have little time to react when a vehicle suddenly moves into their path.
California law also establishes specific rules concerning bicycle lanes and when cyclists may leave them. Cyclists should follow applicable traffic laws while recognizing that circumstances such as hazards, passing, and preparing for a turn may affect where they can safely ride.
A collision involving a bike lane may require an investigation into the positions and movements of both the cyclist and motor vehicle.
4. Turning Without Checking for Cyclists
Turning vehicles can pose a serious risk to bicyclists, particularly at intersections.
A driver making a right turn may cross directly into the path of a cyclist traveling alongside the vehicle. A driver turning left may also fail to see a cyclist approaching from the opposite direction.
These collisions can happen even when the cyclist is traveling properly.
Why Intersections Can Be Dangerous
Drivers need to watch for cyclists before turning, changing lanes, or crossing a bicycle lane. Checking mirrors and blind spots is particularly important before making a maneuver that could place a vehicle in a cyclist’s path.
Cyclists should also remain alert at intersections and watch for vehicles that may turn across their path.
California law gives bicyclists many of the same rights and responsibilities as drivers when operating on public roadways. This means motorists and cyclists both have responsibilities when approaching intersections and interacting with other road users.
What Happens After a Turning Collision?
If a cyclist is hit by a turning vehicle, photographs of the intersection, traffic signs, bike-lane markings, vehicle damage, and witness information may help explain what occurred.
An attorney can also review the available evidence and help determine whether another party may be legally responsible.
5. Disregarding Traffic Signals
Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign can create a serious collision risk.
Traffic signals exist to organize the movement of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. When a driver or cyclist ignores a signal, other road users may enter an intersection expecting the right of way and suddenly encounter someone traveling through the intersection.
Cyclists should stop at red lights and stop signs when required and follow applicable California traffic laws.
Drivers must also obey traffic signals and remain alert for cyclists who may be lawfully traveling through an intersection.
How Can Cyclists Reduce Intersection Risks?
Before proceeding through an intersection, cyclists should pay attention to traffic signals and surrounding vehicles. Avoid assuming that another driver will stop simply because they have a red light.
When a collision occurs at an intersection, evidence concerning the traffic signal, vehicle movements, road markings, and witnesses can become important when determining what happened.
Tips to Help Avoid Bicycle Accidents
While cyclists cannot control the actions of every driver, several safety practices can help reduce unnecessary risks.
Choose a Properly Fitted Bicycle
A bicycle that fits properly can make it easier to maintain control and respond to changing road conditions.
Make sure the bicycle is appropriate for your size and riding needs. Check the seat, handlebars, tires, and other components before riding.
Inspect Your Brakes
Functional brakes are essential for bicycle safety.
Before riding, check that your brakes work properly and that the bicycle can stop effectively. If your brakes or other important components are damaged, have the bicycle inspected or repaired before riding.
Use Appropriate Signals
Clear hand signals can help communicate your intentions to nearby drivers.
Use appropriate signals when preparing to turn or change your position on the roadway, while continuing to watch surrounding traffic.
Increase Visibility
Visibility is particularly important when riding around motor vehicles.
Use required bicycle lighting and reflectors when riding at night, and consider wearing clothing that makes you easier to see. California has specific equipment requirements for bicycles operated during darkness.
Watch for Parked Vehicles and Opening Doors
Dooring accidents occur when a person opens a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist.
Leave enough space from parked vehicles to give yourself room to react. Drivers and passengers should also check for approaching cyclists before opening a door.
Lionsgate Law Group specifically handles bicycle accident claims involving dooring accidents in Sherman Oaks.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Even if a bicycle accident initially appears minor, injuries may become more apparent later.
After a collision, prioritize your health and safety. If emergency medical attention is necessary, call 911 or seek appropriate medical care.
When it is safe to do so, consider taking the following steps:
- Report the accident when appropriate.
- Exchange information with the driver.
- Obtain the driver’s insurance information.
- Record the vehicle’s license plate number.
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Photograph the accident scene and visible damage.
- Photograph relevant road conditions and bicycle-lane markings.
- Keep medical records and accident-related documents.
- Avoid making assumptions about who was responsible.
- Consider speaking with a bicycle accident attorney before resolving your claim.
Do not put yourself in danger to collect evidence.
How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A bicycle accident claim may require more than simply determining whether a vehicle struck a cyclist.
Depending on the circumstances, an investigation may examine the driver’s actions, traffic conditions, bike-lane markings, witness accounts, photographs, vehicle damage, and other evidence.
Lionsgate Law Group APC represents cyclists injured in Sherman Oaks and throughout the San Fernando Valley. The firm’s bicycle accident practice includes roadway and bike-lane collisions, dooring accidents, distracted-driver collisions, and accidents involving electric bicycles and electric scooters.
The firm states that it can investigate potentially responsible parties and pursue compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering when supported by the facts and applicable law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of bicycle accidents?
Bicycle accidents can result from many different circumstances, including driver distraction, speeding, unsafe turns, improper lane changes, traffic violations, and roadway hazards. The cause of a particular accident must be determined from the available evidence.
Can a driver be responsible for hitting a cyclist?
A driver may be legally responsible when their negligence contributes to a bicycle accident. Responsibility depends on the facts, evidence, and applicable California law.
What should I do if a car hits my bicycle?
Prioritize medical care and safety. When possible, document the scene, exchange information, collect witness details, and preserve photographs and other evidence. You may also want to speak with a bicycle accident attorney before accepting a settlement.
Can I recover compensation after a bicycle accident?
Depending on the circumstances, an injured cyclist may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses recognized by law.
When should I contact a bicycle accident lawyer?
Consider contacting an attorney promptly if you suffered significant injuries, the driver disputes responsibility, an insurance company disputes your claim, or multiple parties may be involved.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Sherman Oaks
Bicycle accidents can happen quickly, but the consequences can last much longer. Understanding common causes such as speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, turning without checking, and disregarding traffic signals can help cyclists and drivers recognize dangerous situations.
When a collision does occur, preserving evidence and understanding your legal options can be important.
Lionsgate Law Group APC represents people injured in bicycle accidents in Sherman Oaks and the San Fernando Valley. The firm handles cases involving bike lanes, roadway collisions, dooring accidents, distracted drivers, electric bicycles, and electric scooters.
Call Lionsgate Law Group APC at 818-574-5494 for a free consultation.
The firm’s Sherman Oaks office is located at 15303 Ventura Blvd, Suite 1050, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every bicycle accident case is different, and no particular result is guaranteed.
