If you are riding a bicycle for recreation, commuting to work, or exercising in Southeast New Mexico or Roswell, you are putting yourself in danger every time you go out on the road. You could suffer devasting injuries in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver.
To obtain the compensation you may deserve from the at-fault driver and their insurance company, you will need to determine the cause of the crash. The most effective way to do this is to retain an experienced car accident lawyer to conduct a thorough investigation and collect the evidence you need to win your case.
Common Ways Driver Negligence Causes Bicycle Crashes
Most bicycle accidents are caused by the negligent actions of a motorist and not the cyclist. Understanding the leading causes of these tragic collisions is essential to help you determine whether you have a right to compensation in your case. Here are the most common causes of bicycle accidents.
Distracted Driving
When a driver’s eyes are not on the road, and their mind is not on their driving because they are distracted, they can fail to see a nearby bicyclist or be unable to take action to avoid a collision before it is too late. This is one of the most common causes of bicycle crashes. Common types of distracted driving include:
- Talking on a cellphone
- Texting
- Eating and drinking
- Engaging in personal grooming
- Using social media
- Searching the internet
- Fiddling with instrument controls
- Talking to passengers
Not Leaving Enough Space
Drivers are required to share the road with bicycle riders in New Mexico. Unfortunately, many motorists drive too close to bikes and do not leave a safe buffer. This can result in them causing a rear-end or sideswipe accident with the cyclist.
Speeding
If a motorist is speeding, it will take them longer to slow down or stop, often making it impossible for them to avoid crashing into a nearby bike. Unfortunately, a cyclist is much more likely to suffer a permanent injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, paralysis, or back or spinal injury, because the force of impact will be so much greater.
Making Unsafe Lane Changes
A bicycle rider remains in a driver’s blind spot for longer because of their small size. When impatient drivers change lanes without looking or weave between lanes, they can strike a cyclist, who is hard to see even if the motorist is careful.
Making Turning Without Looking
Drivers must look for nearby bicycles just like they would check for other vehicles before turning, even if they proceed when the light is green. Many avoidable bicycle accidents occur when a motorist fails to look for bicycle riders who have the right of way before turning.
Running a Stop Sign or Light
Another way drivers cause bicycle crashes on neighborhood and city streets is to fail to stop at a stop sign or traffic light.
Five Steps to Take to Protect Your Right to Compensation
The actions you take after your bicycle accident can directly impact the strength of your case and the amount of compensation you receive in your settlement. Taking these five steps is essential if you want to win your case:
- Police report. Call the police at the crash scene and obtain a copy of the police report. It may provide information that can help prove the driver caused your crash.
- Medical care. Obtain prompt medical care even if you do not believe you were hurt to protect your health and avoid disputes with the insurance company.
- Contact information. Get the driver's and insurance company's contact information so you can file a claim. Obtain this information for any witnesses whose statements can help you prove your case.
- Photos. Take pictures of the auto and bike damage, the collision scene, and your injuries with your cellphone camera.
- Attorney. Retain a knowledgeable car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash to file your claim and negotiate your settlement with the insurance company.
Were you injured in a bicycle collision in Roswell or Southeast New Mexico? Our skilled car accident lawyers are here to explain your rights so that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Call our Roswell office at 575-300-4000 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation today to learn more about how we can assist you.
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