Bicycle-Car Collisions – Collisions between bicycles and cars are unfortunate events that can result in serious injuries for cyclists. In this blog, we will explore the most common injuries that cyclists may suffer in these types of accidents, as well as the steps they should take to protect their rights and seek appropriate compensation.

The Main Causes of Bicycle-Car Collisions

Collisions between bicycles and cars can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which can be attributed to human errors and lack of attention. Some of the main causes include:

• Lack of Awareness: Both car drivers and cyclists may be guilty of not paying enough attention to their surroundings while on the road. This can lead to situations where drivers do not see cyclists or cyclists do not anticipate the actions of cars, resulting in collisions.

• Right Turns: A common cause of collisions between bicycles and cars is when a car makes a right turn at an intersection without noticing the presence of a cyclist in their right lane. This can cause the car to hit the cyclist or the cyclist to be caught between the car and the curb.

• Dooring: Motorists parked on the street often open their doors without looking, which can cause collisions with cyclists passing by. These collisions, known as “dooring,” can result in serious injuries for cyclists, especially if they are thrown over the car’s hood or fall onto the pavement.

• Failure to Respect Traffic Rules: Both drivers and cyclists sometimes ignore traffic rules, such as stopping at stop signs, yielding at pedestrian crossings, or maintaining a safe distance between vehicles. This lack of compliance with the rules can lead to dangerous situations on the road and increase the risk of collisions.

Understanding these common causes of bicycle-car collisions can help drivers and cyclists take additional precautions on the road and reduce the risk of accidents.

Common Injuries in Bicycle-Car Collisions

• Head Injuries: Head injuries are one of the most serious consequences of bicycle-car collisions. The impact of the collision can cause concussions, bruises, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. It is crucial for cyclists to always wear protective helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries in case of an accident.

• Back and Neck Injuries: The impact of a collision can cause injuries to the back and neck, such as whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited movement, and long-term disability. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention after an accident to assess and treat any back or neck injuries.

• Limbs Injuries: Limbs, such as arms and legs, are vulnerable during a collision between bicycles and cars. Cyclists may suffer fractures, sprains, dislocations, and bruises in these areas. Depending on the severity of the injuries, they may require medical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation for full recovery.

• Skin and Soft Tissue Injuries: Cyclists may also suffer injuries to the skin and soft tissues due to friction with the pavement during a collision. These injuries may include abrasions, lacerations, bruises, and asphalt burns. It is important to clean and properly disinfect these wounds to prevent infections and seek medical attention if necessary.

Protecting Your Rights After Bicycle-Car Collisions

After a collision between a bicycle and a car, it is crucial for cyclists to protect their rights and take the appropriate steps to seek the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Here are some important steps to follow:

• Seek Medical Attention: Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, even if you don’t feel pain at the time of the accident. Some injuries may not be evident immediately, and it is important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

• Document the Accident: When collisions occur between bicycles and cars, documenting the accident properly can make a difference in a cyclist’s ability to seek appropriate compensation for their injuries and losses. Here are some ways cyclists can effectively document the accident:

• Collect Accurate Details: It is important to take note of all relevant details of the accident, such as the exact date, time, and location, as well as the weather and road conditions at the time of the crash. Additionally, taking photographs of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, nearby traffic signs, and any other factors that may have contributed to the accident, can provide important visual evidence.

• Obtain Information from Vehicles and Involved Drivers: Gathering contact and insurance information from the drivers involved in the accident is crucial. This includes obtaining the names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance policy numbers of the drivers, as well as vehicle registration information. Additionally, obtaining contact information from any eyewitnesses can be invaluable in case of disputes about liability.

• Obtain a Police Report: Notifying the authorities and obtaining a police report of the accident is essential to support any insurance claim or legal action. Police reports contain objective details of the accident, including a description of what happened as determined by the officers at the scene. These reports can be essential in establishing liability and damages in case of a dispute with the insurance company or other parties involved.

• Seek Medical Attention and Keep Records: After the accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries seem minor at the time. Getting a professional medical diagnosis and keeping detailed records of all assessments, treatments, and medical bills can help support any claims for injuries and losses related to the accident.

Properly and comprehensively documenting the accident can strengthen a cyclist’s position in case of an insurance claim or legal action after the accident. By collecting accurate information and maintaining detailed records, cyclists can increase their chances of obtaining the fair compensation they deserve for their injuries and suffering.

Consult with an Experienced Bicycle-Car Collision Lawyer

Seeking the advice of a personal injury lawyer specializing in bicycle-car collisions can help cyclists understand their legal rights and take the appropriate steps to seek fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

Collisions between bicycles and cars can have devastating consequences for cyclists, including serious injuries and financial losses. It is crucial for cyclists to be prepared and protected in case of an accident, taking the appropriate steps to protect their rights and seek the compensation they deserve. 

If you have been injured in a collision between a bicycle and a car, do not hesitate to contact Accident Justice Law to ensure that your rights are protected and respected.