Bike Accidents

Bike accidents can be classified as any accident that takes place involving one or more cyclist. Although bike accidents can occur in a wide range of circumstances, traffic-related bike accidents, such as those involving vehicles, are amongst the most common within the legal spectrum.

Types of Bike Accidents

A. A contact bike accident is one that results from direct contact between a bike and a vehicle, pedestrian, or other object. As the name suggests, an accident can only be classified as contact accident upon physical contact between two objects. An example of a contact bike accident is a vehicle striking a cyclist on a street.

B. A stationary, contact bike accident is result of a cyclist having impact with a stationary object. Some of the most common stationary, contact bike accidents occur as a result of the opening of a car door as the unsuspecting cyclist passes. This is known within the biking community as “Dooring”. Dooring can not only be dangerous for the cyclist, but can also injure the individual exiting a vehicle. Dooring can also result in damage of personal property.

C. A non-contact bike accident results from indirect contact between a bike and vehicle, pedestrian, or other object. Unlike a contact accident, a non-contact accident can be caused in an attempt to avoid an accident. An example of a non-contact bike accident is a vehicle unlawfully operating in a driving lane, which causes a cyclist to swerve and fall. Although there was no direct contact, the event has nonetheless resulted in an accident.

Bike Lanes

In many cities, there exist bike lanes, which are areas of roadways that are specifically designated for the operation of bikes and cyclists. Due to the fact that bike lanes exclude automotive vehicles, this allows for lessened opportunities for bike accidents to occur.

Identifying a Bike Lane

Although there are no nationwide, uniform designating symbols for the identification of bike lanes, they can be found on either side of the street. While some cities display a bicycle symbol in order to designate bike lanes, other cities illustrate bike lanes with alternate coloring.

Right of Way

The laws for safe cycling vary from state to state and country to country. Adherence to safe bicycling protocol is the most effective way to avoid bike accidents. In the busiest cities, cyclists must not only adhere to all vehicular traffic laws, but must also ride “with traffic”. This means that cyclists must operate their bikes in the same direction as the flow of traffic. However, in residential areas, cyclists may be permitted to ride “opposite traffic”.

Results of Bike Accidents

A. Bike accidents can result in both physical injury and pain and suffering.

B. Bike accidents can result in damaged property.

C. Upon sustaining damage or injury as a result of a bike accident, one is encouraged to consult with legal representation in order to investigate options of recourse and compensation. Regardless of the nature of the accident, compensation can be awarded without direct contact between a bike and another vehicle.

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