Front impact bicycle accidents are the most common and most severe type of bicycle accidents
Riding a bicycle is a healthy and convenient way to get around, especially in urban areas where there is a lot of vehicular traffic. While bicyclists can often use bicycle lanes to shoot ahead of traffic jams, riding a bicycle does carry greater risk of bodily injury compared to riding in a car.
According to findings from German Insurers Accident Research, front impact bicycle accidents are the most worrisome type of bicycle accident. Not only is this the most common type of accident (responsible for 61 percent of the accidents in the researchers’ sample); it is also the most likely to result in severe injuries (84 percent of the most badly hurt individuals were involved in front impact bicycle accidents).
There are a variety of scenarios that can result in a collision between a bicycle and the front of a vehicle. In most cases, the motorist will be at fault, though bicyclists can also potentially cause front impact accidents.
Here are some of the most common types of front-impact accidents:
Right-Cross Accidents: Motorists are required to yield to oncoming traffic (including bicyclists) when entering a road from a side street or driveway. If a driver fails to look both ways, they could hit an oncoming cyclist as they pull out into the street. The driver would be liable in this type of bicycle accident.
Left-Cross Accidents: Motorists are also required to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left off of a road onto a side street or driveway. Failure to yield could result in a bicycle accident, and the driver would be liable.
Crosswalk Accidents: Crosswalks are only for pedestrians. However, sometimes cyclists use them to cross the street. If a cyclist is illegally using a crosswalk and is hit by an oncoming vehicle, the cyclist would be liable for the accident.
Wrong Way Accidents: All vehicles—including bicycles—are supposed to ride with the direction of traffic. When cyclists ride against traffic, they could suffer front impact accidents. Since they caused the accident, they would be liable for their own injuries and damages.
Have You Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
A bicycle accident can leave you with serious injuries and big expenses. The good news is, if the accident was not your fault, a bicycle accident attorney can help you secure compensation. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we handle all kinds of bicycle accident injuries claims. We can help injured cyclists as well as injured motorists. To learn more, dial 800-333-0000 and request a free consultation.
