Types of Bicycle Collisions Caused by Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving is a huge problem in our country and a major cause of accidents. The consequences can be even more serious if a distracted driver causes a bicycle accident. Victims can suffer devasting injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, fractures, internal organ damage, or death if they are struck by a much larger and heavier motor vehicle.

If you were injured in a bicycle crash caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries from their insurance company. However, you will need the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer to prove that the motorist was distracted and the damages you should receive in your settlement.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is actions that can take a driver’s eyes off the road, their hands off their steering wheel, or their minds off their driving. This practice is especially dangerous because a motorist’s vehicle can travel the distance of a football field in the few seconds it could take them to find a radio station or read a text message. Common types of distractions that cause bike accidents include:

• Eating and drinking
• Talking on a cellphone
• Texting
• Fiddling with the radio or other instrument controls
• Personal grooming
• Watching a video or searching the Internet on a cellphone
• Looking at a GPS
• Talking to passengers

Types of Bicycle Crashes Caused by Distracted Driving

There are many ways a distracted driver can cause an accident with a bicyclist. The most common types of collisions include:

• Failure to yield. A driver who is eating and drinking, looking at a text, or is distracted in another way may not notice a traffic light change or that they are approaching a stop sign and fail to yield to a bicycle rider who has the right of way.
• Sideswipe. A distracted motorist may not realize how close they are to a bicycle rider on their right and could hit them from the side.
• Right turn. Another common distracted driving scenario is for a negligent driver to strike a bicyclist to their right when making a right turn directly in the path of the rider.
• Left turn. Similarly, a distracted driver may not see that an oncoming bicyclist has the right of way before making a left turn and striking the bike.
• Rear-end collision. Drivers who are engaged in distracted driving do not have their eyes or mind on the road. This could prevent them from noticing that a bicycle rider ahead of them must slow down or stop before it is too late to avoid rear-ending their bike.

Your Right to Compensation in a Distracted Driving Collision

If you or a loved one were injured in a distracted driving bicycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering. Our compassionate and dedicated car accident lawyers are here to fight for the damages you deserve.

We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis so that you only owe us attorney fees if we win your case. Fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can assist you.