Bellevue Personal Injury Attorneys

Life can be abruptly disrupted by accidents and injuries. During these difficult moments, personal injury lawyers are indispensable. They advocate for those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they get the compensation they deserve. This article highlights the significant role personal injury lawyers play in helping individuals navigate their claims and rebuild their lives.

Bicycling is a popular activity in America, offering benefits for both health and the environment. However, cyclists are vulnerable to accidents, especially in high-traffic areas or situations where drivers are negligent. This article will explore various aspects of bicycle accidents, including proving liability in right-turn bicycle accidents, road safety tips for new cyclists, and options for compensation after a hit-and-run bicycle accident.

Proving Liability for a Right Turn Bicycle Accident

When a car turning right strikes a bicyclist, it's often referred to as a "right hook" accident. This commonly happens when a cyclist is riding on the right shoulder of the road or in the bike lane alongside a car. In these types of accidents, it's usually the driver's fault, but proving liability requires proper evidence of their negligence.

How Right Turn Bicycle Accidents Occur

Right-turn bicycle accidents typically occur in the following scenarios:
1. Approaching an Intersection: The driver fails to see the bicyclist until it's too late.
2. Overtaking a Slower Car: A cyclist passes a slower-moving car on the right, unintentionally putting themselves in harm's way when the car turns right.
3. Waiting at a Light: Both a bike and a car are waiting at a light, and when the signal changes, the car turns right, cutting off or hitting the cyclist.

Proving Liability

To prove that the driver was primarily at fault for causing the right-turn accident and not the cyclist, several types of evidence are necessary:
- Police Report: Details the accident scene and the events as described by the responding officer, including any citations issued.
- Eyewitness Accounts: These can reveal what the bike and the car were doing prior to the collision.
- Video or Photos: Traffic cameras or surveillance footage from nearby businesses may have captured the incident.

A driver can be proven negligent and thus liable if they were:
- Speeding
- Failing to use a turn signal
- Abruptly changing lanes

Conversely, witnesses may indicate that the bicyclist was acting negligently by:
- Swerving between lanes
- Riding too close to vehicles
- Ignoring traffic control devices

Avoiding Right Turn Bicycle Accidents

To reduce the risk of right-turn accidents, cyclists should:
- Keep a safe distance behind vehicles to anticipate turns or lane changes.
- Avoid passing cars on the right unless necessary, ensuring there is enough empty area to swerve if needed.
- Check mirrors for nearby vehicles when approaching an intersection.

Road Bike Safety Tips for New Cyclists

Over 46 million people ride bicycles annually in America for sport, fitness, fun, and commuting. While bicycling has numerous benefits, it can also be dangerous, particularly for new cyclists. Here are some crucial safety tips:

Safety Tips

1. Learn Local Bicycling Rules: Each city and state has distinct traffic laws for cyclists.
2. Practice in Safe Areas: Gain confidence in maneuvering your bike without cars around.
3. Take a Safety Course: 
4. Ride with Traffic: Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
5. Stay to the Right: If no bike path is available, stay as far to the right as practicable, but do not ride on the sidewalks.
6. Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet for every trip.
7. Stay Visible: Use reflectors and lights at night and wear bright clothing during the day.
8. Avoid Earbuds: Stay alert to the sounds of traffic.
9. Be Aware of Cars: Pay attention to what cars around you are doing and try to make eye contact with drivers.
10. Avoid Blind Spots: Do not ride in drivers’ blind spots.
11. Avoid Speeding: Leave ample time to react to obstacles or sudden changes in traffic.
12. Check Your Bike: Ensure your bike is in good repair before hitting the road.

Options for Compensation after a Hit and Run Bicycle Accident

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are, unfortunately, common. National statistics reveal that over 800 pedal cyclists died in accidents in 2015, and many drivers flee the scene out of fear of reprisal. This makes it exceedingly difficult for bicyclists to recover financial damages.

Finding the Responsible Driver

If you were hurt by a hit-and-run driver, don't lose hope. Sometimes drivers turn themselves in, or law enforcement may use traffic or surveillance camera footage and eyewitness testimonies to identify the driver. Media coverage can also help by encouraging witnesses to come forward with information.

Obtaining Compensation

If the driver is found, you can file a claim with their insurance company. If the driver flees and is not found, your damages may be covered under your auto insurance policy's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This coverage includes accidents when you are a pedestrian or bicyclist, although it is optional in Iowa.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.