Windsor Heights Personal Injury Attorneys

When accidents and injuries disrupt lives, personal injury lawyers become crucial allies. They specialize in advocating for those harmed by negligence, ensuring they secure the compensation they deserve. This article discusses the important role personal injury lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and aiding in recovery.

How Right Turn Bicycle Accidents Occur

Right turn bicycle accidents, commonly known as "right hook" accidents, often occur when a car turning right strikes a bicyclist riding on the right shoulder or in a bike lane. These accidents are typically the driver's fault, but proving liability requires substantial evidence of negligence. The most common scenarios for right turn bicycle accidents include:

1. Intersection Turn: A driver fails to notice a bicyclist while turning right at an intersection, striking the cyclist.
2. Overtaking Maneuver: A bicyclist overtakes a slower-moving car on the right, getting hit when the car turns right.
3. Traffic Light Scenario: Both the car and the bike wait at a light, and when the light changes, the car turns right, cutting off or hitting the cyclist.

Liability for a Right Turn Bicycle Accident

To prove that the driver was at fault, several types of evidence are necessary:

- Police Report: Details the accident scene and includes notes on any citations issued.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Provide valuable insights into the actions of both the car and the bicycle before the collision.
- Driver Negligence: Evidence that the driver was speeding, failed to use a turn signal, or abruptly changed lanes.
- Cyclist Behavior: Conversely, evidence of the cyclist swerving between lanes, riding too close to vehicles, or ignoring traffic signals can be used by the driver as a defense.

Additionally, traffic cameras and nearby business surveillance footage can capture the incident, providing crucial visual evidence.

Avoiding Right Turn Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists can take measures to reduce the risk of right turn accidents:

- Maintain a Safe Distance: Stay behind vehicles to anticipate turns or lane changes.
- Avoid Right-Side Overtaking: Only pass on the right when absolutely necessary, ensuring there is enough space to evade a right-turning car.
- Use Mirrors: Regularly check mirrors for nearby vehicles, especially when approaching intersections.

Iowa Bicycle Laws: Cars and Cyclists Must Abide!

Understanding Iowa's bicycle laws is crucial for both cyclists and drivers to ensure safety on the roads. Key laws include:

- Pass on the Left: Bicyclists must pass motor vehicles on the left and return to the right lane after safely passing.
- Ride With Traffic: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic to avoid head-on collisions.
- Use Lights in the Dark: Cyclists must use front and rear lights visible for at least 300 feet during low light conditions.
- Stop for School Buses: Cyclists, like other vehicles, must stop for school buses displaying stop signs or flashing lights.
- Hand and Arm Signals: Cyclists must use the proper hand signals for turning or stopping to communicate their intentions to motorists.
- Report Traffic Crashes: Cyclists must report accidents and exchange information with other parties involved.
- Stay in Designated Areas: Cyclists should avoid highways and interstates not designated for bicycle use.

How Much Space Must Drivers Give Cyclists?

Iowa law requires vehicles to pass bicyclists at a "safe distance," though it doesn't specify an exact measurement. A commonly accepted standard is three feet. Drivers violating this law by passing too closely can cause severe accidents, making them liable for damages.

Proving Driver Negligence

To hold a driver accountable for an accident caused by unsafe passing, the following evidence can be crucial:

- Witness Testimony
- Video Footage
- Police Reports
- Physical Evidence

Proving negligence allows cyclists to recover both economic and noneconomic damages.

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.