Bikes and cars frequently meet at intersections and it is a common place for accidents to occur. The most common type of intersection collision happens when the cyclist is required to stop at a stop sign and the motorist does not have a stop sign. What frequently happens is that after stopping, the cyclist then rides out into the intersection in front of the car, when in fact the car has the right-of-way. In this situation the cyclist is as fault. Oftentimes, this type of accident occurs with cyclists under 15 years of age.
The second most common cause of an intersection bike accident occurs when the cyclist has the right of way, but no stop sign and a car is approaching from a street that dos have a stop sign. What often happens is that the car will stop at the sign then drive out into the intersection in front of the cyclist, who actually has the right-of-way. In this situation the driver is at fault, unless the cyclist is riding against traffic, if this is the case, both the cyclist and the driver may be at fault.
How to Avoid Bicycle vs Car Collisions
The best way to avoid these kinds of accidents it to:
• Always maintain maximum visibility
• Understand the rules of the road
• Be able to recognize hazards
• When approaching an intersection, keep a look out for other vehicles
• As you approach an intersection, keep your lane position to the left, this way you will be clearly visible to drivers
• At an intersection, be careful not to underestimate the speed of an approaching car
• Take safety precautions whenever necessary
• Always avoid liability by following the rules
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle collision with a car in Colorado and you understand the driver to be at fault, you will need to talk to a lawyer who has extensive experience in handling this type of personal injury case. Fortunately, The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. You may be able to claim damages for personal injury, medical treatment, and loss of income. You do not have to know how to conduct an accident investigation to support your claim. That’s what we are here for. Call us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss your case. We can be reached at (719) 475-2555.