One common cause of bicycle accidents is distracted driving. Victims riding a bike can suffer life-altering injuries in these tragic, preventable crashes. Fortunately, bicyclists are entitled to compensation for their injuries if they can prove that a motorist’s distracted driving practices caused their collision.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving practices are activities that take a motorist’s focus off their driving. There are three types of distractions:
- Visual. These distractions cause a driver to take their eyes off the road—even more dangerous when a much less visible bicyclist is nearby.
- Manual. Manual distractions result in a motorist taking their hands off the steering wheel.
- Cognitive. Cognitive distractions are activities that take a driver’s mind off their driving.
There are many ways that drivers can become inattentive to their driving. Common distracted driving practices include:
- Talking on a cellphone
- Texting
- Eating and drinking
- Reading directions on a GPS
- Searching for something in a vehicle
- Talking to passengers
- Engaging in personal grooming
- Daydreaming
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving
There are many scenarios where a bicycle rider can be hurt in a distracted driving accident. Here are some of the leading types of accidents distracted drivers cause:
- Failing to yield the right of way at an intersection
- Opening a door in the path of a bicycle rider
- Sideswiping a bicycle
- Turning right when a cyclist has the right of way
Turning left into the path of a bicycle - Not maintaining a safe distance behind a bicycle and causing a rear-end collision
How to Protect Your Right to Compensation for Your Injuries
If you were hurt in a distracted driving bicycle accident, you will need proof, such as witness statements and cellphone records, to show that this was the cause of your crash. You need the help of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to identify and collect the evidence required to prove the other driver’s negligence, the seriousness of your injuries, and the amount of compensation you deserve from the negligent driver’s insurance company.
Were you hurt in a bicycle accident in Southern California? Call my San Diego office or fill out my convenient online form to schedule your free consultation today.
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