A 57-year-old Durham woman was killed when a vehicle leaving a parking lot collided with her bicycle. The investigation of the accident is still in progress.
This type of accident is unfortunately common, and the outcome is usually predictable. Because motor vehicles are so much larger than bicycles, and because bicyclists are basically unprotected, collisions between the two are likely to result in severe injury to the bicyclist, and occasionally death. Although it’s impossible to prevent another person’s negligence, it is possible for cyclists to protect themselves by taking precautions to avoid accidents.
- Follow the rules of the road. Traffic laws are in place for everyone to abide by. Observing standard traffic rules makes you a predictable rider, which means drivers are less likely to hit you. It can also protect you from liability in the event of an accident.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Your surroundings can be everything from the road itself to the layout of the streets and the presence and movement of vehicles and pedestrians around you. Being well aware of what’s going on around you will make it easier to react quickly to dangerous situations or obstacles.
- Exercise extra caution in intersections. Most accidents occur in intersections, and although there isn’t a special trick for staying safe in an intersection, using extra caution on top of what’s normal will reduce your chances of being involved in a collision. In other words, the rules of the road and your awareness of your surroundings should be of heightened importance.
- Avoid unnecessary risk. Again, this can be a big category. Recognizing that factors like darkness, visibility and impairment can all lead to accidents, it’s good to avoid riding in conditions that are especially dangerous. Make sure your bike is equipped with lights, wear reflective clothing, and avoid riding at night if possible.
If you have been injured in a car-on-bicycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation if the driver’s negligence was a primary factor in the collision. Contact the experienced North Carolina personal injury attorneys at the Lanier Law Group for information and support.