Cyclists face many risks on the road, and most of them come from drivers around them. If someone in a vehicle makes a mistake and strikes a cyclist, the cyclist could suffer serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and more.
One of the reasons for these accidents is driver distraction. A distracted driver may be using their peripheral vision to generally keep an eye on traffic, but they are not carefully watching the road around them. They may easily overlook someone on a bicycle, even if the cyclist is in the bike lane. This can lead to an accident when drivers merge into the bike lane or make improper turns or other maneuvers. Even a small driving mistake could lead to a serious accident that injures a cyclist.
What do driving distractions look like?
One of the main driving distractions is texting and driving, which is illegal under California law. Drivers are not allowed to hold a phone in their hand while operating their vehicle. However, it still happens.
That said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that it is not just texting that causes distraction, but anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. This could include issues such as using GPS, changing the radio station, taking a picture or video with a cellphone, doing personal grooming, eating a meal, or even drinking a cup of coffee during a morning commute.
Seeking financial compensation
When cyclists suffer injuries in car accidents, they may deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. It is crucial that they understand the options they have at this time. Having experienced legal guidance can help.
