Types of Bicycle Accidents In Utah
Utah is a bicycle-friendly state with a vast network of bike trails and lanes that are both scenic and useful. Unfortunately, cyclists sometimes have to share the roadways with vehicles weighing 4,000 pounds or more. They may also face safety hazards from inadequately maintained roads, trails, and bicycle lanes.
Call a Salt Lake City bicycle accident lawyer from Handy & Handy Attorneys At Law at (385) 404-6398 to schedule a free consultation today.
What Types of Utah Bicycle Accidents Are Caused by the Cyclist?
According to data from the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were over 2,700 bicycle accident injuries and 15 deaths in a single recent year. Understanding the common types of Utah bicycle accidents helps cyclists minimize their risks when they take to the road. The most common types of bicycle accidents in Utah are tip-over crashes due to cyclist error, collisions with obstacles, car vs. bicycle collisions, and crashes caused by hazardous roadway conditions.
Cyclists in Utah must follow traffic laws and remain vigilant of their surroundings to avoid accidents. Unfortunately, a bike rider cannot control the actions of drivers who share the road. The most common types of bicycle accidents caused by rider error include the following:
- Cyclist loss of control accidents, including tip-overs and collisions with obstacles
- Accidents caused by a cyclist who enters a street into the path of traffic
- Cyclist wrong-way riding accidents (riding against traffic)
- Cyclists wearing dark, non-reflective clothing at night
- Accidents from poor bicycle maintenance
- Accidents caused by bicycles of an improper size for the rider
In the above types of bicycle accidents in Utah, the cyclist is the responsible party, leaving them at fault for the accident and their damages, as well as any damages to a vehicle and motorist; however, many bicycle accidents are caused by negligent or reckless drivers.
What Types of Utah Bicycle Accidents Are Caused by Negligent Drivers?
Although cyclists may suffer injuries from a fall caused by loss of control or failed bicycle parts, the most common cause of serious bicycle accidents is careless drivers who cause a collision with a cyclist by doing the following:
- Driving too close to a bicycle
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to a cyclist
- Causing left-turn accidents by focusing on traffic from the right when turning left and colliding with a bicycle approaching from the left
- Causing a right-hooking accident by passing a cyclist and then making a right turn into the path of the cyclist on the car’s right
- Opening the car door in the path of a bicycle
- Colliding with the rear of a bicycle while overtaking it to pass
Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and drowsy driving increase the chances of a car vs. bicycle collision. Being the same relative size as a bicycle, motorcycles are also prone to all of these types of accidents. A motorcycle accident attorney in Salt Lake City will be able to get you the compensation you deserve, especially if your injuries were serious.
Utah Bicycle Accidents Caused by Hazardous Conditions
Sometimes a bicycle accident occurs through no fault of the cyclist or a motorist, but instead, results from negligent road, bike lane, or bicycle trail maintenance. Hazardous conditions that cause bicycle accidents include:
- Potholes
- Cracked pavement
- Loose debris such as sand or mown grass clippings
- Sandy road shoulders
- Lack of guardrails
- Inadequate street lighting
- Obstructed signs
- Foliage overgrowth
- Confusing intersection designs
When a bicycle accident occurs due to negligence on the part of a city or county entity, such as a road maintenance or planning agency, the injury victim may file a claim against the responsible government entity to recover damages.
How Can a Utah Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help?
After a bicycle accident with injuries occurs, the injury victim may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault party if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Most claims are made against an at-fault driver’s insurance or through a lawsuit against a government agency. Bicycle accident claims require experienced handling for the most favorable outcome.
Call Handy & Handy Attorneys at Law at (385) 404-6398 or contact us online to speak to a bicycle accident lawyer who can help you or your loved one recover compensation through financial accountability from the party at fault.