Bicycling throughout the Orlando area should be safe. Yet, despite the city and state having implemented a number of safety initiatives to keep bicyclists safe, these individuals are injured and killed in wrecks far too often.
In fact, more than 1,100 people were killed in bicycle accidents in 2022 alone, with thousands of others being seriously injured in these crashes. If you want to protect yourself from these wrecks, then it’s important to know when they’re most likely to occur and what you can do to avoid them.
When do bicycle accidents occur?
Bicycle accidents are common year-round in Florida given the consistently warm weather that we experience. However, a lot of bicycle accidents align with common commute times. The hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. tend to see an elevated level of accidents involving bicycles. On the weekends, from 9:00 a.m. to noon can be an especially dangerous time for bicyclists.
Yet, nighttime can also be a risky time to ride a bicycle since bikes are more difficult to see, especially if they don’t have appropriate lights and reflectors. In these circumstances, it’s easy for a car to miss a bike and turn into it or fail to stop for one that’s in front of it.
Where do bicycle accidents occur?
The vast majority of bike wrecks occur in urban areas like Orlando, which makes sense given the high traffic volume and complex traffic patterns that riddle cities. Intersections can be especially treacherous for bicyclists.
But even riding in a bike lane can be dangerous, and so, too, can riding in rural settings. So, while riding away from high traffic areas can help keep you safe, there really isn’t anything you can do to completely insulate yourself from the risk of being involved in an accident.
Why do bicycle accidents occur?
There are several reasons why bicycle accidents occur. This includes:
- Driver distraction, which prohibits them from recognizing a nearby bicyclist.
- Driver unawareness, such as when a motorist fails to regularly check their mirrors to see when a bicyclist is nearby.
- Intoxication, which can result in a driver losing their focus on the road and failing to maintain their lane.
- Speeding so much that it’s impossible to slow for a bicyclist who may be crossing the road or who may have the right of way when making a turn.
- Turning without looking to see if there’s a bicyclist nearby who could be struck.
- Driving aggressively to try to prevent a bicyclist from maintaining their area on the road or trying to force them off the road.
- Backing out of a driveway or garage, or pulling out of a parking space, without looking to see if a bicyclist is passing by.
- Opening a car door before looking to see if there’s an oncoming bicyclist who could potentially collide with it.
What should you do if you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident?
Unfortunately, there’s only so much you can do to protect yourself from a bicycle accident. And if you end up hurt in one of these wrecks, then you’re bound to suffer extensive injuries and incur a significant amount of pain and suffering as well as financial loss.
That’s why you should consider taking legal action. If you can present strong evidence to support a personal injury claim, then you might be able to not only obtain accountability, but also secure the compensation that you need to offset your losses.
So, if you’d like to learn more about how to go about building your claim, please continue to read our website and discuss the matter with your attorney.