NHTSA's top five causes of bicycle-traffic accidents - who's at fault?

In Southern California, we like our bikes.  Bicycles are used for commuting, for recreation and for just getting around. And, in California, traffic laws give bike riders and motorists the same rights and responsibilities. However, cars far outweigh bikes, and if an accident should occur, the bicyclist is most likely to sustain serious injury.

According to the National Highway Traffic safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of fatal bicycle-vehicle accidents can be attributed to just five causes.

1.    Driver distraction.
2.    A vehicle traveling in the opposite direction from the bicyclist makes a left turn into the path of the bicycle.
3.    A driver passes from behind the bicycle, slows down, and then makes a right turn.
4.    The bicyclist tries to cross an intersection before a vehicle that has the right of way.
5.    Vehicles exiting from driveways or alleys

In many cases, the driver simply does not see the bicyclist.  There are things a bicyclist can do to increase his visibility, and to lower his risk of death or injury from traffic accidents.  Click for a list of bicycle safety tips.

If you are injured by a negligent driver, you deserve compensation for your injuries, for the pain you’ve suffered, and for the damage to your bicycle.  At the law firm of Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie, we truly understand the needs of bike accident victims.  Contact our bicycle accident attorneys today at 866-981-5596 for a free evaluation of your injury case.