In 2016, across the entirety of the U.S., approximately 840 fatal bicycle accidents took place that impacted many individuals and families. West Virginia bicycle accidents happen every year, especially in the summer months when more bicyclists are out and about. Unfortunately, drivers are not always looking out for the wellbeing of these cyclists who share our roads. Because of this, accidents can take place in the blink of an eye, leaving individuals and their families in a difficult position, especially on financial levels in many cases.
Today, we would like to take a closer look at some of the most common bicycle accidents that take place involving motor vehicles so that we can work on reducing the number of accidents and injuries that take place involving bicyclists.
Many Types of Bicycle Accidents in West Virginia
Right Cross: The right cross accident takes place when a vehicle pulls out of a side street or alleyway to the right of the bicyclist. The accident occurs when the bicyclist is already going in front of the vehicle, causing them to collide with one another in a moment’s notice. Usually, this accident takes place at the last second, making it impossible for the cyclist or the vehicle to stop in time because neither notices the other. The biker tends to have the right-of-way in many of these cases, and the driver of the vehicle will be told that they were not looking. Drivers must always yield to the right-of-way to a cyclist.
Left Cross: The left cross takes place when a vehicle is traveling in the opposite direction and turns left in front of a bicyclist. The vehicle driver will usually cut off the biker, causing the bicyclist to strike the right side of the vehicle. This could cause them to be violently thrown from their bike. The driver is almost always at fault in these cases, as they are failing to yield the right-of-way and failing to obey traffic signals if there are some in that area.
Right Hook: The right hook is known for being one of the most common and deadly accidents involving bicyclists in West Virginia. These accidents take place when a bicyclist is on a cross street and the driver does not see them while making a right turn, which causes them to cut off the cyclist. The cyclist slams into the side of the car. A car is supposed to maintain a safe distance from a bicyclist, so they might be at fault in almost all of these cases.
Open Door: These accidents take place when a vehicle driver is parked in a line of cars and opens their door without seeing the bicyclist, causing the biker to run into the door. In some cases, a bicyclist might have a reflex reaction and even swerve, driving out into traffic.
Rear-End: In some cases, a driver is following a biker too closely or is driving drunk and slams into the back of a bicycle. Because a cyclist has few protections from harm, they might be seriously injured or even killed when they are thrown from their bike in an aggressive manner from a rear-end collision.
How a West Virginia Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Assist You
We understand how difficult it can be to face the aftermath of a bicycle accident, especially one that leaves you with catastrophic brain injuries, organ damage, and more. Our personal injury attorneys in West Virginia will assist you every step of the way, from gathering evidence to working toward a settlement. Please contact us at Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner for the help you deserve at (304) 713-2014.