Blind Spot Bicycle Accidents

Some of the most difficult accidents to avoid while riding your bicycle are blind spot accidents. It’s practically impossible for bicyclists to avoid vehicle blind spots 100% of the time, and at intersections and while changing lanes, motorists often fail to see bicyclists in their blind spots. This is especially so with new drivers, those with eyesight problems, and those who are simply not paying attention like they should. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving is one of the leading factors causing vehicle-bicycle collisions every year. If you were injured in this type of accident in or near Atlanta, contact the bicycle accident attorneys at KWF for help.

The formal definition of “blind spot” is the area around a vehicle which cannot be seen, directly or indirectly, by the driver. A direct view exists if the driver can see a given area through one of the vehicle’s windows; an indirect view is what the driver can see via mirrors or cameras. For the remaining area, which may be blocked by the vehicle’s frame, seat rests, or other cargo or passengers, the driver needs to turn and check for obstacles before turning or changing lanes. Thus, some causes of blind spot bicycle accidents include:

• Drivers failing to check their blind spots before turning or changing lanes
• Drivers failing to properly adjust their rearview and side mirrors
• Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, and talking on the phone or to passengers while driving
• Speeding and aggressive driving

In the situation where a driver wants to turn right, and a bicyclist on the same road wants to go straight, the bicyclist generally has the right of way. Unfortunately, although drivers generally are aware bicyclists have the right of way, they see the bicycle too late or not at all. Crashes involving vehicles turning right and bicyclists going straight ahead are common and generally have very serious consequences for the bicyclist.

To avoid blind spot accidents, do not stop to the right of a car or truck that’s already waiting at a red light or stop sign. More than likely, the driver will not see you. Rather, simply stop behind cars or trucks waiting to turn right. This makes you very visible to traffic on all sides. It’s impossible for the car behind you to avoid seeing you when you’re right in front of it.

If you must stay to the right of traffic, then stop behind the first car waiting to turn right, so it can’t turn into you, and far enough ahead of the second car, so that the second driver can see you clearly. When the light turns green, do not pass the car in front of you. Stay behind the car in front of you (it could turn right at any time) and ahead of the car behind you until you are through the intersection.

Bottom line—do not trust your safety or your life in the hopes a driver will check his or her blind spots before turning.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a blind spot bicycle accident, do not hesitate to call Katz Personal Injury Lawyers. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, and help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. For your free consultation, call our legal team at 404-460-0101 or 888-426-2100.