Nearly 1,000 bicyclists die from biking accidents every single year in the United States. This is a shocking statistic that can be quite scary if you are a bicyclist.
It can also be a scary statistic as a motorist as well because it shows how careful you have to be.
If you are a bicyclist and get into an accident, you may want to consider hiring a bicycle accident lawyer to help with your claim. They know what they are doing when it comes to filing a personal injury claim, so it is important to have them by your side throughout the process.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of bicycle accidents in Alabama.
1. Red-Light Bicycle Accidents
A common type of bicycle accident in Alabama is a red-light bicycle accident. This happens when a motorist (whether a truck, car, or motorcycle) runs a red light and hits someone on a bicycle.
Or, this could happen the other way around and a bicyclist could run a red light and then be hit by a motorist.
This type of accident can lead to severe injuries as the motorist will likely be moving quickly.
If this happens, you should speak with a bicycle accident lawyer for legal advice on how to proceed.
2. Pedestrian Collisions
Pedestrian collisions often occur when a pedestrian is not paying attention.
For instance, a pedestrian could step out into a bike lane without looking both ways. A bicyclist may not have time to stop so they may strike the pedestrian. When this happens, there can be severe injuries.
If there are any injuries from the collision, it’s important to contact a Birmingham bicycle lawyer.
3. Wrong Way Bicycle Accidents
This type of accident happens when a bicyclist or a motorist is traveling in the wrong direction on a road.
Bicycles are considered vehicles, and must ride in the direction of traffic. So, a wrong way bicycle accident will typically be a head-on collision.
Head-on collisions are among the most serious of vehicle accidents, and can result in significant injuries.
4. Hook Collisions
Hook collisions can happen either way – right or left.
This happens when a motorist makes a turn in front of a cyclist, without leaving enough room for the bicycle to stop. This often results in the cyclist colliding with the side of the vehicle, or being thrown over the front of the vehicle.
This typically happens in turning lanes, across crosswalks, as well as bike lanes.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents are extremely common, and they can be really dangerous. Many times after a bicycle accident, there are injuries involved.
If that is the case, and you were injured in a bicycle accident, consider reaching out to a bicycle accident lawyer for the help that you need to fight for your case.
Call us at Collins Law in Alabama to see if we can help with your personal injury claim.