Distracted drivers are responsible for a truly astonishing number of bicycle accidents each year. Cyclists are far more vulnerable than drivers are in their enclosed vehicles. When a motorist takes their eyes off the road, even for a moment, the results can include serious injury—or worse—for someone on a bike.
When injuries occur, victims often face a long road to recovery—both physically and financially. As a result, it is often wise for injured cyclists to work with a skilled legal team to hold those responsible for their harm accountable for their negligence. Of course, however, it would be ideal if motorists simply started paying better attention and harming fewer cyclists as a result.
The consequences are very real
One of the most common forms of distraction is phone use. Drivers glance at texts, navigate GPS apps, scroll through music and take calls. These distractions take their eyes, hands and minds away from the task of driving. When bicycles are nearby—often smaller and harder to see than cars—distracted driving becomes even more dangerous than it is normally.
The increase in gig economy drivers has only amplified this problem. Rideshare drivers, food delivery couriers and package delivery drivers for companies like Amazon, UPS and FedEx often rely on smartphones to guide them from one unfamiliar destination to the next. They may be looking at directions, updating an app or managing multiple orders—all while driving in areas they do not know well. This divided attention puts cyclists at a higher risk, often especially in urban neighborhoods and residential areas where bike traffic is common.
Many bike accidents caused by distracted drivers happen at intersections, during turns or when a driver fails to check blind spots. A cyclist may be clearly in the bike lane or crossing with the right of way, but if a distracted driver is preoccupied with a screen or task, they may not notice a person on their bike.
In the state of California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. This means that even if a cyclist initially seems fine but then their injuries “are only now” manifesting long-term complications after a delay, they may still have legal options.
If you’ve recently been hit by a vehicle, do not assume that your injuries are too minor or too old to matter. An attorney can help investigate the cause of the crash, evaluate liability and work to pursue the compensation you deserve.