Irvine Bike Accident Dynamics

There are a number of different ways a bike accident in Irvine may occur. One common way is where a bicyclist is on the right side of the roadway and a car does not see them, causing a collision. Additionally, the operator of a motor vehicle could cause a bike accident if they veered into the bike lane, especially at an intersection  involving either a red light or a stop sign.

In addition to these types of accidents, there are a number of other ways an accident may occur including when a car doesn’t give right of way to a bicyclist as is required by law, or when the operator of a motor vehicle makes a right hand turn without checking. Irvine bike accident dynamics can sometimes complicate a legal claim.

Difference Between Bike Accidents and Car Accidents

The main difference between bike accidents and accidents involving motor vehicles is that a bicyclist is fully exposed and not protected by any of the safety features of a car. Whether they are hit by another vehicle, a truck, or another bicycle operator, a bicyclist does not have the seatbelts, airbags or safety constraints available within a vehicle. Therefore, these factors will contribute to the bicyclist being injured more seriously if they are hit by a motor vehicle.

These injuries can include head injuries, concussions, and serious orthopedic injuries because they are fully exposed when they are operating a bicycle.

Why Do Bike Accidents Occur More Frequently Than Pedestrian Accidents?

Bicycles ride with the flow of traffic. The bicycle operator is supposed to be on the right side of the roadway and may not see the vehicles coming from behind them. Some bicycles have a mirror on the left which is a good safety feature, but not all bicycles have such a mirror as it is not an absolute legal requirement. Without a mirror, a bicycle operator cannot see the vehicles coming from behind them.

Also, the fact that the bicyclist is fully exposed is a dynamic that contributes to the occurrence of bicycle accidents and serious injuries. The bicycle has to follow the flow of traffic on the right side of the roadway. This leaves them exposed to being hit by a car if the motor vehicle operator is not careful and does not observe the bicyclist.

How Physical Conditions May Contribute to Accidents

If the bicyclist is operating in rainy or inclement weather and the pavement is wet or slick, they are unable to stop as quickly as if the road was dry. The same thing goes for vehicles. If a motor vehicle operator sees the bicyclist and needs to stop suddenly, a roadway slick or wet from rain will require more distance for the motor vehicle operator to stop their vehicle. This can clearly play a role in causing bicycle accidents.

Another example is if the bicycle does not have proper front and rear brakes. If it only has front brakes – which is inappropriate – and the bicycle operator hits the front brakes to try to avoid the collision, it can actually cause the bicycle to flip over. In a situation like this, if the bicyclist does not have rear brakes that will be a comparative fault scenario.

Finally, in terms of bicycle riding in the dark, the bicyclist is more at risk because it is harder to see the bicycle operator. Therefore a bicycle rider should always wear reflective clothing and have a light on the bicycle so it is much easier for them to be seen.

Discuss the Dynamics of Irvine Bike Accidents with an Attorney

Call for a free consultation if you are thinking of filing a lawsuit against someone for their negligence. The dynamics of bike accidents in Irvine require skilled counsel from a lawyer.