Many Bangor residents ride bicycles as their primary form of transportation. In addition to helping people get around, bike riding is also great for your physical and mental health, and can help you save money on travel expenses.
Unfortunately, despite having the same rights to the roads as motorists, bicyclists constantly sustain severe injuries because of negligent drivers. If a careless motorist caused your harm in an avoidable accident, a dedicated Bangor bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue legal action. Reach out to a dedicated attorney today to start working on your claim.
Common Causes of Vehicle and Bicycle Collisions
Because the facts of each collision are unique, a vehicle and bicycle crash might have occurred for several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the most common reason for vehicle accidents among bicycle riders. When motorists fail to keep their eyes on the road because of distractions, they put other drivers and cyclists at risk of severe accidents and injuries.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
When motorists drive recklessly or fail to follow speed limits, it prolongs the time a vehicle may require to stop. Additionally, drivers traveling at high speeds are more likely to lose control of their vehicles. When a careless driver is speeding or driving irresponsibly, the court could hold them accountable for any damages they cause to others.
Driving Under the Influence of Substances
When careless individuals get behind the wheel and drive under the influence, they put everyone on the roads and highways at risk of severe accidents and injuries. A motorist who causes crashes because they are intoxicated faces several harsh criminal penalties and civil liability.
Failure to Leave Adequate Space Between the Bicycle and Vehicle
Motor vehicle drivers who follow too closely behind bicycle riders, or pass them without allowing for adequate space, put cyclists at great risk of harm. Traffic safety laws require that motorists always leave at least three feet of space between themselves and a cyclist.
A Bicycle accident lawyer in Bangor can investigate and review the facts of a collision to help prove liability in a civil action.
Turning at Intersections When Bicyclists are Present
State law gives bicyclists, for the most part, the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists on the roadways. Because of this, it is important that bicyclists also follow all relevant safety laws and regulations while on the road.
Under the Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A § 2060, a motorist making a right turn when cyclists are moving in the same direction must ensure the reasonable safety of the bike rider before making the turn. Motorists must follow a wide range of traffic laws when bicycle riders are present. When careless drivers fail to adhere to traffic safety laws and regulations, civil laws could hold them financially accountable for damages. A Bangor bicycle crash attorney can help an injured party determine if a motorist’s negligence is to blame for their avoidable accident.
Schedule a Meeting with a Bangor Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicycle and vehicle collisions have the potential to cause severe injuries, property damages, and financial losses. If you were riding your bike and a negligent motorist caused your crash, you could hold them legally responsible for your suffering.
If you need help pursuing compensation for your injuries, a seasoned Bangor bicycle accident lawyer is here to help. Contact the skilled legal professionals at Gideon Asen LLC today to get started.
