Accidents Between Bicycles and Cars at Intersections

Bicycle Accident,Car Accident,Personal Injury - March 28, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

Most big cities in the United States have bicycle lanes that separate vehicles from bikes, but it is inevitable that at some point during the ride, a cyclist will share the road with a car. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that slightly more than 10 percent of serious bicycle accidents involve vehicles, and they usually result in the most serious injuries to the cyclists.

While there are certain safety measures cyclists can take to reduce the potential for serious injuries, a crash with a vehicle will likely lead to expensive medical treatment. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we know that dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, stressful, and costly, but we may be able to help alleviate some of the complications.
If you were the victim of a bicycle collision with a vehicle, call us today at (800)-985-1819 to set up a free consultation with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer.
Even cyclists who exercise extreme caution at intersections are susceptible to crashes. Here are two factors to help determine who is at fault in accidents at intersections:

Traffic Signals

If there are traffic signals at intersections, they will typically control the traffic flow and right of way between cars, cyclists and pedestrians. According to NPR, there is research that suggests cyclists cause a significant percentage of accidents with cars, and this may be due to the cyclists ignoring traffic signals or simply being unaware of the cars around them.
If you approach an intersection with traffic signals while on your bicycle, follow them carefully. Most traffic lights have sensors to detect bicycles, but if they do not work, ensure that you are correctly situated in line with the sensors, or cross at a demarcated crosswalk.

No Traffic Signals

Some intersections do not have traffic signals, and this generally means the vehicle that arrives at the intersection first has the right of way, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Always give way to your right if you arrive at the same time as a vehicle.
According to the NHTSA, the first vehicle to stop is the first to go, and the vehicle on the farthest right, or straight traffic, must go first. A further critical safety rule that the NHTSA recommends all cyclists to follow is “when in doubt, bail out.”
If you are a cyclist, there is always the possibility that you will encounter a dangerous situation with a motor vehicle. If you crash with a car, a Chicago bicycle collision attorney can help you evaluate your case and determine if you may be eligible for damages. Call Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates today at (800)-985-1819 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.