Bicycle Dangers From Fixed Hazards: Are You A Victim Of ...

Fixed Objects Especially Hazardous For Bicyclists

Bicycle accidents can be the most dangerous types of Missouri and Kansas vehicular accidents. A bicyclist is anywhere from three to ten times more likely to be injured or to die than a motorist as a result of a collision according to the bicycle crash statistics. Although every Missouri and Kansas driver must use caution, a bicyclist who is not nestled within the confines of an automobile must be extra wary of objects along the route in order to avoid becoming another statistic.

For years storm sewers had slots just wide enough for a bike tire to fall into and a rider could be catapulted onto the asphalt or concrete and seriously injured. Presently, city engineers design drain covers to be more bicycle friendly, but the rider should still needs to be hyper vigilant to drains, potholes and road construction.

Crosswalks, although convenient for the pedestrian, can be hazardous to bicycles and motorcycles. During or after the rain, the paint used to mark crosswalks can be moderately to extremely slippery depending on the speed during cornering. A rider can lose traction and “lay-down” the bike, resulting in severe injury. Bicyclists and motorcyclists must always use exercise caution when riding in the rain.

Doors opening from parked cars are a significant problem for bicyclists. A bicyclist must give parked cars a wide berth if possible.

Children or pets can surprise you if one darts out from between parked cars or even from a sidewalk while on an owner’s extendable leash (this one is from personal experience).

Light poles, guy wires and trees also present important potential hazards. Trees and poles are massive and unyielding causing head and cervical trauma as well as broken limbs.

Mail boxes are not usually a life or death situation, but a rider can be boxed-in fairly easily and its always possible that impact with a mailbox can cause a bicycle crash that can result in the rider being thrown into the roadway where obvious greater danger exists including collision with a motor vehicle.

Pedestrians are yet another danger, and the bicyclist has a responsibility to watch out for the safety of pedestrians on a street or sidewalk. People walking may have the right of way, particularly in a crosswalk or other designated areas, and to hit a person could even result in claims against the rider adding insult to injury.

You should always try to cross train tracks at a 90-degree angle to the rails to prevent being thrown off balance. If that is not possible, walk the bike or take another route. It is unwise to cross while the red lights are flashing or sneak around the barriers because a train collision with a bicyclist and almost any other vehicle often means a loss of life.

Obeying the law and using common sense can prevent many bicycle accidents. Others are simply unavoidable, particularly those that are due to the negligence of another. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a bicycle collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you are sure to have some immediate and important questions. There are answers to some of your most important questions right here on our website. For more information, you should also download our FREE book, “10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim, How You Can Escape The Personal Injury Trap, The Ultimate Guide To Accident Cases in Missouri and Kansas,” right here on our website.

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we have been representing victims of collisions including bicyclists for more than 15 years. We are dedicated to thoroughly representing the victims of such injuries every step of the way. Contact the experienced lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at (816) 471-5111 for a FREE consultation with no obligation.

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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys*
11900 College Boulevard, Suite 300
Overland Park, KS 66210
*By Appointment Only: Heather A. Lottmann & Victor B. Finkelstein

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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
Get Directions

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