The weather is picking up in Utah and summer is just around the corner. Do you know what that means? Bicycles. Bicycles everywhere! This is the time of year that people ride their bikes to work or school instead of drive. However, this is also the time of year where there are more instances of bike accidents. Usually, bicycle accidents happen when another vehicle is inattentive to the road and hits a bicyclist.

There are many common causes of bike accidents but here are five common causesto make you more aware:

The “Left Cross”:

This is one of the more dangerous of the causes. This is when a bicycle is crossing into an intersection. A car is coming from the opposite direction and without paying attention makes a left turn in front of the bicycle. Either the car hits the bike on the left side or the bicycle hits the right side of the vehicle.

The “Right Cross”:

This occurs when a car is coming out a side street, alley or driveway. The bicyclist is already crossing in front of the street opening that the car is emerging. The bicyclist is blindsided and is hit by the car. Both vehicles did not see each other causing a serious crash. There is not a way for a car or bicyclist to avoid this crash other than making the biker more visible.

The “Door Prize”:

This is seen in comedic movies but is actually very dangerous for bicycle riders. A driver of a parked car will not look to see if it is clear to open their door. Without looking, the door is opened. This does not give the bike rider enough time to swerve out of the way or stop. An inevitable crash occurs.

The “Rear End”:

This happens when a bicyclist goes into another lane and the car behind it does not give the bicycle enough room. The car hits the back of the bike and causes injuries to the bicyclist. It also destroys the bicycle.

The “Right Hook”:

This occurs when a car and a bicycle are travelling next to each other. The car needs to turn right speeding up to turn before the bicycle. The driver of the car assumes that they have passed the bicycle with significant room. The driver does not look around to see if the bicycle rider is close. The car turns and the bike does not have time to stop. The bicycle crashes into the car.

Most causes are remedied by being more attentive on the roads. Don't drive distracted. Don't use your phone while you drive specially to text your best friend about dinner plans that night.  Make a conscious effort to look in all mirrors and through all windows when turning. Be aware of the presence of bicyclists. Bicyclists are not as protected as other vehicle operators so their risk of injury or death is greater in an accident.

Here at George Tait Law, we take Salt Lake City bicycle accident cases. We will do everything we can to give you the best services possible. We know that a bicycle accident can change your life so let us help you.

Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm.