Bicycle Accidents

Drivers often fail to see cyclists. As a result, cyclists are often side-swiped, struck while making a turn, or hit head on. Cyclists experience significant injuries as they have no protection when hit by a motor vehicle. They may suffer serious injuries including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and death.

We have represented numerous cyclists. John Mickelson himself regularly commutes to work on his bicycle, and is acutely aware of the risks and dangers of riding a bicycle in the city.

There are particular precautions that drivers of motor vehicles must take in regard to bicyclists.

• A driver of a motor vehicle has a duty to anticipate the possibility of a risk or danger to a bicyclist.
• As with pedestrians, this duty is not triggered by the presence of a bicyclist but exists at all times.
• A driver must reduce his speed in the presence of a bicyclist if there is a danger in failing to do so.
• A driver of a parked vehicle must pay particular attention to bicyclists when opening the driver’s side door.

A person operating a bicycle has the same rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle. Some points that cyclists may not be aware of are the following:

• A cyclist must wear a helmet – it’s the law.
• A cyclist must not ride on a sidewalk or crosswalk unless authorized to do so.
• A cyclist must ride as near as practicable to the right side of the highway.
• A cyclist must not ride abreast of another person operating a bicycle.
• A cyclist must keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
• A cyclist must not ride other than astride a regular seat of the bicycle.
• A cyclist must not use the cycle to carry more persons at one time than the number for which the bicycle is designed.
• A cyclist must not ride on a highway where signs prohibit their use.

If you have been injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident, please contact John Mickelson Law Corporation for a free consultation.