A sideswipe accident can cause significant damage in any scenario, but can be especially problematic when it happens to you while you’re riding your bicycle. With so many drivers out there on Los Angeles roads, the probability that a sideswipe accident with a vehicle while you’re on your bicycle is higher than you might think.
When you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident in Los Angeles, it is a stark violation of the laws in place designed to protect bicyclists against drivers in much larger and faster vehicles. So, the question then is, what can you do if you’ve been involved in one of these accidents?
Contact Maison Law Today For a Free Consultation
One of the first steps you can take to get the support you need for your injuries is to contact our team of experienced Los Angeles sideswipe bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law. We have a wealth of resources at our disposal to pursue a claim on your behalf and offer free initial consultations for any victim of these unfortunate accidents.
To get started, contact us today.
How Common Are Sideswipe Accidents in Los Angeles?
Sideswipe accidents, which involve a driver scraping or contacting the side of another vehicle or bicyclist, are among the most common types of accidents in Los Angeles. While they can occur anywhere on the road, they most commonly occur on freeways, crowded two lane streets, and intersections. Data from California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) found that there were over 29,000 car accidents in Los Angeles that resulted in injuries in 2019, with 1,802 of these accidents involving bicycles.
As one of the more common types of car accidents, a fair number of these accidents could reasonably be assumed to be sideswipes. A sideswipe accident, which is dangerous in any circumstance, is especially dangerous when a bicycle is involved. This is due to the lack of protection a person on a bicycle has when up against a moving, heavy vehicle like a car. In these accidents, it’s no wonder that injuries are likely to result.
What is California’s “3 Feet” Law?
In order to combat the dangers of sideswipes and other accidents involving cars and bicycles, California passed a law in 2014 that governs how cars can safely pass bicyclists on the road in California. Known as the “3 feet” law, it asserts that:
- A driver that is passing a bicyclist must give at least 3 feet of clearance between any part of the vehicle and any part of the bicycle or the person riding it.
- When there isn’t 3 feet of clearance available due to road conditions or traffic, the driver must slow down and pass only when it’s safe to do so.
The law is enforced the same way speed limits are, and applies in instances where a driver is:
- Passing a bicycle from behind
- In the same lane and the same direction of travel.
- Passing a bicycle traveling in an adjacent bicycle lane.
Even with laws in place to protect bicyclists, sideswipe accidents still happen. Understanding the causes of sideswipe accidents may help you avoid situations where you could fall victim to them.
How Do Sideswipe Accidents Happen in Los Angeles?
Sideswipe accidents, like most other car accidents, frequently occur because the driver of the car was being negligent. Whether this involves them being distracted, failing to check their blind spot, or driving under the influence, sideswipe accidents can happen and are especially common with people on a bicycle.
This is largely due to the fact that bicyclists are difficult to see and often ride right in a driver’s blind spot. Still, here are some of the more common causes of sideswipe accidents:
- Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes.
- Drifting into other lanes while distracted by a phone, radio, or passengers.
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Weaving in and out of lanes.
- Reckless driving.
- Failing to signal a lane change.
- Merging without checking the other lane carefully.
- Hydroplaning on wet roads.
Because these accidents are so common and often consistently involve the same circumstances and conditions, there is also uniformity in the potential injuries that a bicyclist can suffer in these accidents, including:
- Broken bones
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken or knocked out teeth
- Limb amputations
- Paralysis
Obviously, the extent of your injuries may differ, depending on the seriousness of your accident. However, taking steps while on a bicycle can help you avoid, or at least mitigate, damage from a sideswipe accident.
Can Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents Be Avoided?
Unfortunately, there is no way to totally prevent bicycle accidents, sideswipes included. This is because you can only account for your visibility and movement while on a bicycle, and can’t account for safe and legal driving on the part of other drivers you share the road with. Still, there are a few ways in which you can increase your chances of being seen by a driver.
- Wear high-visibility clothing and proper safety equipment – Wearing high-visibility clothing is probably the most efficient way to improve your visibility to drivers in adjacent lanes. Because these products are designed to maximize your visibility even during the daytime, they can be extremely effective. This clothing is easy to find, very cost-effective, and should always be worn when you ride your bike. Further, you’ll want to make sure that you have proper safety equipment in the event that an accident happens, just to reduce the risk of injury as much as possible.
- Utilize lights and signal indicators – For many serious bicyclists, having signal lights installed on their bicycles is another way to increase their visibility and awareness for other drivers. These lights act the same way as they do in a normal car, serving as an indicator for other drivers. Many bicycle manufacturers even make special lights designed with a specific focus, flash, and range of vision. Thus, these lights can be effective in both day and night time bike riding.
- Draw attention to yourself – Even with reflective clothing and turn signals, another way to make yourself visible to other drivers is to simply draw attention to your movement itself. Make sure to always stay in the designated bike lane and try not to swerve to miss an object or brake suddenly if you can help it. Drawing attention to your movement will help drivers recognize you, and it will remind them to give you space.
- Follow traffic laws – Another simple way to avoid accidents while on your bike is to follow traffic laws. These laws are in place for a reason, designed to create a predictable pattern that will help other drivers know where you are heading. Further, taking the same actions that can cause sideswipe accidents, like weaving in and out of traffic, swerving, or riding between lanes can increase the chances that you will be in a sideswipe accident.
Again, while you can never totally prevent an accident from happening, taking these measures can at least reduce your risk of being in one. By increasing your visibility and following the rules of the road, you can hopefully steer clear of sideswipe accidents.
Sideswipe Bicycle Accident Lawyers Serving Los Angeles
At Maison Law, we have years of experience in serving Los Angeles area clients that have suffered injuries in a sideswipe bicycle accident. Through finding the at-fault driver, negotiating with their insurance company, and giving you the support and validation you need, we can hopefully make a difficult situation a little easier for you and your family.
If you would like to get started on a claim, contact us today for a free consultation.
