Chicago, IL Accident Law Firm Stands Up for Injured Cyclists
Illinois Bicycle Injury Attorneys Aggressively Pursue Maximum Compensation
Safely navigating a city road or intersection is one of the most complex activities that a motorist, pedestrian, or bicyclist must perform virtually every time they enter a roadway. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), more than half of all motor vehicle crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities involve an intersection.
An intersection – the place where two or more roads meet, cross, or converge – is the spot where traffic and people moving in numerous directions come together, often with conflict. Intersections present many situations for vehicle-bicycle collisions to occur, often involving serious injuries.
Why Intersections Can Be Dangerous for Bicyclists
What exactly is it about these intersections and others that make them so hazardous for cyclists? Here are some common characteristics:
- High volume. The busier the intersection, the higher the propensity for danger. The higher the number of motor vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians naturally provide more opportunities for accidents.
- Reduced visibility. Oncoming traffic at intersections can be hidden by a number of obstructions. Drivers approaching intersections with such hazards may not see hazards in time to avoid colliding with a bicyclist.
- Inadequate signage. Poor or absent signage, nonfunctioning traffic signals, or traffic signs and markings that are unreadable due to wear and weather conditions are more likely to lead to accidents.
- No turning lanes. Turning at a busy intersection requires sound judgment and leaves little room for error. To reduce accidents, busy intersections should have well-marked turning lanes and clear sight distance to incoming traffic to help motorists attempting to turn.
- Unsafe motorists. Drivers who are in a hurry, following too closely, aggressive, careless, impatient, sleepy, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are an all-too-frequent presence at intersections. Bicyclists are in added danger when encountering distracted drivers.
- The unexpected. Some hazards present at intersections are unforeseen: a jaywalker attempting to cross against the light, an emergency vehicle speeding through, or a traffic light that suddenly stops working. Expect the unexpected, and you’ll be more likely to avoid a collision at an intersection, no matter who has the right-of-way.
If you sustained serious injuries in a bicycle accident in Chicago, IL, contact Kelly Law Offices, LLC online or call 1-800-859-8800 to discuss your potential for recovery today. There is never a fee unless you collect!
