Council Bluffs Personal Injury Attorneys

Sudden accidents and injuries can derail lives. During these times, personal injury attorneys are vital. These specialists advocate for those harmed by negligence, ensuring they obtain rightful compensation. This article examines the crucial role personal injury lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and helping them rebuild their lives.

In Iowa, there were five pedalcyclist fatalities in the year 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Polk County had the most bicycle-car accidents in Iowa from 2009-2014. The goal is to reduce the number of bicyclist accidents in the state to zero. If you’re a bicyclist, here are some of the most common types of bicycle accidents, and what you can do to prevent them from happening:

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them

A Right Hook Accident

A right hook accident occurs when a car making a right-hand turn cuts off a cyclist. These crashes can happen at intersections or when a car is pulling out of a driveway or parking lot. Drivers may fail to signal, making it hard to predict their actions.

Prevention Tips:

- When stopped at a red light or stop sign, position yourself slightly in front of vehicles in the right-hand lane to ensure you are in the driver’s direct line of sight.
- Never pass a vehicle on the right. Instead, always pass on the left.

A "Dooring" Accident

A "dooring" accident happens when a cyclist rides between traffic lanes and parked cars, and a motorist suddenly opens a car door. This can block the cyclist’s path or cause them to swerve into traffic.

Prevention Tips:

- Use bike lanes separate from the road whenever possible.
- Stay alert for parked cars and slow down when approaching them.

A Vehicle Turning Left

Left-turning vehicles at intersections must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a green turn arrow. Cyclists are often harder to see, especially in poor lighting conditions.

Prevention Tips:

- Equip your bike with a light and wear bright clothing to improve visibility.
- Make eye contact with left-turning drivers before crossing an intersection.
- Avoid riding on sidewalks as drivers typically don’t check sidewalks for fast-moving cyclists.

Failure to Yield

Sometimes, cyclists fail to yield to vehicles at intersections, misjudging the speed and distance of oncoming cars.

Prevention Tips:

- Exercise caution when entering intersections, even if you have the right of way.
- Double-check for oncoming traffic to ensure you are visible to drivers.

Road Bike Safety Tips for New Cyclists

Over 46 million people ride bicycles each year in America for sport, fitness, fun, and commuting. Bicycling is economical, eco-friendly, and great for your health. However, it can be dangerous, especially for new cyclists.

Essential Road Safety Tips:

1. Learn Local Laws: Understand the bicycling rules of the road in your town and state.
2. Practice in Safe Areas: Gain confidence in maneuvering your bike, such as clipping in and out of pedals and using rear brakes.
3. Take a Safety Course: Consider classes like those offered by the Des Moines Bike Collective.
4. Ride with Traffic: Always ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as practical.
5. Helmet Use: Wear a helmet on every ride.
6. Stay Visible: Wear reflective clothing and use lights, especially at night. Bright clothing during the day helps too.
7. Avoid Earbuds: Stay alert to traffic sounds.
8. Be Aware of Cars: Pay attention to the actions of drivers around you and avoid blind spots.
9. Maintain Distance from Parked Cars: Prevent dooring accidents by leaving space between you and parked cars.
10. Avoid Speeding: Leave ample time to react to unexpected situations.
11. Bike Maintenance: Ensure your bike is in good repair before each ride.

How Much Space Must Drivers Give Cyclists Under Iowa Law?

Iowa law requires vehicles to pass bicyclists at a “safe distance,” although it doesn’t specify an exact distance. Other states recommend a safe passing distance of three feet.

Consequences of Unsafe Passing:

- Cyclist being struck by the driver
- Forcing the cyclist into traffic
- Running the cyclist off the road

Proving Liability in Unsafe Distance Accidents:

Evidence such as witness testimony, video footage, police reports, and physical evidence can prove a driver’s fault in an accident caused by unsafe passing. If fault is established, the cyclist can recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.