Most drivers in the Lexington area are used to sharing the road with bicyclists. That’s especially true during the school year when college students are riding around the area. Of course, summer brings out more recreational cyclists and children.
Responsible drivers are careful to watch out for those on two wheels and to leave plenty of room between their vehicle and nearby cyclists. Some even prefer not to be in the lane next to the bike lane if there are cyclists there.
Yet, just as drivers are subject to laws regarding bicyclists (like keeping a minimum 3-foot distance when passing them), cyclists are also subject to state and, in some cases, local laws. For example, they must stop at all stop signs and lights, and they’re required to signal when they’re preparing to turn or change lanes.
How might cyclists cause others on the road to crash?
No driver wants to collide with a bicyclist because they know the outcome for that cyclist could be catastrophic. However, sometimes, bicyclists make unsafe moves that cause crashes. In fact, drivers can get into serious crashes while trying to avoid hitting a cyclist. A cyclist may escape unharmed, while people in one or more vehicles may be seriously injured.
When a bicyclist suddenly moves into a lane in front of a driver without signaling or even swerves slightly across the bike lane road marking, a driver may instinctively swerve into the next lane, come to a sudden stop or even end up running into a guardrail or other heavy object.
Will there be insurance coverage?
When a bicyclist causes a crash, can their insurance cover it? Some auto insurance policies provide coverage if the person insured is at fault for a bike crash. If the bicyclist has an umbrella personal injury policy, it will likely cover damages they cause on their bike. A motorist’s own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage could potentially help. All of these possibilities need to be explored.
It’s crucial to prove fault, especially if the bicyclist wasn’t hit. That’s where bicycle and helmet cameras worn by many cyclists can help drivers by capturing the event. This and other evidence are important to obtain as soon as possible. By having legal guidance, crash victims can let someone else worry about building a solid claim for you while they focus on healing.
