WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS IN HAWAII?
DISTRACTED
DRIVING
Drivers who are focused on text messages, phone calls, or anything other than the task of safe driving are significantly more likely to overlook cyclists and cause devastating accidents.
AGGRESSIVE
DRIVING
When drivers exceed posted speed limits or follow bicyclists too closely, they may not leave enough time or distance to slow, stop, and avoid potentially deadly collisions.
Driving under the
influence
Drivers who are drunk or high behind the wheel pose dangers to themselves and others. An impaired driver is less likely to have the judgment or reflexes required to drive safely around bicycles.
Drowsy
driving
Studies suggest that driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Drowsy drivers are less likely to notice nearby cyclists or react in time to prevent disastrous bike crash.
Running red lights
or stop signs
Ignoring traffic signals at an intersection is always dangerous, but the risk is even greater when negligent drivers fail to check for cyclists exercising their right of way.
Unsafe lane
changes
Drivers who fail to indicate their turns or engage in lane weaving are incredibly hazardous to cyclists. In some cases, drivers looking to avoid traffic may even merge into dedicated bike lanes without checking.
Dooring
accidents
Dooring happens when a negligent driver parks their vehicle and then opens their door without looking. If a car door in the path of an oncoming cyclist is opened unexpectedly, bike riders can crash into the door and sustain serious injuries, making it one of the reasons for motor vehicle accidents.
Negligent
backing
Most bicyclist deaths occur when a driver fails to check behind when reversing out of a driveway or parking space. This is because they can easily back over passing cyclists.
HOW OFTEN DO BICYCLE ACCIDENTS HAPPEN IN HAWAII?
6,000 NON FATAL INJURIES
There are nearly 6,000 non-fatal injuries caused by Hawaii traffic accidents every year. In 11% of these crashes, accident victims require hospital admission. Almost 55% of admitted patients are “vulnerable road users,” such as bicyclists.
1,065 EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS
Non-fatal bicycle accidents accounted for 91 hospital admissions and 1,065 emergency room visits in Hawaii in a recent three-year period
Only 61% of polled road users in Hawaii were reportedly aware of the recommendation to provide bicycle riders with at least three feet of space when passing.
16 OUT OF 17 INVOLVED A MOTOR VEHICLE
In a five-year period, 16 out of 17 bicycle accident fatalities in Hawaii involved a collision with a motor vehicle.
The total number of bicycle accident fatalities exceeded target levels by at least 100% in two recent calendar years..
HDOT has set a goal to avoid exceeding three bicycle accident fatalities in 2021. To achieve this goal, the department has hired a State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator and plans to apply a “data-driven approach” to address education and infrastructure issues
IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT?
Seek immediate
medical care
Document
everything
Take photos of your
injuries and bicycle
damage
Record symptoms
of your injuries in
a pain journal
Keep track of your
accident-related
expenses and
losses
Avoid providing
statements
to insurance
providers
Avoid sharing
information on
social media
Contact a
knowledgeable
bicycle accident
lawyer
YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
Allow bicyclists the full use of traffic lanes when the protected bike lanes are not wide enough to allow cars to pass safely. Drivers must wait patiently behind bicyclists until it is safe to pass them, even if cyclists are traveling below the speed limit.
Slow down upon approaching bicyclists or pedestrians.
Allow at least three feet of extra space when passing bicyclists on the left.
Check for bicycles on the shoulder or right side of the road when making right-hand turns and yield to bicyclists before initiating a turn.
Check for bicycles approaching from the opposite direction when making left-hand turns.
Look for oncoming cyclists before opening the door of a car parked along the side of the street.
Watch for nearby cyclists when exiting a driveway or parking space.
Avoid using car horns near bicyclists since the unexpected loud sound could startle them and cause them to swerve into traffic.
Take special precautions around bicyclists who are minors or obviously impaired or inexperienced.
Why You Should Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Recovery Law Center specializes in representing bicycle accident victims in Hawaii. Our team of experienced lawyers understands the complexities of such cases and is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, Recovery Law Center will provide the legal guidance and support you need to navigate this challenging time.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Hawaii Today
The bicycle accident lawyers in Honolulu at Recovery Law Center care deeply about pursuing the best outcome for every client. Our team focuses on building personalized relationships to understand your needs and develop the most effective legal strategy to secure maximum compensation in your case.
Our legal team has a history of securing favorable settlements and trial verdicts for accident victims throughout Oahu. Our firm does not charge any up-front fees to begin handling your case, and there is no cost to you unless we help you win compensation.
There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by scheduling a free consultation. Call or contact us today.
