Bus and bike accidents can cause severe injuries to cyclists and even prove fatal in major crashes. A fully-loaded bus can cause major damage to the bicycle ride in case of a collision, leading to multiple damages, including head injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and more.
Understanding the common causes of bus accidents involving bicycles in Nevada can help you determine the liability in case of such accidents. However, proving negligence can be challenging. Therefore, consulting a bicycle accident lawyer in Nevada is essential to ensure you recover damages for your injuries.
Here are six common causes of bus and bicycle accidents:
1. Neglecting to Follow Traffic Laws
One of the most common causes of bus and bicycle accidents is the neglect of traffic laws. Both bus drivers and cyclists must follow traffic rules and regulations to avoid collisions, including signalized intersections and stop signs. Sudden turns made by the buses without signaling can also cause a bicyclist to collide with the bus.
2. Bus Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is a major cause of accidents, particularly bus and bicycle accidents. Bus drivers work long hours, which can prevent them from getting sufficient sleep. This increases the chances of them becoming drowsy while on the job. The risk of accidents increases when drivers are tired, as they may lose focus or nod off while driving. This can lead to a collision with a cyclist or other vehicles.
3. Rear-Ending
Rear-end collisions between buses and bicycles can happen when a bus driver is not paying attention to the road or following a cyclist too closely. In such cases, cyclists can be thrown off their bikes and suffer serious injuries. It is integral to maintain a safe distance between the vehicles, but this is often neglected in the case of a bicycle.
4. Bad Weather
Bad weather conditions, like snow storms, heavy rain, or fog, can cause bus and bicycle accidents. Such weather conditions can reduce visibility and make the road slippery, increasing the chances of a bicycle accident.
5. Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces can cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes, leading to accidents. Bus drivers also have to navigate around obstacles, like uneven pavement and missing signage, which can be challenging and dangerous. In such cases, the concerned authorities can be held liable.
6. Blind Spots
Buses have large blind spots, and drivers may not be able to see cyclists who are riding in these areas. Cyclists should avoid riding in blind spots and always assume the bus driver cannot see them.
Consult a Nevada Personal Injury Lawyer
Sustaining injuries in a bus and bicycle accident can be distressing and can cause a financial burden on the victim. However, consulting a professional lawyer with experience in bicycle accidents in Nevada can help your case.
At Bourassa Law Group, our bicycle accident lawyers in Nevada have extensive experience proving the other party’s negligence in a bus and bicycle accident. Our lawyers are highly competent in helping clients win bicycle accident cases and can ensure you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.