Cycling vs. Road Rage Attorney

Main Causes of Road Rage Bicycle Accidents

Aggression, misunderstanding, poor road conditions, and lack of traffic etiquette are the underlying causes of most such incidents that involve cyclists. Other reasons behind these collisions include:

• Impatience: Drivers often get frustrated with slow and heavy traffic and take it on the cyclists. Primarily because the latter have an obvious advantage under given circumstances or merely because the motorists consider them an obstacle.
• Missing bike lanes: Many states lack proper bicycle infrastructure, which forces cyclists to ride between motor vehicles. Not all drivers are equally comfortable sharing the lane with bicyclists, who are usually slower.
• Bike rights ignorance: Not all motorists and cyclists are fully aware of each other’s rights. While drivers may discard bicyclists as equal road users, the latter may fail to abide by state-recognized bike laws and provoke an incident.
• Distracted driving: Whether it’s about checking a text message, answering a phone call, or eating while on the road, either party is prone to a momentary distraction. Although such actions are forbidden in many jurisdictions with the safe driving law, they are still quite frequent.
• Rudeness: Some traffic participants choose to be intentionally rude. Honking, close passing, and improper gesturing can overwhelm a cyclist to the point of losing control, which increases the risk of a serious crash.

Many cyclists facing road rage may feel confused as to what to do and how to behave after the rage incident occurs. While the consequences of every situation differ, so does the driver’s reaction. Use these simple tips to protect yourself and your future aggressive driving claim.

• Make sure you are safe: If you’ve been hit in the middle of the street, it is best to move to a safer location to prevent further damage.
• Seek medical attention: No matter how innocent your injuries may seem, you should seek medical assistance. Concussions, internal injuries, and other traumas may not be visible right away.
• Report the incident: Call the police and report the accident. Make sure that your report reflects all the details of the collision. Mention the driver’s aggression and potential intentional harm when talking to the police.
• Collect evidence: If any eyewitnesses or surveillance footage confirms road rage, it is advised to record it. Don’t forget to put down available driver’s information such as license plates, type of vehicle, model, and other details.
• Call a bicycle accident lawyer: A well-versed legal representative will assist and guide you in the right direction, ensuring that you recover all the damages you suffered in full.