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Bike accidents involving motor vehicles often result in serious injuries. Typically, the severity of these injuries increases when a commercial vehicle is involved. Commercial vehicles are often larger and more powerful than passenger vehicles, which means that they have greater potential to cause significant damage than other types of vehicles. This is just one of the things that makes bike accidents involving commercial vehicles different than other types of accidents. In this article, we discuss bike accidents involving commercial vehicles.
Causes of Bike Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles
There are many causes of bike accidents involving commercial vehicles. Although some of these apply to all types of vehicles, others are more likely to occur with commercial vehicles due to their size and use.
Blind Spots
Commercial vehicles, particularly large trucks, have large blind spots. These blind spots can make it difficult—or impossible—to see cyclists. In addition, slopes, intersections, corners, and weather conditions can create visibility issues.
Distracted Driving
There are more driving distractions today than ever. Smartphones, GPS devices, and other types of electronics routinely take drivers’ attention off the road—and this often results in serious accidents. Commercial vehicle drivers are particularly vulnerable to distracted driving, as they are often required to utilize various devices to navigate and do their jobs.
Fatigue
Semi-truck drivers and other commercial drivers often spend hours on the road each day, which can result in fatigue. Tired drivers are more likely to exhibit slow reaction times and poor judgment. Fatigue also makes drivers prone to distractions.
Poor Maintenance
Trucking companies and companies that utilize commercial vehicles are required to maintain their vehicles in safe condition. Failure to conduct regular inspections, promptly address mechanical problems, and maintain key vehicle components can lead to accidents.
Liability for Commercial Vehicle Bicycle Accidents
As opposed to bicycle accidents involving passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles present different liability issues. Specifically, a bicycle accident involving a commercial vehicle typically exposes additional parties to liability.
First, the operators of commercial vehicles may be held liable for bicycle accidents. Commercial drivers owe a duty of care to cyclists and other vehicles on the road. The violation of this duty can result in liability.
In addition, commercial vehicle companies can be held liable following an accident involving a cyclist. Commercial vehicle companies are responsible for inspecting and maintaining their vehicles, hiring and training competent drivers, and regularly monitoring the performance of their employees.
In addition to the above parties, others may be liable for a bicycle accident involving a commercial vehicle. So, if you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident with a commercial vehicle, you should contact an experienced attorney to discuss your compensation options.
Contact a Charlotte Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Charlotte, you should contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, our experienced Charlotte bicycle accident attorneys have a strong track record of obtaining financial compensation for accident victims and their families. Please contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with a Charlotte bicycle accident attorney.
