Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New Mexico

Bicycling in New Mexico is a common form of transportation for commuting to work, recreational and leisure purposes, and exercise. Bicyclists are vulnerable on the road, and accidents can be dangerous, with possible outcomes including broken bones, head trauma, and long-term disability. It’s important to understand the most common causes of bicycle accidents in New Mexico to better understand your rights.

About Berenson & Associates, PC

At Berenson & Associates, PC, we focus on representing victims of bicycle accidents and other personal injuries in New Mexico. At the office, our founding partner, Rachel Berenson, is an AV-rated lawyer with more than 2.5 decades of experience. Our legal team offers personalized, compassionate representation that delivers results at every stage of your case.

This can include filing a personal injury claim on your behalf and representing you at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, if necessary. Our objective is to help you put your life back together after a devastating accident, both physically and emotionally, as well as financially. We speak English, Spanish, and Bahasa Indonesian.

Bicycle Accident Laws

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 846 cyclists died in the United States in 2019. New Mexico ranked number 5 in the most dangerous states for cyclists and number 5 in the highest bicycle fatalities per capita.

In New Mexico, cyclists have certain rights and protections under the law. Bicycles are considered vehicles in the state, so riders have the same responsibilities as motorists, and drivers have a duty of care to avoid collisions with cyclists. In New Mexico bicycle accident claims, victims of injuries caused by another person’s negligence can seek compensation. Compensation can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Claimants should understand both personal injury law and bicycle laws, including signaling requirements, helmet laws, and rules for using bike lanes and paths. A knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer can help navigate the legal process and ensure that all applicable laws are considered in building a strong case.

Distracted Driving

In New Mexico, distracted driving is a common cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers who are on their phones, eating, or otherwise preoccupied may not see a bicyclist sharing the road with them. A momentary distraction can lead to a serious accident, as bicyclists are much more vulnerable to injury than occupants of cars and trucks.

Drivers may not have the opportunity to brake or may turn into a bicyclist’s path. Injured victims of distracted drivers may need to prove negligence in these bicycle accident cases through careful documentation.

Failing to Yield

Failing to yield is another frequent cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers often ignore a cyclist’s right of way at intersections and crosswalks, underestimating a bicycle’s presence. This can result in T-bone collisions, sideswipes, or accidents while the bicyclist is turning or merging with traffic. In some cases, the bicyclist is also at fault if they run a red light or otherwise fail to obey traffic signals. Liability for the accident can be complex.

Poor Road Conditions

Road conditions are another common cause of bicycle accidents. Potholes, cracks, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and other debris can cause a cyclist to lose control, leading to a fall or a collision with a vehicle. Insufficient signage or poorly maintained bike lanes can also increase the risk of an accident.

Victims may need to demonstrate that the municipality or property owner knew, or should have known, of the dangerous condition and failed to correct it. Maintaining accurate records of road hazards, taking photos, and securing witness statements are all crucial steps to building a strong bicycle accident claim, and a skilled bicycle accident attorney can help to ensure that this evidence is properly preserved.

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

After a bicycle accident, it is crucial to hire a bicycle accident lawyer to protect your rights. Bicycle accidents can involve complex liability issues, insurance disputes, and severe injuries that require professional documentation. A trusted attorney can help gather evidence, work with medical and accident reconstruction professionals, and understand bicycle accident laws to build a strong case.

Attorney support during settlement negotiations or litigation helps victims secure the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to hire a bicycle accident lawyer and protect your future and recovery.

FAQs

What Is the Most Common Cause of Bicycle Accidents?

Auto driver inattention or distraction is one of the most frequent reasons for bike accidents. Drivers who are texting, fiddling with controls, or otherwise not looking for bicyclists frequently do not yield to or see bicycles in their path, resulting in crashes when they turn, change lanes, or open car doors without checking for riders.

Where Do Most Cyclists Get Hit by Cars?

The majority of the time, cyclists are hit by cars at a junction or a driveway, where the driver has failed to notice the cyclist crossing the road or making a turn. This causes blind spots and a lack of clarity regarding which party has the right of way. Busy urban roads with heavy motor vehicle traffic and narrow or no designated bicycle lanes are more dangerous and prone to accidents.

What Is the Most Common Bike Collision?

One of the most frequent bike crashes is called a right hook. This occurs when a vehicle turns right across a cyclist’s path. A right hook often occurs when a driver underestimates a cyclist’s speed or does not signal. Rear-end and dooring collisions are also common. A dooring incident occurs when a driver opens their parked vehicle door into the path of cyclists.

What Should I Look for in a New Mexico Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

When looking for a New Mexico bicycle accident lawyer, seek someone with experience in personal injury and cycling-specific cases, a strong track record of high settlements, and access to accident reconstruction experts. Ensure they understand New Mexico’s three-year statute of limitations and pure comparative negligence laws. Check client reviews and verify success in bike crash claims. Contact the State Bar for referrals.

Contact Berenson & Associates, PC

If you have an injury from a bicycle accident in New Mexico, Berenson & Associates, PC, can help you in the legal process to secure compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to speak with a representative.