Sharing the Road: Common Bicycle-Car Accident Scenarios in the Triangle

Sharing the Road: Common Bicycle-Car Accident Scenarios in the Triangle

As cities like Raleigh and Durham invest more in bike lanes and greenways, more people are choosing bicycles as a mode of transportation. Unfortunately, many drivers still don’t know how to safely share the road. Here are the most common bicycle-car accident scenarios we see in the Triangle—and how they can be prevented.

1. Right Hook Collisions

This happens when a car passes a cyclist and immediately turns right, cutting them off. These accidents are common at intersections where drivers underestimate the speed of cyclists.

2. Dooring Accidents

When a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist, the results can be catastrophic. Always ride at a safe distance from parked cars when possible.

3. Failure to Yield at Intersections

Drivers often fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections, especially when turning left across a cyclist’s path. This scenario frequently results in serious injuries or fatalities.

4. Passing Too Closely

North Carolina law requires drivers to leave at least 4 feet when passing a cyclist. When drivers ignore this rule, sideswipe accidents can occur—especially on narrow roads without bike lanes.

Know the Rules, Know Your Rights

If you’ve been injured in one of these https://squareblogs.net/britteufro/faqs-about-hiring-a-car-accident-lawyer common accident scenarios, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team will investigate the crash, hold the driver accountable, and protect your rights under North Carolina law.