What might cause an auto versus bicycle accident?

Across the country, thousands of cyclists a year are injured or killed in accidents with automobiles. Sadly, a number of Texas residents are often among them. What might cause a car versus bicycle accident? The answer to this is that there are numerous causes, many of which are highly preventable.

So, what are the most common causes of auto versus bicycle accidents? At the top of the list is something that is known as the right cross, which happens when a car pulls out of a parking lot, driveway or side street, either directly into or in front of a cyclist. The second major collision type is something called the door prize. This occurs when a driver opens his or her door just before a cyclist passes. Others include:

• The right hook
• The left cross
• The rear end

Any one of these accidents may be attributed to a driver's failure to see a cyclist. As a bike is smaller than an automobile, it is easy to understand why it is more difficult to see, but drivers do have a duty to be aware of their surroundings at all times. If a driver is found to have been negligent in that duty, resulting in an accident, he or she may be held accountable for any damages.

A Texas resident who has been injured or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident may feel he or she has no recourse, but this is far from the truth. If negligence is suspected, the victim or -- in the event of fatality -- surviving family members may pursue civil action against the individual believed responsible for the losses suffered. Favorable outcomes, including the granting of fair and full compensation, may be achieved through the successful litigation of personal injury or wrongful death claims.

Source: bicyclesafe.com, "Bicycle Safety: How to Not Get Hit by Cars", Accessed on Aug. 30, 2015