What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Naples, FL?
Bicycle accidents are sadly common on Naples roads. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were nearly 2,400 bicycle crashes from January 2024 to March 2024 (84 of these crashes happened in Collier County).
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents? A bicycle accident lawyer in Naples, FL, explains below.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Naples
Common causes of bike accidents include failure to yield, reckless driving, and roads designed without consideration for cyclists.
Failure To Yield
“Failure to yield” simply means that a driver did not yield to an individual with the right of way. For instance, perhaps a cyclist and a driver are both waiting at a stop sign. The cyclist has the right of way, but the driver speeds ahead regardless and hits them.
Careless Driving
Careless or reckless driving is a major cause of bicycle accidents in Naples. Speeding, swerving, tailgating, and aggressive braking are all examples of reckless driving.
Drivers aren’t the only ones who act recklessly on the roads. Cyclists who ignore bicycle safety tips can do so as well.
To avoid crashes, cyclists should:
- Always wear a helmet
- Wear reflective clothing, especially at night
- Ride during the day whenever possible
- Ensure tires are inflated properly
- Ensure their bikes are equipped with reflectors
- Use hand signals when turning
- Ride in the direction of traffic
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is yet another big cause of bike accidents in Naples. It’s easy for drivers to become distracted by their phone, the radio, or a screaming child in the back seat.
Some cyclists aren’t blameless, either. They become distracted by chatting with their fellow riders or gazing at the scenery.
Impaired Driving
Most drivers know better than to slip behind the wheel after a few drinks, but some disregard their drunkenness and head off down the highway anyway. Such a lapse in judgment can have a devastating outcome for other drivers and bicyclists alike.
Dangerous Road Design
Poor road design is to blame for many bicycle accidents in Collier County. Immokalee Road, in particular, is notorious for fatal crashes. From 2018 to 2022, six people perished in accidents at the I-75 and Immokalee Road interchange. Another four died at the intersection of Immokalee Road and Camp Keais Road.
Steep, curvy roads, a lack of guardrails, and missing or hidden road signs all contribute to dozens of accidents annually in Naples.
Lack of Proper Infrastructure for Bicyclists
Quite a few roads in Naples have no bike lanes whatsoever, so cyclists are forced to ride on the streets along with the rest of traffic. This is quite dangerous because some drivers behave aggressively when cyclists are in their midst.
Many drivers simply don’t pay attention to their surroundings. Bikes are small and easily missed compared to cars and trucks. Additionally, some cyclists dress in dark, non-reflective clothes, which makes spotting them a challenge.
What Cyclists Should Do After a Bike Accident
It’s wise to know how to handle bike accidents should one happen. Victims should:
- Take photos of the accident scene if possible. These pictures can serve as important evidence if the cyclist wishes to sue the at-fault driver.
- Promptly seek medical attention. Knowing the extent of one’s injuries can be difficult without a doctor’s help.
- Contact a bicycle accident attorney to start the process of recovering damages.
Naples Law Firm Helps Bicycle Accident Victims Seek Compensation
Readers still wondering, “What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?” can contact The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. for assistance. Attorney Marc L. Shapiro has over 30 years of experience helping bike accident victims seek compensation for their injuries.
For a consultation on what to do before settling your accident claim and more, readers may call 239-500-5000 or contact us online.
