Kentucky Bicycle Accidents Due To Unsafe Passing: Injuries That Can Happen When Drivers Fail to Share the Road
Cyclists have the same right to use the road as motor vehicles, but many drivers fail to give them enough space. Bicycle accidents in Kentucky due to unsafe passing occur regularly and can cause devastating injuries.
If a driver sideswiped you, clipped your handlebars, or forced you off the road, our experienced Madisonville bicycle accident lawyer provides the supportive service and fierce legal representation you need to get compensation in a claim. Find out the common causes of these crashes and the kinds of severe harm they can cause.
Why Unsafe Passing Increases Kentucky Bicycle Accident Risks
The Kentucky Department of Transportation reports that bicycle accidents claim the lives of over 800 people each year and leave thousands of other victims suffering serious injuries. Unsafe passing on the part of motorists and failure to share the road are among the most common reasons they happen.
Many drivers underestimate how much space a cyclist needs to ride safely. Others simply don’t look or rush past without thinking about the consequences. At highway speeds or even in residential areas, a few inches can mean the difference between a close call and a life-changing crash. Common ways in which Kentucky bicycle accidents due to unsafe passing happen include:
- Not allowing enough space when coming up alongside bicyclists;
- Speeding and distracted driving;
- Misjudging road width, especially on narrow or rural roads;
- Impatience in attempting to pass without waiting for a clear lane;
- Sudden lane changes, forcing cyclists into traffic or off the roadway.
Even when a cyclist follows traffic safety rules and rides predictably, a careless driver can cause a devastating collision.
Common Injuries Caused By Unsafe Passing Bicycle Crashes
When a vehicle strikes a cyclist or forces them off the road, injuries are often serious and require long recovery periods. These often include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries;
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries;
- Road rash and other burns or deep lacerations;
- Multiple and complex fractures;
- Amputations and internal injuries.
When these or other injuries happen due to Kentucky bike accidents caused by unsafe passing or failing to share the road, you have the right to hold the driver responsible. Under the Kentucky Statutes, compensation available in a claim can help cover your medical bills, missed earnings, and any long-term disabilities.
Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Madisonville Bicycle Accident Lawyer
At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we investigate unsafe passing crashes and help injured victims hold at-fault drivers accountable. Our experienced Madisonville bicycle accident lawyer can conduct an investigation, gather evidence, and challenge insurance companies that try to minimize your injuries.
As seasoned litigators, we prepare every case as if we were going to trial. With our legal knowledge and years of experience, you can count on us to help you get the compensation you deserve. We proudly represent injured cyclists in Madisonville, Kentucky, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Reach out and request a consultation today.
Sources:
transportation.ky.gov/HighwaySafety/DailyFatalitySummaryReportFinal/2024_as_of_2025-01-16.pdf
apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=39251
