Bicycle Accident | Types, Causes & Legal Help (2025)
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Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
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What are the main causes of bike accidents? Quick Answer
- The main causes of bicycle accidents include excessive speed, distracted driving, and driving under the influence, all primarily by motorists. Cyclists can also contribute by riding against traffic or failing to use bike lanes. Establishing fault is key, but drivers are most often held liable due to cyclists' vulnerability in traffic.
Summary
- Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries
- Motor vehicle drivers are usually liable for bicycle accidents
- After an accident, calling the police and getting medical care are vital
Accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles often result in the motor vehicle driver being held responsible. The vulnerability of cyclists, equipped with only a helmet for protection, places them at significant risk in traffic. Their limited ability to evade larger, faster vehicles adds to this risk. Among the prevalent factors contributing to bicycle accidents are:
- Excessive speed by motorists
- Driving while distracted
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure of cyclists to use designated bike lanes
- Bicycling against the flow of traffic
Although cyclists can sometimes contribute to accidents, claims for compensation typically target the motor vehicle driver. Nonetheless, establishing fault remains critical.
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Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
The lack of protective barriers for cyclists can lead to severe injuries in the event of an accident. Common injuries include:
- Spinal injuries, potentially leading to paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries, which may result in long-term cognitive issues
- Broken bones, such as fractures to the arms, legs, wrists, or ankles
- Soft tissue injuries, including lacerations and bruises
- Whiplash, characterized by neck strain but usually healing within a short period
The severity of injuries directly influences the compensation potential, with more severe conditions warranting higher compensation. Accurately documenting all medical expenses is essential for substantiating claims.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Distracted riding and driving are common causes of bicycle accidents. A bicycle rider who’s looking down at their phone can cause a collision just as much as a car driver doing the same. Both of them will struggle to notice changes on the road, and avoiding bicycle and auto accidents will be much more difficult.
Reckless driving is another issue. Often, drivers of motor vehicles are aggressive toward cyclists. They may prevent them from merging or could push them against the curb, leading them to lose control of the bike.
Intoxicated or fatigued drivers and cyclists can cause accidents, too. They can be much more distracted, and their reflexes and coordination could be impaired. Drivers may fall asleep on the road, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Road conditions are a problem, as well. Things that wouldn’t faze a driver, like potholes, can be disastrous for cyclists. The same applies for debris and uneven asphalt.
Bicycles that are defective or malfunction on the road can cause accidents, too. If a chain fails or there’s a tire blowout, it can be very difficult for the cyclist to maintain control.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
A personal injury lawyer who often works on bicycle claims can tell you that falls are the most common type of bicycle accident. They can occur for a number of reasons, including “dooring,” which happens when a driver opens the door of their parked car without checking. When they do this, they can hit a cyclist and cause them to fall.
Bicycle accidents can also occur during lane changes. Because of their size, bicycles can slip into the blind spots of cars and trucks, making any maneuver much more dangerous.
A related type of accident involves drivers not being able to spot cyclists at night because they’re not wearing reflective clothing and meeting other safety requirements.
Another common problem is cars trying to overtake a cyclist and clipping them as they pass them on the left. Even what might appear as a minor sideswipe accident could mean the same serious injuries accidents involving high speeds or trucks can cause for motorists.
As with motor vehicles, rear-end collisions are an issue with bicycles, too. If a car fails to brake in time, it can crash into the cyclist and put them in danger of falling into another lane.
Negligence and Liability
To establish negligence in a bicycle accident, several elements must be demonstrated:
- Duty of Care: Proving the motorist owed a duty of care to the cyclist.
- Breach of Duty: Showing the motorist failed to adhere to this duty, often through traffic law violations.
- Causation: Linking the breach directly to the injuries sustained.
- Damages: Providing evidence of the injuries and losses incurred.
Fault and Partial Liability
There may be instances where the cyclist holds partial responsibility for the accident. This does not automatically preclude compensation but can affect the claim's outcome depending on state laws. Some states reduce compensation based on the cyclist's fault percentage, while others may deny compensation if the cyclist is found even slightly at fault. Honest communication with legal counsel about any potential fault is crucial.
Cyclist Liability Considerations
Cyclists must adhere to road rules similar to motor vehicle drivers. Violations such as ignoring traffic signals or failing to use designated lanes can lead to partial or complete liability for an accident. Proper signaling and respecting the right-of-way are critical for avoiding fault assignments.
Post-Accident Actions
Following a bicycle accident, the next steps are crucial:
- Contacting law enforcement to ensure an official accident report is filed.
- Seeking medical attention to diagnose and document any injuries.
- Filing a claim with the involved motorist's insurance provider.
- Consulting with an experienced bicycle accident attorney for guidance and to maximize the chances of a favorable insurance claim outcome.
Most attorneys will offer you a free case evaluation, so it is worth speaking with a ConsumerShield lawyer near you who can help.
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