The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents (2024)

Cycling is a common and enjoyable form of exercise for many Americans. However, cycling can also be dangerous, especially if you are cycling in highway traffic. 90% of bicycle accident deaths are caused by motor vehicles, and even in these types of accidents that don’t result in death, the cyclist is often gravely injured.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, then you could be entitled to compensation. The lawyers at The Law Place have over 75 years of combined experience in dealing with the Florida legal system and will be able to give you the best chance at receiving the financial compensation that you deserve. Call us now for a free consultation on 941-444-4444.

What are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons, many of which involve interactions with motor vehicle accidents. Understanding these causes can help both bicycle riders and vehicle drivers take safety precautions to prevent accidents and avoid serious injuries. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle collisions with bicycles. When a vehicle driver is not fully paying attention—perhaps texting, using a phone, or distracted by something inside the car—they may fail to see a bicyclist on the road or near a bike path.
Unsafe Lane Changes – Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers make unsafe lane changes without checking for bicyclists. This can include failing to look in mirrors or check blind spots before changing lanes where bicyclists might be present.
Opening Parked Car Doors – Accidents often happen when drivers or passengers in parked cars open their doors without checking for an oncoming cyclist. This type of accident is especially common on busy streets where bicyclists ride next to parked cars.
Failing to Yield at Intersections – Intersections are common sites for bicycle crashes. These accidents typically occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists when making turns or when entering the street from a driveway.
Bicycling at Night – Riding a bicycle at night increases the risk of accidents due to reduced visibility. Despite taking safety precautions, bicyclists can be harder to see if they or their bikes are not adequately lit or reflective.
Riding Out of Bike Lanes – While bike lanes are designed to provide a safe space for bicyclists, not all roads have them. Bicyclists forced to ride outside of bike lanes are at a higher risk of being struck by vehicles.
Speeding – Both bicyclists and vehicle drivers speeding can lead to severe injuries. High speeds reduce reaction times and increase the severity of injuries in accidents.

Common Bicycle Accident Senarios

A car, or similar vehicle, cuts off a bike either when entering the roadway or by making a dangerous right turn.
A car rear-ends a bicycle trying to maneuver around a parked car in the bike lane.
The driver of a parked car, truck, van, or other motor vehicle opens the door into the path of a cyclist.
The cyclist may be cycling on the wrong side of the road (against the oncoming traffic).
A cyclist or a driver runs a red traffic light or fails to yield at stop signs.
The cyclist or driver makes an unexpected and dangerous move.

Bicycle Accidents That do Not Involve a Vehicle

However, accidents involving a vehicle only make up for around 30% of all bicycle injuries, although those are often more severe in injuries and damage sustained. The majority of bicycle accidents do not involve a car or other type of motor vehicle, but may still cause substantial injuries and can still result in successful lawsuits. Other common causes of bicycle accidents can be:

A cyclist collides with an object, such as debris in the road.
A collides with a pedestrian or another bike.
A cyclist falls off the bicycle due to an animal attack.
The bicycle itself is damaged, faulty, or improperly repaired.
A cyclist falls off due to poorly maintained roads.

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Common Bicycle Injuries

Cycling accidents can cause many different types of injuries, ranging from mild to, unfortunately, fatal. The most common injuries caused by bicycle injuries are as follows:

Road Rash – Falls and skids on the road can cause you superficial flesh injuries, commonly known as road rash.
Cuts, Bruises, and Abrasions – More serious falls can cause soft tissue damage, which may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to heal, dependent on the severity of the injury. These injuries are commonly found on the back and shoulders.
Broken Bones and Fractures – Some accidents may be serious enough that it can cause fractures or broken bones, whether this is from the fall itself or the impact between the cyclist and the vehicle. Arms, legs, ribs, collarbone, pelvis, and skull fractures have all been observed in victims of accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries – If a cyclist hits their head hard during the accident, then they could suffer from a head injury, which could range from mild concussions to potentially traumatic brain injury.
Dental Injuries – If a cyclist hits their face, then they could chip or break a tooth, potentially costing hundreds in dental fees.
Internal Organ Damage and Bleeding – Particularly traumatic accidents can cause internal organ damage and bleeding
Paralysis – If the accident causes a severe head or spinal injury, then it could cause paralysis.
Wrongful Death – A particularly serious accident can lead to the wrongful death of the cyclist.

Bike accidents can also leave the victim with emotional distress and mental suffering, as well as damage to their bike.

Where Do Most Bike Accidents Occur?

In Florida, the majority of bicycle accidents occur in Miami-dade county, which is understandable as it’s the most heavily populated.

36% of the accidents occurred at intersections, and most of those were at the four-way stops. The rest happened at T-intersections.

Fatal accidents occurred primarily on state roads, county roads, local streets, and federal roads because they are much busier.

The majority of bicycle accidents involving cars happened because someone failed to yield the right of way.

Most bicycle accidents also happen in shared lanes and sidewalks. To lower the risk of being involved in a bike accident, you should cycle in a bike lane or paved shoulder if possible.

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Why Do Bicycles Increase Driving Risk?

Bicycles can increase driving risk as they are smaller and so less noticeable to vehicles. They are also much slower than cars and trucks, and so vehicles must pass them, which has the potential for danger. Poor weather also makes cycling dangerous, as it does with driving any type of vehicle, as slippery roads, impaired vision, and strong gusts of wind could cause a cyclist to fall or cycle into the lane and into traffic. Cyclists can also be unpredictable, and if one turns when it’s not expected to, it may cause a crash, if a driver had to brake rapidly to miss hitting it and then gets rear-ended, for example.

This is the same with everything on the road, as cyclists and drivers of motor vehicles may not follow the rules of the road how you expect them to. Below are some simple tips to help make cycling safer:

Cycle with the Traffic – It is important to cycle along with traffic rather than against traffic so that cars can pass you much more easily.
Bright and Reflective Colors – Drivers can often cause bicycle accidents when they don’t see the cyclists when turning, opening their door if parked, merging lanes, and more. To minimize the risk of this, you should wear bright and reflective colored clothing and light up your bike on the back and front so that drivers can see you more easily.
Eye Contact – You should try to make eye contact with drivers if necessary, such as when turning, to make sure they see you.
Hand Signals – By using hand signals, you will be alerting drivers to where you are going so that they expect your maneuvers. You should also use a bell or call out to warn pedestrians when you are approaching them.
Wear a Helmet – A helmet could save you from significant brain trauma, as well as potential death.
Ride Close to the Center – In narrow roads, if you cycle to close to the curb, then you could be hit by opening car doors.
Stay Away From Busy Streets – If you know a road is going to be particularly busy, then consider taking a route that is less so. Also, remember to slow down and be very cautious at intersections.

All cyclists should remember that they are expected to follow the same rules of the road that all motor vehicles do, and so it is crucial that they know what the rules are.

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How The Law Place Can Help After a Bicycle Accident

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, The Law Place is here to provide the support and guidance needed during this challenging time. Our experienced team of attorneys understands the complexities involved in bicycle accident cases and is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve.

Legal Representation and Advocacy

At The Law Place, we have a team of attorneys with extensive experience in managing bicycle accident claims. We understand the nuances of traffic laws and the rights of bicyclists, and we use this knowledge to advocate strongly on your behalf. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we are committed to protecting your interests and securing a favorable outcome.

Compensation for Injuries and Losses

Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries, from broken bones and traumatic brain injuries to, unfortunately, fatalities. Our team works diligently to ensure that all aspects of your case are thoroughly examined – from the medical expenses and physical therapy costs to lost wages and pain and suffering.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, we also handle wrongful death claims, helping families receive compensation for their profound loss, covering funeral expenses, lost future earnings, and the emotional distress associated with such a tragedy.

Navigating Insurance Claims

Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from an injury. Our attorneys take on the burden of communicating and negotiating with the insurance companies, ensuring that your claim is handled fairly. We are prepared to challenge any denials or unfair settlements aggressively, and we strive to ensure that your compensation reflects the true cost of your injuries and losses.

Free Consultation

We offer a free consultation to all potential clients. This initial discussion is an opportunity for you to tell your story, ask questions, and receive initial legal advice with no obligation. During this consultation, we will evaluate your case and discuss the possible strategies for moving forward.

No Win, No Fee

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. This policy allows you to pursue justice and compensation without any upfront financial risk.

Choosing The Law Place means choosing a team that is committed to your well-being and success. We understand the challenges that come with recovering from a bicycle accident and the emotional toll of losing a loved one. Our attorneys are here to provide dedicated and personalized support, making sure that you feel empowered and informed throughout the legal process.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents? FAQ

Why is it important to hire a bicycle accident attorney after an accident?

Hiring a bicycle accident attorney is crucial if you have been involved in a bicycle accident caused by another party. A personal injury lawyer with experience in bicycling accidents can help you navigate the legal process, represent your interests, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.

What should accident victims do immediately following a bicycle accident?

Accident victims should first ensure their safety and seek medical attention for any injuries. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked for hidden injuries like internal bleeding or concussions. After addressing any health concerns, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your bicycle accident case. Your attorney can guide you on the steps to take, including how to document the accident scene, gather evidence, and file a personal injury claim.

How can injured bicyclists protect their rights after an accident?

Injured bicyclists can protect their rights by:

Documenting everything related to the accident, including taking photos of the scene, the injuries, and any damages.
Gathering contact information from witnesses.
Not making any statements to insurance companies without consulting a personal injury lawyer.
Following through with all medical treatments and keeping records of all medical expenses and treatments.

What should I do immediately after being involved in a bicycle accident?

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, your first priority should be your safety and health. Move to a safe location if possible, and assess yourself for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, it is crucial to undergo a medical evaluation, as some symptoms may appear later. Additionally, try to collect contact information from any witnesses and take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages to your

Call The Law Place For a Free Consultation

If you have been involved in any type of bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault, then you may be entitled to financial compensation and should call The Law Place today for a free consultation on 941-444-4444.

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