What Are The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycling is an increasingly popular mode of transportation and exercise, offering numerous benefits to both individuals and society. However, cycling also comes with its fair share of risks, as accidents involving bicycles can result in serious injuries or fatalities. In some cases, a crash involving a bicycle and a vehicle or road hazard can lead to severe consequences, such as head injuries and broken bones, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Unfortunately, many of these accidents are caused by factors outside of the cyclist’s control, with the most common cause being other motor vehicle drivers. Knowing what the most common causes of bicycle accidents are can help cyclists and drivers be proactive in avoiding them.

Bicycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons, and it is important to understand the risks cyclists face on the road. Most bike accidents occur at intersections or when sharing the road with cars, often due to drivers not paying attention, unsafe road design, or failure to yield. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, our team of bicycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm is here to help. Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience helping bicycle accident victims get the best result possible for their accident claims. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

What are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

There are many factors that can contribute to bicycle accidents. While handling bicycle accident cases, our experienced attorneys at The Barnes Firm have found that the leading causes of bicycle accidents include:

Distracted Driving

Many bicycle accidents can be traced back to a distracted driver. Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, including texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, and many more. Distracted driving is a leading cause of both bicycle and motor vehicle accidents across the United States.

Speeding

When a motor vehicle driver speeds, they are less likely to be able to stop in time to avoid a collision with a cyclist. It is important for drivers to always obey speed limits and be extra careful and extra cautious when driving near a bicycle.

Failure to Yield

Bicyclists have the same right to the road as motor vehicles and must be recognized and accommodated just like any other vehicle, but often negligent motorists fail to yield to bicyclists, especially at intersections. Motor vehicle drivers must always recognize oncoming bicyclists on the road.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence slows reaction times, impairs judgement and decision-making skills, and reduces coordination. It’s also illegal in all 50 states. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Similarly, riding under the influence severely impairs a cyclist’s coordination and judgment, making it a dangerous and illegal practice.

Dooring

This occurs when a bicyclist hits a car door that is opened in their path. It is important that a vehicle driver always check their mirrors and look out their windows before opening their car door. Cyclists can also reduce the risk of dooring incidents by maintaining a safe distance from parked cars.

Tailgating

Following a bicyclist too closely can be extremely dangerous. If a bicyclist needs to stop suddenly and a car is following too closely, a rear-end accident can occur. Drivers should always maintain a safe distance when following cyclists to help prevent such accidents.

Poor Road Conditions

Uneven or poorly maintained roads, potholes, construction, debris, and loose gravel are examples of dangerous road conditions that can cause bicyclists to lose control of their vehicles. Poor road conditions can easily send a cyclist flying, leading to severe injuries. When a cyclist hits loose gravel or debris, it can easily lead to an accident and serious injuries.

If you or a loved one have been hit by a car or other motor vehicle while riding a bicycle, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 to get the justice you deserve.

What Safety Precautions Should Cyclists Take to Avoid Accidents?

Although many bicycle accidents are caused by another driver, it is important that cyclists take safety precautions and follow the rules of the road when cycling. Taking safety precautions before every ride is essential to help prevent accidents and injuries. To enhance safety, cyclists should assume they are not seen by drivers and ride defensively. Here are some safety precautions that cyclists should take to avoid accidents:

• Wear a helmet. A helmet is a crucial piece of safety equipment for cyclists. It can help protect you from head and traumatic brain injuries in the event of an accident. Make sure that your helmet fits securely and is adjusted correctly.
• Follow traffic rules. Cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists and obey all traffic laws. This means stopping at stop signs and red lights, signaling turns, and riding with the flow of traffic.
• Use lights and reflectors. Use lights and reflectors on your bike to make yourself more visible to others on the road. This is especially important at night. Make sure that your lights are bright enough to see and your reflectors are clean and visible. Most fatal bicycle accidents happen at night due to poor visibility, and fatal bicycle accidents occur more frequently in low-light conditions, so increasing your visibility is critical.
• Stay alert. Always stay focused and aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for cars, pedestrians, and other obstacles on the road. Don’t use headphones or any other device that could distract you while cycling.
• Be visible. Wear bright clothing and reflective gear to increase your visibility. Use hand signals when turning or changing lanes and make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you. It’s also a good idea to use a bell or horn to alert pedestrians and other cyclists of your presence.

By taking these safety precautions, cyclists can stay visible and help prevent accidents, significantly reducing their risk of being involved in a bicycle accident. Remember, safety should always come first when cycling.

What Should I Do If I am Injured in a Bicycle Accident?

Despite taking all necessary safety precautions, bicycle accidents can still happen. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to take the following steps:

• Contact the authorities. Call the police or emergency services if necessary. They can document the accident and ensure that traffic is directed safely around the scene.
• Gather information. Collect contact and insurance information of anyone involved in the accident, as well as the contact information and statements of any witnesses. If you are not able to gather this information, ask someone to assist you.
• Document the scene. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including any damage to your bike or other property. This will help in the claims process. If you are not able to take the pictures, ask someone you trust to take the photos for you.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, seek medical attention immediately. It is a good idea to get checked out as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer at The Barnes Firm. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

Regardless of the cause of your bicycle accident, our team of trusted bicycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm will help you get the best result possible. Call us today at for a FREE case evaluation.

Common Injuries Resulting From Bicycle Accidents

Depending on the severity of the accident, bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries resulting from bicycle accidents include:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Fractured and broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
• Road rash
• Spinal cord injuries
• And more…

It’s important to seek medical attention immediately following a bicycle accident, even if you don’t feel hurt. Internal bleeding is a hidden but serious consequence that may not be immediately apparent and requires prompt medical attention. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, then you could be entitled to compensation. After seeking medical attention, call The Barnes Firm. Our attorneys will review your case for FREE and advise you on next steps. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

Speak With a Trusted Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

If you are involved in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, it’s crucial to take immediate action and contact The Barnes Firm. Securing experienced legal representation for your bicycle accident case is essential to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. Our team of trusted bicycle accident attorneys are here to help injured bicyclists navigate the legal process and get the compensation they deserve. We are committed to the well-being of injured bicyclists throughout every step of the legal process. The Barnes Firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we recover compensation for you. We also offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your options. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at (800) 800-0000 or contact us online for a FREE case evaluation.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes