Getting on a bike sometimes feels like you’ve painted a target on your back. And the data backs up that feeling – certain types of bicycle accidents are way more common than others.
If you’re wondering what the most common types of bicycle accidents are, you’d be right to think that they’d include dooring and drivers not seeing them. But there are others that you wouldn’t think of that are disturbingly common.
If you've been in a bicycle accident and are wondering what to do next, the team at Auto Injury Litigation Center is here to help you figure it out. Call us at (866) 933-0623 for a no-obligation consultation.
What are the most common types of bicycle accidents?
- Left-cross collisions: A car turns left across your path, failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Right-hook crashes: A driver turns right after passing you, cutting off or hitting your bike.
- Dooring accidents: A parked car door opens into your lane with no time to swerve.
- Rear-end crashes: Distracted drivers hit cyclists from behind, especially at night.
- Sideswipes: Unsafe passing or lane changes without giving enough space to cyclists.
- Intersection violations: Drivers run red lights or stop signs, hitting cyclists lawfully crossing.
- Road design & visibility issues: Poor infrastructure, distracted driving, and failure to see bikes are root causes.
- Legal tip: Drivers are often liable under traffic laws, but consult a bicycle accident lawyer to assess your claim.
The Sobering Stats on Bicycle Accidents
In one recent year, there were 1,105 pedalcyclist fatalities in the U.S., marking a 13% increase from the 976 killed in the previous year. Additionally, an estimated 46,195 pedalcyclists were injured in that same year.
Looking at longer-term trends, bicyclist fatalities have unfortunately seen an upward trajectory. Bicyclist deaths have increased by 75% since reaching their lowest point in 2010. This suggests that despite various safety initiatives, the roads aren't necessarily getting safer for cyclists at a reassuring pace.
A hefty percentage, around 83%, of fatal bicycle accidents in that year occurred in urban areas. This has been a consistent trend, with urban fatalities rising from 69% in 2011 to 85% in 2021.
The "Usual Suspects": Most Common Types of Bicycle Accidents Involving Vehicles
The Classic "Car Turns Left in Front of You" (Left Cross)
You're cruising straight through an intersection, thinking you have the right of way, and then a car coming from the opposite direction makes a left turn right into your path. Often, the driver simply doesn't see the cyclist, misjudges their speed, or is distracted.
Legally, this often points to driver fault due to failure to yield the right-of-way. Most states have laws dictating who has the right-of-way, generally requiring vehicles making a left turn to yield to oncoming traffic, which includes bicycles. For instance, general traffic laws, like those found in many state vehicle codes, underpin this principle (e.g., Washington State's RCW 46.61.190, which covers vehicle entering stop or yield intersection). Your main challenge here is proving you were visible and the driver failed in their duty to look and yield.
The "Car Turns Right into You" (Right Hook)
Another intersection nightmare is the "right hook." This happens when a driver passes you and then immediately makes a right turn, cutting you off or hitting you. It can also occur if a driver turning right from a parallel street or driveway doesn't spot you in the crosswalk or bike lane.
The legal issue here is typically the driver's failure to yield or an unsafe lane change. General traffic laws in numerous states mandate safe turning procedures, emphasizing the need to ensure the turn can be made safely with respect to all road users, including cyclists. Common injuries from right hooks can be severe due to the angle of impact and the cyclist's vulnerability.
The Dreaded "Dooring"
Imagine cycling alongside a row of parked cars, and suddenly, a car door swings open directly in your path. Bam. No time to react. This is "dooring," and it's a surprisingly common and dangerous type of bicycle accident.
Generally, the person opening the car door has a duty to check if it's safe before doing so. Many states and municipalities have specific "dooring" statutes (like Illinois' 625 ILCS 5/11-1407) or it falls under general negligence principles. For example, California Vehicle Code 22517 makes it illegal to open a car door unless it's safe and doesn't interfere with moving traffic, including bicycles.
Rear-Enders (Yeah, They Happen to Cyclists Too)
You might think rear-end collisions are mostly a car-on-car thing, but cyclists are vulnerable too. A motorist, due to distraction, misjudgment of speed, or simply not seeing the cyclist, can strike a bike from behind.
Legally, there's a strong presumption of negligence against the striking driver in rear-end collisions in many jurisdictions. However, arguments of comparative negligence might arise if, for example, the cyclist's visibility was poor (e.g., no lights at night) or they made a very sudden, un-signaled stop. Despite your best efforts with lights and reflectors, sometimes even maximum visibility isn't enough to prevent a rear-end bicycle accident if a driver isn't paying attention.
Sideswipes & Cars Making Unsafe Lane Changes
This is when a driver fails to give a cyclist adequate space when passing, sometimes resulting in a direct hit or forcing the cyclist off the road. Often, this violates "three-foot" or similar safe passing laws that exist in many states.
Many states have enacted these "safe passing laws." For example, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) notes that as of September 2021, 35 states and D.C. had laws requiring drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. Some states, like Pennsylvania, mandate four feet. The main challenge in these cases is proving the driver didn't provide the legally required (or simply safe) amount of room. For personalized advice regarding your bicycle accident case, it’s best to consult with an experienced attorney.
Intersection Mayhem (Beyond Left/Right Hooks)
Intersections are a convergence point for all sorts of traffic, and unfortunately, for many types of bicycle accidents. Beyond the specific left and right hook scenarios, a common issue is motorists running red lights or stop signs.
This typically unfolds when a cyclist lawfully enters an intersection, perhaps on a green light or after stopping at a stop sign, only to be hit by a driver who disregards the traffic control device. The law is generally straightforward: drivers must obey traffic signals. However, proving the driver ran the red light or stop sign can be challenging without witnesses or traffic camera footage. General traffic signal compliance laws are fundamental to road safety across all states.
What Makes These Accidents So Common?
"I Didn't Even See Them!" - The Visibility Excuse
This is a phrase heard far too often at accident scenes. Driver distraction is a massive contributor – whether it's cell phones, in-car entertainment, eating, or even just daydreaming. Then there's the phenomenon of "inattentional blindness," where a driver might technically look in the direction of a cyclist but not actually process their presence because their brain is focused on looking for other cars.
And let’s bust the myth of cyclists "darting out of nowhere." While unpredictable movements can happen with any road user, in many intersection and sideswipe scenarios, the cyclist was following the rules of the road, and the driver simply failed to see them or anticipate their presence.
Misunderstanding (or Disregarding) Cyclists' Rights & Road Rules
A pervasive issue is the misunderstanding or outright disregard for the fact that bicycles are generally considered vehicles and have a right to be on the road. This can manifest as aggressive driving behavior around cyclists, such as tailgating, unsafe passing, or hostile interactions.
Furthermore, many drivers (and even some cyclists) are unfamiliar with specific laws pertaining to bicycles, such as a cyclist's right to "take the lane" (ride in the center of a lane) when it's too narrow for a car and bike to safely share side-by-side, or when preparing for a left turn. This lack of knowledge can lead to dangerous assumptions and actions by motorists.
Infrastructure (Or Lack Thereof)
Frankly, the way our roads are designed often doesn't do cyclists any favors. Poorly designed bike lanes—those that abruptly end, are filled with debris, or place cyclists in the "door zone" of parked cars—can be more dangerous than no bike lane at all. Many urban intersections are complex and seem almost engineered to create conflict between cars and non-motorized users.
Then there are road hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, or poorly maintained sewer grates that might be a nuisance for a car but can be catastrophic for a cyclist. These infrastructure failings contribute significantly to the common types of bicycle accidents.
I Was in One of These Accidents... Now What?
Don’t Just Brush It Off
That surge of adrenaline after a crash can effectively mask pain. You might feel shaken but okay, only to wake up the next day with significant soreness or realize an injury is worse than you thought. It's always a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional after any bicycle accident involving a vehicle, even if you think your injuries are minor.
Creating a medical record of any injuries sustained is also important for any potential insurance claim or legal action. Don't let a "tough it out" mentality prevent you from seeking care and documenting what happened.
Consult Your Attorney
The reality is that insurance companies, even your own, are businesses. Their primary goal in an accident situation is often to minimize what they pay out. An adjuster might seem friendly, but they aren't necessarily on your side.
Your rights become especially important when fault for the accident is disputed or if your injuries are significant. How different states handle concepts like negligence, comparative fault (where both parties might share some blame), and the types of damages you can recover varies widely. Legal counsel can explain how these laws apply to your specific bicycle accident.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions on Common Bike Accidents
If a car door opens and I hit it, isn't it partially my fault for not being more careful?
Generally, no. The person opening a car door into moving traffic (which includes bicycles) has a legal duty to ensure it's safe to do so. Many jurisdictions have specific "dooring" laws that place liability on the person opening the door. While cyclists should be aware of their surroundings, the primary responsibility usually rests with the vehicle occupant.
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet? Does that kill my chances of getting compensation?
Not necessarily, but it can complicate things. Whether not wearing a helmet affects your claim depends on state law and the specifics of your accident. Some states might allow this fact to be used to argue "comparative negligence," potentially reducing your compensation if it's determined a helmet would have prevented or lessened your head injuries. Other states may have laws preventing helmet use (or non-use) from being considered in determining fault or damages, especially for adults. It's a nuanced issue.
The driver who hit me got a ticket. Does that automatically mean I win my case?
A traffic ticket issued to the driver can be strong evidence of their negligence, but it doesn't automatically guarantee you'll "win" a civil case for damages. The standard of proof in a traffic violation case is different from a civil personal injury claim. However, the ticket and any conviction can certainly be very helpful in establishing fault.
How long do I typically have to decide if I want to take legal action after a bicycle accident?
This is governed by what's called the "statute of limitations," which is a law setting a deadline for filing a lawsuit. These deadlines vary significantly by state and by the type of claim (e.g., personal injury vs. property damage). It's important to be aware of the specific statute of limitations in your state, as missing the deadline usually means losing your right to sue. For personalized advice regarding your bicycle accident case and applicable deadlines, it's best to consult with an attorney.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene (hit-and-run)? Am I out of luck?
Not necessarily. If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto insurance policy (or a household member's policy), it might cover your injuries in a hit-and-run bicycle accident. Reporting the accident to the police promptly is key. Some states also have victim compensation funds. Pursuing a claim after a hit-and-run can be complex, so legal guidance is often beneficial.
Are there specific things I should
Yes. It's generally advisable to be very cautious. You are typically not obligated to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer immediately, especially if you're still recovering or unsure of all the facts. Avoid speculating about fault, minimizing your injuries ("I'm fine" when you're not sure), or accepting a quick, low settlement offer before you understand the full extent of your damages. It's often wise to consult with an attorney before having extensive conversations with the adverse insurer.
Don't Let a Common Accident Lead to Uncommon Suffering
If you've been involved in any of these scenarios, or another type of bicycle accident, and you're feeling lost in the legal maze, reach out to Auto Injury Litigation Center. Call us at (866) 933-0623.