If you’ve been injured in a bike crash, then the law may entitle you to significant damages as compensation. Many injury victims, especially bike riders, don’t realize that they may have a legitimate legal claim. Since you may have a legitimate claim, it’s important that you don’t assume otherwise. 

We’re here to let you know that you’re not alone. Cycling accidents are extremely common throughout the United States, and ranking high on the list are accidents where a car hits a bicycle. Do not be a statistic. We encourage you to call us at 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free consultation. We can help you take the next steps towards a financial recovery. If you’d like to learn more a bit more about bike crash lawsuits, however, keep reading. 

What are the Chances of Getting in a Bike Accident? 

Unfortunately, it is very likely for cyclists to get into bike accidents. American drivers and roads are simply unfriendly to bicyclists thanks to decades of pro-driving policies. Accident, injury, and fatality statistics bear this out. According to the CDC, nearly 1,000 bicyclists die, and over 130,000 are injured, every year in the United States alone. That’s an enormous number! It is not hard to see just how dangerous it is for bicyclists, and just how common accidents are.  

What are Common Causes and Types of Cyclist Accidents?

Cycling accidents can be caused in variety of ways. It’s also worth noting that the most common “location” for a bike-car collision is at an intersection. Some of the most common causes include:

• Unsafe lane changes
• Blind turns
• Leaving minimal space for cyclists
• Distracted driving
• And more

Depending on how the cycling accident was caused, you’ll want to explore a lawsuit against multiple different defendants. For example, if you were injured at an intersection, it’s possible that you can sue both the driver and the City (if you can show that the traffic lights weren’t working, or that the visibility at the intersection was poor, or some other issue). 

Suing multiple defendants is an effective strategy for securing compensation, as each defendant might not have enough to cover all your losses. To explore your different options, you’ll want to work closely with a bike accident attorney who can identify the issues and possibilities clearly. 

Who is at Fault When a Car Door is Opened on a Cyclist? 

In other words: who is at fault when a cyclist gets doored? Fault is a concept in law that reflects who bears responsibility for the accident. Let’s take a moment to understand how fault might work in this accident context. 

Fault can vary depending on the specifics of the case. If the door was opened into a roadway or in an area where bicyclists are expected (or even encouraged), such as a bike lane, then the person who opened the door would almost certainly be found at-fault. Generally, when someone is opening a door into an area that is trafficked, they have a responsibility to exercise caution and avoid “dooring” others. 

If the roadway is restricted and doesn’t allow cyclists, however, then the cyclist could possibly be found at-fault. That being said, it would be an unlikely and uncommon scenario. 

Where Do Most Bike Accidents Occur? 

Most serious bike accidents occur in urban areas, and the statistics support this. According to the NHTSA, the large majority of bicyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas, with data from 2018 alone showing that 79 percent of bicyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas. That’s nearly 4 in every 5! 

How Much Space Must You Give a Bicyclist When You’re Driving a Car, Even if it Means Going Into the Next Lane to Do it? 

Some states do have specific amounts enshrined in law. For example, in California, drivers are required by law to give bike riders at least three feet of space. That being said, there is no amount of space that is considered enough in every possible situation. Drivers are supposed to give enough room to avoid a collision with the bike rider, and this can vary depending on the circumstances. In poor visibility and poor weather conditions, the driver may be expected to give more space than in better conditions. 

Failure to give enough space can lead to liability. If you were a cyclist and were not given enough space, and this led to a collision, then you could potentially sue the driver for negligence. This can give you a strategic pathway to compensation. 

It’s worth noting that the driver may try to counter this by arguing that you stayed in proximity when you should have established more distance. This is a decent argument, but you can counter it by showing that you were not aware of them passing so closely, or that you didn’t have the option to move away given other traffic. 

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a Free Legal Consultation 

Ready to pursue your bike crash claims and secure compensation? Call 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free consultation with an experienced bike accident attorney in our network. Our attorneys have experience working with bicyclists who were hit by a car, and with those involved in other accident-related bike fails, like a right hook accident. 

Are you a cyclist who was injured in a bicycle-car collision? If so, then you may be entitled to sue for compensation! Laws vary from state-to-state, but as a general rule, negligent and reckless drivers can be held responsible for the damages they cause. 

Biking has grown in popularity in recent years and the United States has an overwhelmingly car oriented culture, so bicycle-car accidents are common. Unfortunately, cycling in the US is dangerous, especially in cities and towns where bike lanes are uncommon and drivers do not know how to share the road. According to Statista, “In 2020, the number of participants (aged six years and older) in bicycling amounted to approximately 52.73 million.” 

Call 1-800-THE-LAW2 today for a free consultation with a bike accident lawyer in your area.

Alarming Bicycle Accidents Statistics

Due to the lack of exterior, shock-absorbing material, cyclists are more vulnerable to severe and fatal injuries during a bike crash. The dangers of cycling in the US are supported by data from the CDC and the NHTSA. 

How Many Cyclists Died in 2020?

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 738 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017 alone. That number continued to grow over the years, in fact, 938 bicyclists were killed in 2020. 

What Is the Number of Bicycle Deaths Per Year in the USA?

Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that around 1000 bicyclists die each year and 130,000 bicyclists are injured each year due to bicycle crashes with motor vehicles. Unfortunately, biking and pedestrian accidents are on the rise since 2009, the numbers are actually getting worse! 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Researchers found that these three items gave rise to bike accidents: 

1. Motorist behaviors
2. Non-motorist behaviors
3. Infrastructure issues

Motorist Behaviors

Motorist behaviors that contribute to bike accidents are: speeding, distracted driving, not following traffic laws, not being aware of traffic laws, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Non-Motorist Behaviors

Non-motorist behaviors, like those of bicyclists and pedestrians, that help to cause bike accidents are: not following traffic laws, not being aware of traffic laws, poor visibility, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Infrastructure Issues

Infrastructure issues that contribute to bicyclist and car accidents are: lack of separation between motorist and bicyclists, bad lighting, traffic and street signs, and marked crosswalks.

Bicycle-Car Accident Prevention

How Can You Prevent Injury While Cycling?

According to the NHTSA, “a large percentage of crashes can be avoided if motorists and cyclists follow the rules of the road.”  The NHTSA outlines Rules of the Road for Riding Safely, and they are as follows: 

• Ride in a straight line, single file.  
• Go with the traffic flow. Ride on the right, and in the same direction as cars.  
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.  
• Ride with both hands on the handlebars, except when signaling a turn or stopping.  
• Practice stopping, then looking left-right-left for traffic before entering a street. 
• Walk your bike across an intersection, instead of riding it across.
• Stay alert. Use your eyes to look for things that could make you fall, such as: potholes, cracks, pebbles, or wet leaves. 
• Do not wear earphones while biking, use your ears instead to listen for traffic.
• Watch for parked cars and cars pulling out or into parking spaces and driveways.  
• Check your bicycle equipment. Make sure your bike tires are properly inflated and that the brakes work.  
• Do not forget your bicycle helmet. Wear it flat on your head and buckled at all times while bicycling.

Share the Road Campaign and Bicycle-Car Safety

In an effort to reduce the number of deaths related to car-bicycle accidents, the NHTSA initiated its Share the Road campaign which offers tips for bike safety. This initiative also provides information about sharing the road safely for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. The idea is that we all need to use the road carefully and be aware of each other when driving, riding, and walking.  

The project highlights that bicyclists have the same rights as drivers on roadways in the U.S. It seeks to inform all road users that bicyclists, as well as motorcyclists, have a distinct disadvantage on the road due to their size and lack of exterior protection. All other motorists need to be alert and aware of this disadvantage, in order to help prevent accidents on the road.

When Can I Sue For a Bicycle-Car Accident?

If you were in a biking accident and got hurt and/or incurred property damage to your bike by a car driver who was not following the rules of the road, you may have a valid personal injury or property damage claim. 

Bicycle Laws by State

It all depends on where you live, the severity of the accident, and who is at fault. Each state has its own laws regarding who is responsible for bicyclists hit by a car. In some cases, and depending on the state, you may have an accident claim, even if you are partly to blame. Your total damages are likely to be reduced by a percentage, but you may still have an actionable claim for compensation.

Examples of Partial Fault

Examples of when a cyclist may be considered partially at fault for an accident can include:

• Not wearing a helmet
• Riding in the street instead of the available bike lane

What to Do if You’re Hit By a Car While on Your Bicycle

If you’re in a bicycle accident with a motorist, you should do the following: 

• Do not panic; make sure you are safe before helping others or moving around 
• Seek medical attention   
• Call 911, if you are able 
• File a police report 
• Provide help to anyone who may be injured, if you are able 
• Collect insurance information from the driver of the vehicle 
• Talk to witnesses, and collect contact information 
• Take pictures of property damage and/or injuries 
• Contact a bicycle accident attorney to make sure your best interests are protected 

Be sure to contact a bike accident attorney BEFORE you speak to any insurance adjusters about the incident. Your accident attorney will work on your behalf, acting as the communication middleman. This prevents you from saying anything that could undermine your claims.

Speak to a Bike Accident Lawyer Near You Today

If you suffered an injury in a bicycle-car accident, you may be able to sue and obtain compensation for your losses. Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 to speak to a bike accident attorney in your area. Consultation is free, so there’s no downside to calling and having a short conversation.

Millions of people in the United States are bicyclists, meaning they ride bikes on a regular basis. They choose cycling for a variety of reasons: commuting, leisure, exercise, competitive racing, and more. If you are a bicyclist, you may be aware that riding a bike on streets and trails in the United States can be extremely dangerous. 

Sadly, when it comes to the design of safe bike paths, city planning in this country lags behind much of the rest of the world. Unused to the presence of cyclists, drivers do not always understand how to safely navigate around cyclists. American cyclists are particularly vulnerable, as many times, they share roadways with cars and other vehicles. The statistics support this unfortunate conclusion. 

Recovery for Bicyclists Hit by Cars

All that cyclists can do is operate their bikes cautiously and learn what options they have for recovery in the event of an accident. If you were hurt in a collision and have suffered serious injuries, know that you are not alone, and that you may have a path to obtaining compensation. 

Legal counsel is important at this stage, you will want to investigate the facts of the case, develop a persuasive argument, and potentially secure a settlement. The proceeds can be used to cover all the losses you’ve suffered, from medical expenses to wage loss, and more.  

Call 1-800-THE-LAW2 to schedule a consultation with an experienced bike accident lawyer in your area.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

How Many Cyclists Die Each Year?

Thousands of bicyclists are injured or killed annually. According to reports by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and over 130,000 are injured in crashes that occur on roads in the United States every year.” 

Bicycle Fatalities in New York City

In New York City alone, roughly eight percent of traffic fatalities involve bicyclists, according to a study conducted by the League of American Bicyclists. The cost of bicycle injuries and deaths is more than $23 billion, when factoring in the amount of money spent on healthcare and lost work productivity, not to mention the decreased quality of life.

Where Do Most Fatal Accidents Occur?

Surprisingly, most fatal bike accidents don’t occur at intersections. In fact, 27% cyclist fatalities take place at intersections, while 64% happen streets away from intersections, where cars drive faster. Another factor that comes into play is drunk driving. According to the CDC, “About one-third of crashes that result in a bicyclist’s death involve alcohol for the motor vehicle driver and/or bicyclist.” 

Cycling Groups at Higher Risk for Bicycle Injuries & Death

For example, those between the ages of 55 and 69 have the highest level of risk for death. Teens and young adults have the highest level of risk for emergency room injuries. From a gender standpoint, men in bike accidents are six times more likely than their female counterparts to die. They are also five times more likely than women to be injured.

Of course, the injuries themselves have varying impacts. Bike injuries impact people differently depending on a number of factors, including age and gender. 

Safety Precautions for Bicyclists While Bike Riding

Helmets Help to Prevent Bicycle Injuries and Deaths

While all this information may seem grim, bike injuries and deaths can be prevented. In fact, the most efficient and effective step that you can take to minimize injuries is to simply wear a helmet.

Bike helmets reduce brain injury risks substantially, but not every helmet is made equal. Make sure the helmet that you’re wearing is of good quality, and that it fits your head appropriately. Doing so, could save your life. 

Bright, Reflective Clothing Helps Improve Visibility

Other safety interventions include the use of reflective clothing. Wearing bright, reflective clothes can make you, the cyclist, significantly more visible to drivers that are using the same roadway. 

Bicycle Front and Rear Lights

Lighting is crucial, too. In most states, bicyclists are required by law to install active lighting systems. This includes front white lights and rear red lights. In some cases, additional lighting that illuminates your bike may also be a requirement. 

Accident attorneys help in all aspects of filing a bicycle accident claim. Call 1-800-THE-LAW2 to speak with a compassionate and experienced bicycle accidents lawyer near you today.

What To Do If You Were in a Bike Crash

If you are in a bike accident, there are several steps you should take to preserve the evidence for your legal claim. These steps also ensure that you are in the best possible position to move forward with a lawsuit. They are:

1. Obtain medical care
2. Speak with eye witnesses, law enforcement, and so forth.
3. Collect photo evidence of the accident
4. Provide requested information during a police report
5. Get contact information for eyewitnesses who saw the bike crash

In the Case of a Known Sustained, Severe Injury

First, obtain necessary medical care. If you sustained severe injuries, do not spend time talking to eyewitnesses at the accident site. If you were hurt or injured, your number one priority is to get to a doctor and obtain the care you need to survive and recover. If you have any noticeable pain, call 9-1-1 to be safe. 

In the Case of Sustained, Minor Injuries

That being said, not all accidents give rise to “immediate” injury. In some cases, you may have an opportunity to speak with eyewitnesses, law enforcement, and others.

Take photos of your injuries and the accident, they can be used as evidence later to prove what you’re saying in court.  

If you’re around when police arrive on the scene, provide whatever information they request about the accident. But, don’t make any admissions that aren’t required. In fact, at this point, you could start to encounter challenges with matching your legal narrative to the perceived accident facts. To help guide you through this initial process, contact an attorney ASAP.

Your attorney, or yourself, can collect contact information from any eyewitnesses who saw the bike crash take place. This testimony is invaluable in developing an airtight, persuasive personal injury case. 

Find a Bicycle Accident Attorney to Help

If you are the victim of a bike crash, whether it involves a car or any other vehicle hitting a bicycle, you will want to find a skilled bicycle accident lawyer near you to handle your accident case. 

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 today for a free and confidential consultation. We will connect you to a qualified attorney in just 10 minutes or less. 

Bear in mind that you have a limited amount of time to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you could lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries, so do not delay! Call 1-800-THE-LAW2 as soon as possible to learn more.