When a bicycle accident occurs, figuring out who was at fault can be one of the most important—and most disputed—parts of the aftermath. Because both drivers and cyclists have legal responsibilities on the road, the cause of the crash isn’t always obvious. In some cases, one party clearly made a wrong move. In others, both sides may have played a part. Looking at common fault scenarios helps us understand how these claims are evaluated and what matters most in reaching a fair outcome.
Failure To Yield At Intersections
Many bicycle accidents happen at intersections, especially when one person fails to yield the right of way. A driver turning left in front of a cyclist or pulling out from a side street without stopping often leads to collisions. If a driver failed to follow traffic signals or didn’t wait for a clear path, they may be found at fault. But cyclists also have a duty to follow traffic laws, including stopping at signs and riding with the flow of traffic.
Dooring Incidents And Parked Vehicles
“Dooring” is a common problem in areas with street parking. This happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist. It’s often sudden and hard to avoid. In most cases, the person who opened the door is held responsible, especially if they failed to check for oncoming cyclists before exiting the vehicle. These types of crashes often lead to injuries and raise clear questions of fault.
Unsafe Passing Or Crowding The Cyclist
Drivers are required to give cyclists enough space when passing. In Florida, that means leaving at least three feet of clearance. When a driver crowds a cyclist or passes too closely, they increase the chance of a collision. If a crash happens during a pass, the driver’s distance from the cyclist and the way they maneuvered their vehicle are key factors in assigning fault.
Riding Against Traffic Or Outside Bike Lanes
While cyclists have the right to share the road, they also have to follow traffic laws. That includes riding in the correct direction, using marked bike lanes when available, and obeying signals. If a cyclist rides against traffic or suddenly moves into a traffic lane without signaling, they may be considered at least partially responsible for the accident. These details can affect how fault is determined and how liability is divided.
Distracted Driving Or Inattention
Many bicycle accidents are caused because a driver simply wasn’t paying attention. Looking down at a phone, failing to check mirrors, or being unaware of a cyclist in the roadway can lead to serious crashes. In these cases, fault often rests with the driver who failed to keep a proper lookout. Witnesses, traffic footage, or phone records may help clarify what happened.
Each bicycle accident has its own set of facts, but the reasoning behind fault comes down to whether each person followed the rules and acted with reasonable care. At Warner & Fitzmartin – Personal Injury Lawyers, we work with injured cyclists to sort through the details and protect their rights. If you’re looking for a Lake Worth, FL bicycle accident lawyer who can help evaluate your situation and move forward, we’re here to assist.