Bicycling offers a healthy and efficient way to get around, but accidents are unfortunately common, especially in areas with heavy vehicle traffic. These crashes can lead to serious injuries and often involve misunderstandings about the rules of the road. To improve safety and reduce the number of incidents, it helps to understand the main reasons bicycle accidents happen. By identifying the most common causes, we can better protect ourselves and others on the road.
Drivers Failing To See Cyclists
One of the leading reasons bicycle accidents occur is simply that drivers don’t see cyclists until it’s too late. Bikes are smaller and easier to miss, especially in blind spots or when a driver is turning. This is particularly true at intersections or when a cyclist is riding alongside parked cars. A driver may look for other vehicles but forget to watch for bikes sharing the lane. These oversights often lead to collisions that could have been prevented with more awareness.
Lack Of Bike Lanes Or Road Space
Many roads still don’t have designated bike lanes, which forces cyclists to ride close to moving vehicles. When there isn’t enough space, the risk of sideswipe accidents increases. Drivers might pass too closely or cut back into the lane too soon, clipping a cyclist’s wheel or pushing them off course. Even roads that do have bike lanes can be dangerous if drivers treat them as extra space for turns or parking.
Dooring And Parked Car Incidents
A common but avoidable cause of bicycle accidents is “dooring,” which happens when someone opens a car door into a cyclist’s path. If we’re riding alongside parked cars and someone inside suddenly opens their door, there’s often no time to avoid the impact. These accidents can result in broken bones, head injuries, and other serious outcomes. Drivers and passengers are responsible for checking before opening doors, but it’s often overlooked.
Sudden Turns And Improper Right-of-way
Drivers making fast or unexpected turns are another major risk for cyclists. Left turns in front of oncoming bikes or right turns without checking for a cyclist traveling straight are two common examples. These accidents happen when drivers misjudge how fast a cyclist is moving or don’t realize a cyclist is in the lane at all. When drivers don’t respect the right-of-way rules, the results can be dangerous for anyone on a bike.
Distracted Or Aggressive Driving
Distracted driving affects everyone on the road, but cyclists are especially vulnerable. A driver looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, or simply not focused on traffic might drift into a bike lane or run a stop sign. Aggressive driving—like speeding or tailgating—also increases the risk, especially if a driver tries to overtake a cyclist without enough space.
At Warner & Fitzmartin – Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve worked with many individuals injured in preventable crashes. Knowing why bicycle accidents happen helps us support better safety practices and hold the right parties accountable. If you’re looking for a Lake Worth, FL bicycle accident lawyer to help you after a crash, we’re ready to stand with you.