Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle trips account for only about one percent of all trips in the U.S., yet bicyclists still face a higher risk of crash injury and deaths than occupants of motor vehicles.

In one year in the United States, over 1,000 bicyclists died and there were almost 467,000 bicycle-related injuries. The majority of bike accidents involve a car. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey, the six most common causes of injury to cyclists are:

• Hit by a car—30 percent
• Fall from bike—17 percent
• Poorly maintained roadways—13 percent
• Bike rider errors—13 percent
• Collision with fixed object—7 percent

Of those accidents reported, negligent car drivers failed to see the cyclist in 18 percent of bike accidents that involved a car. In 22 percent of car-related bicycle accidents, a driver or passenger opened a car door into an oncoming cyclist.

Bicycle accidents most commonly occur in intersections, bike lanes, city streets without bike lanes, playgrounds and parks, school and pedestrian crossing zones, and parking lot and driveway entries onto public streets. Motorists may be negligent if they are in violation of a traffic ordinance, such as a failure to yield or fail to look at their blind spots before changing lanes or turning.

A city may be liable for failing to properly maintain roads, and if a dangerous road causes an injury. If injured, pedestrian injuries may be able to file a claim and recover medical costs and other damages.

Following serious bicycle accidents or E-scooter accidents, victims should contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to investigate.

Joe Lyon is a highly-rated product liability attorney and experienced bicycle accident lawyer, well-versed in the science and economic impact such has on the victim’s life and family.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Adults between 50 to 59 years old have the highest bicycle death rates. Males die 6-times more often and are injured 4-times more often on bicycles than females. Most bicyclist deaths occur in urban areas and at non-intersection locations. Common causes include:

• Distracted car drivers
• Excessive speeding
• Failing to yield
• Failing to leave space when passing a cyclist
• Cutting off or turning directly in front of a cyclist
• Opening a door in cyclist’s path
• Texting and driving
• Aggressive driving behavior
• Defective bicycles

Bicycle Safety & Accident Prevention

Cyclists can protect themselves by taking the following safety measures:

• Obeying traffic laws
• Remaining alert—driving defensively
• Wearing a helmet and other protective gear
• Avoid alcohol: among bicyclist deaths, over a third involve alcohol consumption either for the motor vehicle driver or bicyclist
• Rider visibility: wear fluorescent or retro-reflective clothing
• Bike lights: include front white lights, rear red lights, or other lighting on the bicycle.

Bicycle Accidents & Resulting Injuries

There are on average 15 deaths a year in Ohio from cyclist-related accidents, and up to 45,000 injuries. Cyclists involved in motor vehicle accidents may suffer serious injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Facial injuries
• Dental injuries
• Neck & Spinal Injury
• Internal injuries
• Severe road rash
• Amputations