Cycling is more popular than ever. Whether it’s for commuting, fitness, or fun, more people are hopping on two wheels to get where they need to go. It’s affordable, good for the environment, and a great way to stay in shape. But there’s a downside: sharing the road with motor vehicles isn’t always safe.
Each year, thousands of cyclists suffer injuries in crashes, many of which could have been prevented. So, how safe is it to ride a bicycle on the road today? And what can cyclists do to protect themselves? Most importantly, what happens when precautions aren’t enough and a cyclist is seriously hurt?
The safety of cyclists on public roads has become a growing concern. Despite advancements in helmet design, new bike lanes, and public education campaigns, many cities remain dangerous for two-wheeled travelers. Even experienced riders are at risk every time they ride near motor vehicles.
The reality is that while cycling is a smart, sustainable choice, the infrastructure and public awareness still lag far behind. Motorists may fail to respect cyclists’ rights, road conditions may be inadequate, and in many cases, enforcement of traffic laws that protect cyclists is inconsistent.
Understanding these dangers is key for prevention and knowing what steps to take if an accident happens. If you suffered an injury, speaking with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible can be a vital step toward protecting your future.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost earnings, or pain that just won’t go away, an experienced Lincoln bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Cycling on the Road: An Overview
Bicycling has seen a steady increase in popularity, especially in cities where more people are opting for cleaner, healthier transportation alternatives. Whether riding to work, training for a race, or enjoying the outdoors, you’re likely sharing the road with cars, trucks, and buses.
Unfortunately, not all areas are bike-friendly. Many cities still lack adequate bike lanes, clear road markings, or cyclist-specific signals. In rural areas, narrow shoulders and high-speed traffic can pose significant hazards. Cyclists are considered “vulnerable road users” for a reason—they’re far more exposed than someone in a vehicle.
Even with safety gear like helmets, reflectors, and lights, the risk of injury in a bicycle accident remains high, especially when drivers are distracted, aggressive, or unaware of cyclists’ rights.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists face a wide range of hazards when riding on the road, many of which are beyond their control. While helmets, lights, and bike lanes help reduce risk, they can’t prevent the negligent actions of drivers or poor road conditions.
Understanding the most common causes of bicycle accidents can help riders stay alert and highlight the importance of holding at-fault parties accountable.
Collisions with Motor Vehicles
Collisions with cars are among the most dangerous and fatal types of bicycle accidents. These incidents often occur at intersections, in crosswalks, or while a cyclist is traveling alongside traffic. Common scenarios include:
- A driver making a left-hand turn into the cyclist’s path
- A vehicle turning right without checking for a bike in the bike lane
- Rear-end collisions occur when a driver is following too closely or not paying attention.
In many cases, the driver may claim they “didn’t see” the cyclist, but that doesn’t absolve them of responsibility. Motorists have a duty to remain alert and share the road. When they fail to do so, the consequences for cyclists can be catastrophic.
Dooring Incidents
A dooring accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These crashes are particularly common in cities where bikes and parked cars share narrow streets. The sudden impact can throw the cyclist into traffic or onto the pavement, causing serious head, neck, or spinal injuries.
Despite being preventable with a simple glance over the shoulder, dooring accidents continue to injure cyclists at alarming rates. Many cities now require drivers to use the “Dutch Reach” method (opening the door with the far hand to force a shoulder check), but enforcement and awareness are inconsistent.
Poor Road Conditions
Cyclists are uniquely vulnerable to road hazards that pose little risk to cars. Uneven pavement, loose gravel, broken glass, wet leaves, or unmarked construction zones can cause cyclists to skid or flip their bikes with little to no warning.
Local governments or property owners may be liable when road maintenance is neglected or bike lanes are filled with debris. Unfortunately, many cyclists don’t realize that compensation may be available for accidents caused by unsafe infrastructure. Speaking with a bicycle accident attorney can help clarify liability in these situations.
Limited Visibility
Bicycles are smaller and less visible than motor vehicles, especially at night or during bad weather. But it’s the motorist’s responsibility to remain vigilant. Drivers who fail to use headlights, ignore poor visibility warnings, or speed in low-light conditions dramatically increase the risk of hitting a cyclist.
Cyclists should use front and rear lights, reflectors, and wear bright clothing to improve visibility, but that doesn’t eliminate the duty of care drivers owe them. When a driver fails to see what they reasonably should have, it can amount to negligence under the law.
Distracted or Reckless Driving
Distracted driving is one of the biggest threats to road safety, and its impact on cyclists is especially severe. A few seconds of inattention is all it takes for a driver to drift into a bike lane, miss a stop sign, or fail to notice a cyclist entering an intersection.
Texting, talking on the phone, using GPS apps, eating, or daydreaming behind the wheel can be devastating. Add in reckless behaviors like speeding, tailgating, or running red lights, and it’s clear why so many cyclists suffered an injury due to driver misconduct.
Failure to Yield or Understand Right-of-Way Laws
Many bicycle accidents happen because drivers don’t understand or respect cyclists’ right to share the road. Whether merging, turning, or exiting a driveway, some motorists incorrectly assume they always have the right-of-way. This misunderstanding can lead to devastating collisions, particularly in roundabouts, four-way stops, or when drivers are making unprotected left turns.
While cyclists should always ride defensively and follow traffic laws, the unfortunate truth is that many serious bike crashes result from driver negligence, road design flaws, or inattentive behavior. That’s why it’s so important to document what happened and contact a bicycle accident attorney if you’ve suffered an injury. An experienced lawyer can investigate the cause of your accident, identify who’s responsible, and help pursue the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
How Dangerous Is It? Key Statistics and Trends
The numbers don’t lie—cycling on the road can be dangerous, especially in areas with limited infrastructure or high vehicle traffic. On average, around 900 cyclists are killed and over 130,000 suffer an injury in crashes with vehicles every year in the United States alone.
While helmets reduce the risk of head injuries, they don’t eliminate the danger. Many fatal accidents happen even when cyclists are fully geared and following all safety laws.
Some troubling trends include:
- Increased cyclist fatalities in urban areas
- Higher risk of accidents during evening hours and at intersections
- A growing number of crashes involving SUVs and trucks, which cause more severe injuries due to their size and weight
Additionally, the rise in e-bike usage adds complexity, as higher speeds can increase accident severity and raise liability questions. Despite public awareness campaigns, many drivers still fail to share the road safely with cyclists.
If you’ve suffered an injury in one of these types of accidents, a bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.
Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cycling accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which require immediate medical attention and long-term care. The severity often depends on the speed of impact, the type of collision, and whether the cyclist was wearing protective gear. Some of the most frequent injuries include:
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Internal Injuries
These injuries don’t just cause physical pain—they bring emotional and financial stress as well. Medical bills, lost income, and diminished quality of life are real burdens. A bicycle accident attorney can help seek compensation to cover all these damages.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
The moments after a bicycle crash are overwhelming, but the steps you take can significantly affect your health, safety, and ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do if you’re ever involved in a collision:
- Call Emergency Services
- Document the Scene
- Exchange Information
- Speak to Witnesses
- File a Police Report
- Preserve Evidence
- Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Early legal advice can make all the difference. A lawyer can guide you through the insurance process, ensure you’re not blamed unfairly, and help get the compensation you deserve.
Can Cyclists File Injury Claims? Understanding Your Legal Rights
Yes, cyclists have the right to pursue compensation if injured due to someone else’s negligence. Just like motorists, cyclists are protected by personal injury laws and traffic regulations.
Injured riders can file claims for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Future medical care
Establishing fault in a bicycle accident often requires evidence and legal experience. That’s where a bicycle accident attorney can help.
When Should You Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney?
If you’ve suffered serious injuries or property damage, or if liability is in question, it’s time to contact a bicycle accident lawyer. Especially if:
- The driver denies fault
- You’ve been hospitalized or lost work
- The insurance company is stalling
- A loved one was killed in the crash
Your lawyer can investigate the accident, build your case, and pursue the compensation you need. Most offer free consultations and contingency fees, meaning you don’t pay unless they win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes, you still have rights. Not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically make you at fault or bar you from pursuing compensation. However, the defense may argue that your injuries were worsened by the lack of a helmet, which can impact your settlement. A bicycle accident lawyer can help counter these arguments.
Can I sue for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering is considered a form of non-economic damage and includes physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life. These damages often make up a significant portion of serious injury claims.
What if the driver fled the scene?
If the driver is unknown or uninsured, you may still have options. Many cyclists are covered under their own or a family member’s auto insurance policy through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. A bicycle accident attorney can help explore these options and file a claim on your behalf.
Do I need a bicycle accident lawyer, or can I handle the claim myself?
While it’s possible to handle minor claims alone, serious injuries, liability disputes, or uncooperative insurers make it wise to consult a professional. A bicycle accident lawyer can handle the legal complexities, negotiate aggressively, and ensure you’re treated fairly every step of the way.
Take Action—Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost earnings, or pain that just won’t go away, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Time is critical after an accident. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget key details, and insurance companies might pressure you into settling for less than you need. A knowledgeable attorney will protect your interests, gather the evidence to support your claim, and stand up to insurers on your behalf.
Most bicycle accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. There’s no risk in asking for help, but waiting can have lasting consequences.
Don’t let someone else’s negligence derail your future. Reach out to a trusted bicycle accident lawyer today and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
William "Bill" Steffens
Founder & Senior Attorney
William “Bill” Steffens, originally from Kearney, Nebraska, is the senior partner attorney at Steffens Law Office. He has practiced law in Nebraska for 40 years, specializing in injury law for the last 25 years. Bill has been involved in many community organizations, both civic and religious, holding both appointed and volunteer positions.
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