Driver negligence and reckless driving by motorists are often the cause of bicycle accidents; defective bike components are another. But even with the protection provided by bike lanes, safety gear, and traffic laws, bicyclists still lack the protection of a car frame, making riders more vulnerable to serious, life-threatening injuries.
In 2022, 1,105 bicyclists were killed in crashes involving motor vehicles (Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center).
How Driver Negligence Leads to Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle accidents occur because of careless or reckless driving behaviors, including:
- Turning in front of the cyclist or failing to yield the right-of-way
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving (texting, talking, or impaired attention)
- Speeding and running a stop sign or red light
- Drifting into a bike lane
Seriously Injured in a Bicycle Accident? We Are Here to Help.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
- Abrasions, contusions, and lacerations
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Brain contusions
- Intracranial hemorrhage
Road Hazards & Bicycle Accidents
Another cause of bicycle accidents is abrupt changes in the road’s surface such as potholes. These road defects can be extremely dangerous for cyclists, causing them to fall off or lose control and veer into the path of a car.
Examples of Dangerous Road Conditions
- Improper placement of utility poles or trees too near the roadway
- Foliage obstructing stop signs
- Lack of a properly designed shoulder
- Improperly designed intersections
- Uncovered ditches (obstructions or poor drainage design)
Unpredictable road conditions put cyclists at risk.
NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
- Explore our blog articles related to Bike Safety and Driver Safety.
- Missouri’s Model Vehicle Code lists a number of traffic ordinances specifically enforced for bicycles
Questions? Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.
Defective Bike Components
While bicycle accidents caused by defective bike components may be less common, they still happen and can cause serious injuries. If your accident was caused by a faulty bike part, one of Nash & Franciskato’s product liability lawyers can help you pursue compensation.
Fill out our free case evaluation online.
Building a Strong Case with Experienced Attorneys
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries that can involve not just immediate expenses but ongoing, long-term medical treatment.
You want experienced attorneys who will conduct a thorough investigation and build your case so that you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will provide sound legal advice and guidance throughout the process, gathering evidence, such as:
- Gathering the specific details and photos of your bicycle accident
- Assessing applicable local, state, and federal laws
- Investigating road hazards, whether sufficient warning of the hazard was provided, how long the hazard has been in place, and the responsible parties
Most bike accident lawsuits will require assistance from a personal injury lawyer, an expert who knows how Missouri law affects car and bicycle riders.
Resources for You
- Chapter 300 and Chapter 307 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
- Missourit’s Bike and Pedestrian Laws.
Free Case Evaluation with a Trusted Bicycle Attorney
If you or someone in your family has been involved in a serious bicycle accident, the attorneys at Nash & Franciskato will help you obtain the compensation you deserve. In the Kansas City area and across Missouri, the Nash & Franciskato Law Firm will fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.
Contact Us for a Free Review of Your Case
This post was originally published January 9, 2016. It was reviewed on May 23, 2024, updated for content and accuracy, and republished at that time. It was reviewed and edited last on April 25, 2025.
FAQ
Some of the more common scenarios include:
Left cross is when a car is coming towards the bicyclist and makes a sudden left turn into the cyclist or in front of the cyclist.
A left-cross in the blind spot occurs when the cyclist is riding to the right and behind a car going straight, and a left-turning motorist sees a gap behind that car and quickly turns behind the car but into the path of a cyclist.
Right hook is when a cyclist passes a slow-moving car on the right,t and the car suddenly turns right into the cyclist.
Trailer whip effect occurs when a driver simply jerks or jolts his or her steering wheel too quickly, causing the trailer behind the vehicle to shift violently. This can be deadly for a cyclist.
Check out this article, How To Not Get Hit by Cars, for more information.
According to the NHTSA, “bicyclists are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. When cycling in the streets, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.”