June 23, 2025
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents—And Who’s Liable
Bicycling is a healthy, eco-friendly mode of transportation, but it can also be dangerous—especially when cars, road conditions, or negligent parties are involved. Every year, thousands of cyclists are injured or killed in preventable accidents. If you or a loved one has been hurt while riding a bicycle, understanding the most common causes of these accidents—and who may be held liable—can help you protect your legal rights and seek compensation.
Driver Negligence
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is motorist error. Drivers often fail to respect cyclists’ rights to share the road, leading to collisions. Common forms of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting or using GPS)
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Opening car doors into cyclists’ paths (“dooring”)
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
In these situations, the driver is typically held liable for the accident. If it’s proven they acted negligently and caused the crash, their insurance may be responsible for covering medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and poorly marked bike lanes can create hazardous conditions for cyclists. If a crash occurs due to unsafe infrastructure, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road—such as a city or county—could be held liable.
However, claims against government agencies are subject to specific rules and tight deadlines. You may need to file a notice of claim within a short time frame, often as little as 30–90 days after the accident. A bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through this process and help determine whether a public entity may be at fault.
Defective Bicycles Or Components
Sometimes, the accident isn’t caused by a motorist or a pothole—but by the bike itself. If a brake system fails or a tire suddenly blows out due to a manufacturing defect, the bicycle manufacturer or retailer could be liable under product liability laws.
In these cases, the injured cyclist must prove that the product was defective and that the defect directly caused the accident. Product liability claims can be complex, requiring expert analysis and evidence preservation.
Other Cyclists Or Pedestrians
As our friends at Azari Law, LLC can attest, not all bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles. Collisions with other cyclists or pedestrians can also lead to injury. If another party acted recklessly—such as weaving unpredictably, crossing the road without looking, or ignoring traffic signals—they may bear liability.
Determining Liability
In any bicycle accident case, determining liability involves a detailed investigation, including:
- Reviewing police and accident reports
- Examining video footage or photos
- Collecting witness statements
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
Often, more than one party may share fault. In some states, comparative negligence laws allow an injured cyclist to recover damages even if they were partially responsible for the accident.
Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons—but in most cases, someone’s negligence is to blame. Identifying the cause and determining liability is crucial for recovering compensation. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash, consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.