Riding a bicycle is a great way to stay fit, cut down on gas expenses, and enjoy the fresh air.
But let’s face it—cycling on roads today comes with its risks. Whether you’re riding for fun, commuting to work, or doing long-distance rides, sharing the road with cars, trucks, and even pedestrians can quickly turn dangerous.
If you or someone you know has been in a bicycle accident, it’s important to understand your rights and options. You might want to consult a bicycle accident lawyer from William Mattar to learn more about what steps to take and how to protect yourself legally.
Now, let’s break down the most common types of bicycle accidents that happen in the US and what you should know about them.
- Dooring Accidents
This one happens when a parked car suddenly opens its door right in front of a moving cyclist. The rider often has no time to react, and the collision can be severe. It’s especially common in cities with a lot of street parking. Cyclists are advised to ride at a safe distance from parked cars, but in tight lanes, that’s not always possible. Drivers should always check their mirrors before opening the door, but unfortunately, many don’t.
- Left-Turn Collisions
This occurs when a vehicle making a left turn fails to see an oncoming cyclist. The car driver either misjudges the cyclist’s speed or simply overlooks them. These accidents are dangerous because the vehicle cuts directly into the cyclist’s path, often causing a head-on crash.
It’s important for cyclists to make themselves visible and ride defensively at intersections, especially when cars are turning.
- Right Hook Accidents
In a right hook crash, a car passes a cyclist going in the same direction, then makes a sudden right turn directly in front of them. This type of accident is frustrating because it often feels like the driver “cut off” the cyclist.
Cyclists can help avoid this by staying out of blind spots and keeping an eye on a car’s turn signals and tire movements.
- Rear-End Collisions
Getting hit from behind is every cyclist’s nightmare. This usually happens when a driver isn’t paying attention or misjudges the distance and speed of a bicycle. Nighttime riding or poor weather conditions can make cyclists even harder to see.
Lights, reflectors, and bright clothing are key to reducing the risk, but drivers must also be more attentive and cautious around cyclists.
- Side-Swiping
This kind of accident happens when a vehicle passes too closely and brushes or hits the cyclist. Narrow roads and high-speed traffic often lead to these types of collisions. There are laws in many states requiring vehicles to give at least 3 feet of space when passing a bike, but not everyone follows them.
Cyclists can use hand signals and try to claim a bit more space on the road to discourage close passing.
Final Thoughts
Cycling should be enjoyable, not dangerous. Unfortunately, these five types of bicycle accidents happen far too often in the US, and they can have life-changing consequences.
Whether you’re a new rider or have been pedaling for years, understanding how these crashes happen helps you ride smarter and safer.
If you ever find yourself in a bike accident, don’t try to handle everything on your own. Talk to a professional, understand your rights, and take care of your health first. A little preparation goes a long way in protecting yourself both on the road and off.
By: Chris Bates
