Bicycle accidents are rarely just “accidents.” More often than not, they are the direct result of negligence on the part of motor vehicle drivers. Understanding these common causes is crucial for building a strong legal case:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers engrossed in their phones, GPS systems, or other distractions are less likely to notice cyclists on the road, leading to devastating collisions.
• Failing to Yield: Many cycling incidents happen when motorists do not yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections, stop signs, or while turning.
• Dooring Accidents: This accident happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist without looking, causing the cyclist to collide with the door or be thrown into traffic.
• Improper Lane Changes: Drivers may change lanes without checking their blind spots, where cyclists might be riding, resulting in a side-swipe or head-on collision.
• Driving While Impaired: Impaired drivers react more slowly, substantially increasing the chance of a bicycle accident.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or to avoid cyclists, leading to more severe injuries in the event of a collision.
• Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage can put cyclists in dangerous situations, often forcing them off the road or into collisions.
• Unsatisfactory Road Conditions: Sometimes the road is not in good shape. In such cases, a municipality or other entity may be held liable.