Types of Bicycle Accidents

Posted on December 31, 2009 by Jason Krebs

In 2008, there were about 52,000 bicycle accidents with injuries although the number is likely higher as many accidents go unreported if there is no damage to the car involved. (By "bicycle accident" I mean one involving a bike and a car or other vehicle, not you doing an endo on the trail and breaking your arm.)  Bicyclists have the same right to use the road as any other vehicle and also the same responsibility to obey traffic laws.  Because of their size however, bicyclists can be more vulnerable to the inattentiveness of drivers.  The majority of accidents between bikes and cars occur at intersections and since the driver of the car may be checking email or texting at the stop sign, cyclists need to be extra vigilant about being sure that drivers see them.  Keep reading to see the most common types of bicycle accidents.

Broadside or Right AngleBoradside Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accident where a bicyclist hits or is hit by a vehicle on a perpendicular roadway or driveway.  The car may not stop if signs require it to, or it may proceed again without realizing a cyclist is taking its turn at the intersection
 
 
 
Overtaking Turn or Right Hook
Overtaking Turn or Right Hook Bicycle AccidentBicycle accident where a bicyclist hits or is hit by a vehicle traveling in the same direction as the bicyclist, approaching from behind, and turns right,crossing the path of the bike.  An especially frustrating and seemingly avoidable kind of accident as surely the car sees the cyclist if it just passed the bike.
 
 
Approach Turn or Left CrossBicycle Accident-Approach Turn or Left Cross
Bicycle accident where a bicyclist hits or is hit by a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction and turning right or left.  Again, the car failed to stop or yield or proceed through without realizing a bike was approaching.
 
 
Sideswipe
Bicycle accident where a bicyclist hits or is hit by a vehicle traveling in the same direction or opposite direction as the bicyclist, or the car is changing lanes, passing or weaving.  This type of bicycle accident can be fatal as high rates of speed can be involved.
 
Rear End or Hit from Behind
Bicycle accident similar to this between type of accident between two cars. The vehicle does see the bike or misjudges the distance and hits the bicycle from behind.  This type of bicycle accident accounts for many fatalities.
 
Remember, bikes are to ride on the same side of the road as cars.  Don't confuse things by riding on the sidewalk or the wrong side of the road.  Be cautious and aware, but also be confident.  If you are injured in a bicycle accident, call an attorney who also is a cyclist--Jason Krebs of The Krebs Law Firm. 
 
Images courtesy of a report on bicycle accidents in Fort Collins, Colorado published in The Coloradoan.
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