U.S. road safety has become a bleak picture. According to the IIHS, 42,514 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2022. It’s a huge number and indicates the country’s failure to tackle the roadway safety problem.
Moreover, the problem is getting worse. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported a 10% increase in lives lost in 2022 compared to 2020. Naturally, your risk of being involved in an accident depends on where you live, what you drive, and your demographic. For cyclists who have been involved in an accident, consulting an Austin bicycle accident lawyer can provide essential legal assistance.
That leads us to the question, is it safer to ditch cars and switch to cycling? In today’s article, we’ll extract the statistics to discover whether riding a bicycle to where you need to go is the safer option.
Key Takeaways
Car accidents are more common than bike accidents because only around 1% of journeys in the U.S. are made by cyclists.
In all metrics, cycling accidents are more dangerous than car accidents due to the exposed nature of cycling.
Bicyclist deaths have reached record highs in recent years, with serious injuries also rising as more cyclists take to the roads.
Liability in cycling accidents is evaluated based on the actions of the driver and the cyclist. In at-fault states, blame may be apportioned to both parties, impacting the ability of parties to claim monetary compensation.
The most common injuries to cyclists include broken bones, head injuries, road rash, and internal organ damage.
Cyclists should seek medical attention, gather evidence, and contact an attorney who can file a personal injury lawsuit if they’re involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault.
Are Bike Accidents More Common Than Car Accidents?
Car accidents are more common than bike accidents in the U.S. According to LookupAPlate, 130,000 cyclists are injured on U.S. roads. In comparison, two million drivers are involved in accidents every year.
Case closed, right?
Unfortunately, the figures must be taken in context. According to ConsumerAffairs, there were 243 million licensed drivers in the U.S. in 2023, or around 72% of the total population. In contrast, Amazon Web Services found that only 32% of Americans above the age of three rode a bicycle in the past year.
In short, there are many more drivers on the roads than the estimated number of cyclists. It’s only natural that car accidents would be more common because there are fewer of these road users. It’s the same reason car accidents are more common than auto collisions involving buses, trucks, and motorcycles.
Bicycle vs. Car Accident Statistics
Bicycles are involved in fewer statistics but are the likeliest to be severely injured or killed as a proportion. According to the National Institutes of Health, hospital report cyclists comprise the most significant percentage of severely injured compared to other road user groups. The takeaway is that bicycles are among the most dangerous options for getting around.
The League of American Bicyclists reported that the number of bicyclists killed has reached record highs. Last year, 1,105 people riding their bicycles were killed in a crash with a motor vehicle.
The presence of cyclists has also been a problem for zones with traditionally high accident rates. For example, another National Institutes of Health study found that intersections with bicycle lanes accounted for 50.9% of all intersection accidents nationwide. Unfortunately, this area is also a hotspot for accidents involving severe and fatal injuries.
Obviously, one of the most significant reasons cyclists are in this position is that they lack protection. Even low-speed crashes can be devastating for these road users. Another issue is a lack of driver education and awareness. The National Safety Council found that preventable bicyclist deaths occur 47% more often than a decade ago.
Overall, the Federal Highway Administration found that 19% of all deaths involved cyclists, pedestrians, and nonmotorized vehicles. In short, America’s roadways are rarely equipped for cyclists. Riding a bicycle means you’re likelier to be involved in an accident that could leave you with life-changing injuries or even cost you your life.
How Dangerous are Car vs. Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents are significantly more dangerous because of the lack of protection riders have against impacts. Modern cars are equipped with an array of safety devices, including seat belts and airbags, whereas cyclists have no such protections. As such, your risk of injury and death as a cyclist is dramatically higher.
It’s also worth mentioning that even without auto safety devices, drivers are surrounded by four walls of metal. Although any accident is traumatizing, motorists are likely to walk away from minor collisions, whereas the same impact for a cyclist could kill them.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, bicycle injuries cost $23 billion annually. This figure includes medical costs, lost wages, permanent disability, and reduced quality of life.
Dangers Faced by Bikers
Bikers are directly exposed to traffic, the weather, poor road conditions, and other dangers that could result in an auto accident. Due to these threats, it’s essential for bikers to follow the law and stay alert at all times.
The risks that result in the most bicyclist deaths include:
Direct exposure to poor weather conditions.
Reduced visibility.
Dangerous, fast-moving intersections.
Poor road conditions.
Unpredictable motorist and pedestrian behavior.
Lack of protection if an accident occurs.
Lack of driver awareness.
Even experienced cyclists can still find themselves being injured because of the actions of others. America’s busy roadways aren’t bike-friendly, meaning that cyclists must be extra careful whenever they take to the roads.
Who is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle is Involved in an Accident?
Bicycle accidents don’t automatically mean liability goes one way or the other. Determining liability requires examining all available evidence in the same way as assessing liability in a car accident.
States with at-fault laws will attempt to find out who caused the accident and to what extent. Some locations, such as Illinois and Texas, operate under comparative negligence laws. Comparative negligence means that both parties can be given part of the blame for an accident. In both states, you can't claim monetary compensation if you’re more than 50% responsible for an accident.
Who is at fault usually depends on whether someone broke the rules of the road. For example, a cyclist who runs a red light and causes an accident is the same as a motorist who runs a red light and causes one.
Determining Liability in Bicycle vs. Car Accidents
Determining liability focuses on whether both parties adhered to the rules of the road. Establishing liability will examine the actions of the cyclist and the driver to decide who was at fault. Likewise, the investigation will examine other factors, like road conditions and dedicated cycling infrastructure.
Some incidents are relatively easy to investigate and decide who the at-fault party was. Still, others require in-depth investigations consisting of personal injury lawyers, accident reconstructionists, and insurance adjusters.
Let’s explore the main factors and considerations influencing liability.
Cyclist’s Actions
The cyclist’s actions up to the point of impact will be examined. They may be deemed to have been at fault if they performed an action that could have been considered reckless or dangerous. Examples include:
Running a red light
Running a stop sign
Riding between lanes
Unexpectedly crossing the road
Merging with traffic from the sidewalk
Driver’s Behavior
On the other hand, the behavior of the driver also matters. If the driver wasn’t following the rules of the road, they could be assigned the blame. Examples of actions that could result in liability being placed on the driver include:
Talking on the phone
Texting while driving
Passing too close to the cyclist
Driving under the influence
Speeding
Road Conditions
Road conditions may also have contributed to the accident. Some accidents may not actually be the fault of either party, which can make many of these lawsuits unique.
For example, if a pothole caused a cyclist to swerve unexpectedly, it may be determined that neither party was at fault, and liability falls on the local authority.
Cycling Infrastructure
Liability can also be impacted by whether there is cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes. If there are bike lanes, it may be determined that the motorist should have been aware of cyclists and that the accident was avoidable.
Visibility
Was the cyclist wearing visible clothing and using working headlights? Safety measures like these reduce injuries and improve bicycle safety by ensuring the cyclist can be seen, especially if visibility is poor.
What a Cyclist Should Know if the Car Driver is Liable
The injured cyclist will speak to the driver’s auto insurance company when the car driver is at fault for an accident. All cyclists should hire a personal injury attorney to negotiate a settlement with the car insurance firm to ensure they get a settlement that reflects their losses. Remember, the driver’s insurer isn’t on your side and wants to minimize how much they provide in compensation.
The number one piece of advice is to document everything about the accident and your post-accident care. Keep all your documents organized and maintain the receipts. Likewise, you should call the local authorities to get a crash report filled out by a police officer.
Any evidence you gather can and will be used in any future personal injury lawsuit to ensure you win the settlement you deserve.
What to Do if the Cyclist is At Fault
Traffic accidents where the cyclist is at fault can result in drivers taking legal action to recover their losses. In nearly all accidents involving a cyclist, the cyclist will be the injured party, so it’s vital to call 911 and notify the local police.
If the cyclist is at fault, they’re responsible for all damages to the car. Many cyclists take out insurance for this reason because if they don’t have an active policy, they’ll have to pay all damages from their own pockets.
Drivers may also consider hiring a transport injury lawyer to enforce their legal rights and ensure their damages are covered and collected.
What to Do After a Car Accident With a Bicycle
After a car accident with a bicycle, it’s vital to care for the cyclist’s injuries, call the police, and begin documenting evidence from the scene. You also need to inform your insurance and begin exploring your next steps with the help of a cycling accident attorney.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to what to do after a car accident with a bicycle:
Step One – Check on the cyclist to ensure they’re okay. In practically all cases, it’s the cyclist who will be injured. Even low-speed crashes could result in catastrophic injuries, so call an ambulance if they’re seriously hurt.
Step Two – Call the police and ask them to attend. Many states require you to notify law enforcement if there’s an injury from an accident on a public roadway. An officer can complete an official accident report for you.
Step Three – Gather evidence from the scene using your smartphone. Take photos of visible injuries, vehicular damage, roadway conditions, and signage. You should also ask eyewitnesses if they’d be willing to provide their contact details and give a statement.
Step Four – Notify your insurance provider that you’ve been involved in an accident. Nearly all insurers demand that you notify them of all accidents within 24-72 hours. If you don’t, it could invalidate your coverage.
Step Five – Contact a lawyer to discuss your next steps. Working with San Antonio bicycle accident lawyers is the best way to construct your case and get objective advice on what you should do next.
Whether you’re the cyclist or the driver in an accident, monitor your symptoms to ensure that you don’t have any injuries. Ideally, you should see a doctor for a precautionary checkup anyway. Many injuries may not be apparent until hours after the accident, when the adrenaline wears off.
What are the Most Common Cycling Injuries?
The most common cycling injuries involve the back, neck, and joints. Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, are common, as are visible injuries like broken teeth, facial scarring, and the dreaded road rash. Low-speed accidents regularly threaten the lives of cyclists, making it among the most dangerous sports.
Let’s go further into the most common cycling injuries you can claim compensation for if you were involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Back and Neck Injuries
Damage to the neck and back are typical outcomes of cycling accidents. Anything from herniated discs in the neck to spinal cord damage is a potential outcome of these types of incidents.
According to the Mayo Clinic, sports and recreational activities, including cycling, are responsible for around 10% of spinal cord injuries.
Any injuries to the back or neck could result in chronic pain and even long-term disability, such as paralysis.
Broken Bones
Cycling exposes your body to impact injuries, including fractures. Broken bones are dangerous because they can pierce organs or result in surgery to repair compound fractures. A simple broken bone could become life-threatening if internal injuries are caused.
The most common bones broken in cycling accidents include:
Collarbones
Hands
Wrists
Fingers
Hips
Femurs
Arms
Feet
Ankles
Cyclists can break any number of bones, and most accidents will lead to more than one broken bone. The exposed nature of cycling means that walking away with a broken bone is often considered a victory.
Broken or Missing Teeth
Hitting the ground face first could damage teeth, including chipping, breaking, or knocking out teeth. Restorative dental work can potentially cost thousands of dollars and require months of care. It can also cause considerable pain, especially if implants or veneers are required.
Moreover, dental work isn’t permanent, meaning you must replace your implants every 10-20 years.
Facial Scarring and Disfigurement
Cyclists face permanent damage to their appearance through extensive scarring if their faces touch the road surface or the face becomes the primary impact point. Damage to noses, orbital bones, or exposure to fire could cause permanent disfigurement requiring surgery to correct.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma to the body opens cyclists up to organ damage. Unfortunately, internal damage often isn’t immediately apparent, even if you begin bleeding. Any form of organ damage is a medical emergency that can quickly turn life-threatening.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is another common outcome of cycling accidents. Most types of nerve damage occur in the rider’s arms, hands, and figures because it’s natural to extend your arms to try to break your fall.
Living with nerve damage can be painful and result in limited function in the afflicted areas. This could force you into a permanent disability.
Partial or Complete Paralysis
Paralysis is one of the most devastating outcomes of any cycling accident. Spinal cord damage is the most common cause of partial or complete paralysis and is considered to be a life-altering injury.
Although some accident victims regain some function and movement in time, no guaranteed cures exist for paralysis.
Permanent Eye Damage
Your eyes are among the most sensitive parts of your body. Sadly, bicycle accidents can result in permanent eye damage, including blindness, because of the blunt force trauma sustained to the head and face.
Damage to eye nerves could lead them to become non-functioning. Corneal abrasions can also occur from flying debris, which scratches the cornea, resulting in blurred vision and light sensitivity.
Road Rash
Road rash is the term for what happens when you slide along the road surface after coming off your bike. In seconds, it tears through layers of skin, resulting in severe damage to your body, with arms, legs, and torso all being vulnerable to it.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs are injuries relating to the brain. Concussion is the most common type of TBI sustained by cyclists. It’s caused by blunt force trauma resulting in the brain colliding with the interior of your skull. Severe concussions can result in permanent brain damage.
TBIs are also one of the leading causes of death. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, more than 40% of all cyclist deaths are due to blows to the head, reinforcing the importance of helmet use.
Most Common Bicycle Accidents in San Antonio
San Antonio regularly sees cycling accidents, but some causes stand out more than others. Rear-end collisions, left-turn, and incoming right-turn accidents are among the most common. Sadly, the deadly combination of driver error and distraction is a huge factor in the growing number of bicyclist fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), failing to yield the right of way was the most common factor in all fatal crashes involving cyclists nationwide. However, not all accidents are due to the actions of drivers. For example, the National Institutes of Health found that one-third of all cyclists in the City of Boston demonstrated distracted biking behavior.
Here's a rundown of the most common bicycle accidents in San Antonio today:
Incoming right-turn collisions
Rear-end collisions
Left turn accidents
Sideswipe accidents
Dooring collisions
Crosswalk collisions
Right/left hook crashes
Drivers often don’t look for cyclists moving in the same direction, and many other cyclists also fail to obey the rules of the road. This leads to a toxic cocktail of risks that often result in a hospital visit or worse. Both parties must tread carefully and show each other consideration when taking to the road.
If you’re involved in an accident with a cyclist on a ride, contact a lawyer to get dedicated case advice and file your personal injury lawsuit in Texas.
Bicycling Accidents FAQs
What is the leading cause of bicycling deaths?
The leading cause of bicycling deaths is collisions involving motor vehicles. The size disparity between a car and a bike means that it’s the latter that takes the brunt of the impact, with high-speed crashes increasing the likelihood of serious injury and death.
Where do most bicycle accidents occur?
According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transport, most bicycle accidents occur not in rural areas with limited infrastructure but urban zones, with an estimated three in four accidents occurring there. Within urban areas, intersections are the most common location for fatal accidents involving cyclists.
Intersections tend to be dangerous because traffic comes from multiple angles, navigating them is complex, and drivers often fail to yield or heed stop signs and red lights.
Is cycling in the U.S. safe?
The unfortunate reality is that cycling on America’s public roadways is dangerous. Cyclists make up the most significant proportion of deaths relative to the total number of riders on the road. Most cities aren’t set up to accommodate cyclists, and drivers often don’t show the appropriate consideration to these road users.
