The Legal Steps Every Cyclist Should Take Following an Accident

Riding a bike is one of the best ways to stay active, reduce your carbon footprint, and get around town, but unfortunately, bike accidents can happen when you least expect them. Whether you’re enjoying a weekend ride or using your bike as your main form of transportation, the risk of injury is always lurking—especially when others on the road aren’t paying attention.

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, you’re probably asking yourself: Can I file a personal injury claim? The answer is yes—but the type of claim you might have depends on the circumstances of the accident. In this post, we’ll break down the most common ways bicycle injury claims arise, so you can better understand your rights and how DuFault Law can help you navigate the legal road ahead.

Motorists and Cyclists Don’t Always Mix: The Most Common Cause of Bicycle Accidents

Let’s face it—motorists and cyclists don’t always get along on the road. When cars fail to share the road properly, or drivers aren’t paying attention, cyclists can end up seriously injured. Motorist negligence is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents, and if you’ve been hurt by a careless driver, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Here are some of the most common ways motorist negligence leads to bicycle accidents:

• Rear-end collisions when a car hits a cyclist from behind (usually when a driver isn’t looking or misjudges the cyclist’s speed).
• Right-hook accidents where a driver makes a right turn directly into a cyclist’s path.
• Failure to yield at intersections or stop signs, causing a crash when a driver doesn’t give the cyclist the right of way.
• Distracted driving, like texting or talking on the phone, can take a driver’s attention off the road—putting you in harm’s way.

If you’ve been injured because of a driver’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.

Dangerous Roads and Defective Bike Lanes: Who’s Responsible for Unsafe Conditions?

Sometimes, your accident might not have anything to do with a negligent driver—but rather, the road conditions you were riding on. Poorly maintained roads, broken bike lanes, or debris in your path can all cause cyclists to lose control and crash. If the road conditions or bike lane infrastructure were to blame, the party responsible for maintaining those conditions (such as a local government or private property owner) could be held liable for your injuries. Examples of hazardous road conditions include:

• Potholes or cracks in the pavement that cause cyclists to lose control
• Debris like fallen branches, trash, or construction materials that block bike lanes
• Missing or unclear signage indicating bike lanes or safe paths
• Poorly marked or non-existent bike lanes that put cyclists at risk in traffic

In these cases, the government or even private entities may be responsible for the unsafe conditions that led to your injury. A skilled attorney can investigate and help you file a claim against the responsible party.

When Your Bike Fails You: Product Liability and Defective Bicycle Parts

Picture this: you’re cruising down the road, enjoying the wind in your hair, when suddenly your bike’s brakes fail, sending you flying. Or, maybe your tires blow out unexpectedly, causing a crash. While cycling is generally safe, a defective bicycle part can turn a harmless ride into a serious accident. If you’re injured because of a faulty bike part—whether it’s the brakes, tires, or the frame—you may be able to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer or seller. Common bicycle defects include:

• Brake failure due to faulty or poorly manufactured brake systems
• Tire blowouts caused by manufacturing defects or faulty materials
• Frame malfunctions that lead to sudden collapses or instability

If you’ve been injured by a defective bicycle part, the manufacturer could be held responsible for your injuries. Product liability cases are complex, but with the right legal team, you can hold the manufacturer accountable and get the compensation you deserve.

Cyclist Error and Shared Fault: Understanding Comparative Negligence

Let’s be honest—sometimes, cyclists make mistakes too. Running a red light, failing to signal, or not wearing proper safety gear can contribute to accidents. However, comparative negligence allows you to still file a claim, even if you were partially at fault. If you’re found to be partially responsible for your accident, your compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of blame assigned to you. Examples of cyclist error that might affect your claim:

• Running a red light and colliding with a car or pedestrian
• Not wearing a helmet, contributing to the severity of your injuries
• Failing to signal when turning or stopping, confusing other drivers

Even if you share some responsibility, you can still recover compensation, so don’t let fear of partial fault stop you from pursuing a claim.

Cyclist vs. Pedestrian: What Happens When You Collide with a Pedestrian?

While rare, cyclist-pedestrian accidents can happen when cyclists and pedestrians share the same space—especially in crowded areas. Determining fault can be tricky in these situations. If you’re the cyclist, you might be able to file a claim if the pedestrian was negligent in their actions—like walking in a bike lane or suddenly darting into your path without warning. Alternatively, if the pedestrian is at fault, you could be held responsible if you’re not following traffic rules or riding recklessly. Common scenarios include:

• A pedestrian walking in a bike lane causing a collision
• A pedestrian crossing outside of a crosswalk, unexpectedly stepping into your path
• A pedestrian jaywalking and putting themselves in danger

Determining liability is key in these cases, but with a personal injury attorney on your side, you can ensure the right party is held accountable.

Get Back on Track with DuFault Law

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait for things to get worse. The legal process can be complicated, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. At DuFault Law, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you navigate your bicycle injury claim and secure the compensation you deserve.

Whether your injury was caused by motorist negligence, road hazards, defective bike parts, or cyclist-pedestrian interactions, we’re ready to fight for your rights and help you recover.

Why You Need DuFault Law by Your Side

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you don’t have to face the legal challenges alone. At DuFault Law, we are experts in personal injury claims and are here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether your injury was caused by a negligent driver, hazardous road conditions, defective bike parts, or even a pedestrian, we’ll work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Act Now to Protect Your Rights! Don’t wait—delaying could harm your case. Contact DuFault Law today for a free consultation and take control of your recovery. The earlier you get started, the stronger your case will be.

Call 239-422-6400 or email contact@dufaultlaw.com now. Let us fight for your justice and help you get back on track.