Riding a bicycle offers freedom, fitness, and a clean way to get around, but it also comes with certain risks. Accidents involving cyclists can result in serious injuries or worse, often due to situations that could have been avoided with a bit more awareness on both your part and the part of drivers. The streets aren’t always kind to cyclists, and even a brief lapse in attention from someone behind the wheel can change your life in an instant. That’s why knowing the most common causes of bicycle accidents is essential. It helps you stay alert, make safer choices, and reduce your chances of being involved in a crash.

One of the top reasons bike accidents occur is that a driver is not paying attention. Whether it’s texting, adjusting the radio, or looking at GPS, distracted driving takes eyes and focus off the road. When you’re riding, this can be terrifying. A driver might not see you in time to slow down or stop, especially at intersections or in low-light conditions. You can’t control their distractions, but you can control how visible you are. Bright clothing, reflectors, and front and rear bike lights make a real difference. Always make eye contact when possible, and never assume a driver sees you, especially when they’re turning or pulling out of driveways.

If you ride through cities, you’ve likely passed a long line of parked cars. What’s dangerous here isn’t necessarily the traffic—it’s the car doors. “Dooring” accidents happen when someone inside a parked car opens their door right into your path. There’s almost no time to react, and it can send you flying into traffic or straight to the ground. To avoid this, constantly scan for people inside parked cars as you ride by. Giving yourself a few extra feet of clearance from car doors can help prevent serious injuries. You may not always be able to avoid every hazard, but riding defensively gives you a better chance.

Another frequent cause of bike crashes is improper turning by cars and trucks. When a vehicle turns right without checking its blind spot or signals late, it often catches a cyclist by surprise. The same goes for lane changes. You’re entitled to space on the road, but not every driver respects that. They may cut you off, pass too closely, or force you into the curb. You can stay safer by anticipating where conflict points might happen—intersections, turn lanes, and driveways are all key spots. Use hand signals, check over your shoulder before moving, and always ride in a straight, predictable line so that drivers know where you are and where you’re going.

Sometimes it’s not other people—it’s the road itself that puts you at risk. Potholes, cracked pavement, gravel, or broken storm drains can all cause accidents, especially when riding at speed or on thin tires. Bike lanes that suddenly disappear or route you into dangerous areas can also leave you vulnerable. Cities are slowly improving infrastructure, but it’s far from perfect. Until it is, the best thing you can do is plan your routes. Stick to roads with marked bike lanes whenever possible, and ride more slowly in unfamiliar areas so you have time to react to any surface issues. If you ever get injured due to poor road conditions, you may have legal options depending on the situation.

As a cyclist, you have rights—but you also have responsibilities. Not stopping at red lights, riding against traffic, weaving between cars, or failing to signal can confuse drivers and put you in dangerous situations. Following the rules of the road not only keeps you safer but also makes it easier for drivers to anticipate your movements. The more predictable you are, the lower your risk of collision. If you’ve had close calls in the past, take a moment to reflect on how you’re riding. A few simple changes—like always signaling, obeying stop signs, and staying in the bike lane—could prevent a serious accident down the line.

Even when you do everything right, accidents still happen. When they do, the impact goes beyond the physical—it affects your finances, your ability to work, and your peace of mind. You don’t have to handle it alone. EFS Law Center supports you through every step of your legal and financial journey. If you’ve been injured and need help securing the compensation you’re entitled to, call us today at (310) 800-0000. Let’s work together to create a plan that protects your future.