What Kinds of Injuries Do Bike Accidents Cause

Cycling has become a favorite pastime and mode of transportation for millions of Americans. Reports reveal that in 2024 alone, 112 million people in the U.S.—approximately 35% of those aged 3 and older—rode a bike at least once. While the surge in cycling promotes health, affordability, and eco-friendliness, it also brings an unfortunate increase in bicycle-related accidents.  

At Brassfield & Krueger, we’ve spent more than 75 years helping injury victims, including countless cyclists, recover from life-altering incidents. Through our extensive work, we’ve witnessed how these accidents result in varied and often devastating injuries. Today, we’re breaking down the causes and types of injuries that often stem from bicycle accidents so you can be better equipped to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

Bike accidents can occur in numerous scenarios, but most incidents share a few common causes. By understanding these, cyclists and drivers alike can work toward safer road habits.  

Distracted Driving

The rise of smartphone use has made distracted driving a significant hazard for cyclists. Sending a quick text or glancing at a social media notification can divert attention from the road long enough to miss spotting a cyclist. This lack of focus has become one of the leading culprits behind cycling accidents.  

Failure to Yield

Many bike collisions occur because drivers disregard the right of way or fail to yield to cyclists at intersections. This negligence, often combined with a misunderstanding of pedestrian and cyclist traffic rules, leads to unnecessary and preventable incidents.  

Dooring Accidents

Imagine riding past parked cars when suddenly, a door swings open in your path. Known as “dooring,” this type of accident frequently leaves cyclists with serious injuries, especially on narrow streets where there’s little room to maneuver.  

Unsafe Road Conditions

Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris are notorious dangers for cyclists. Poorly designed bike lanes or a lack of sufficient lanes altogether also force cyclists to ride closer to motor vehicles, increasing the odds of collisions.  

Speeding Drivers

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid an accident. When combined with the relative frailty of bicycles compared to cars, these high-speed collisions often result in catastrophic consequences for the cyclist.  

Common Types of Bike-Related Injuries

When a car hits a cyclist, or another accident occurs, the human body bears the brunt of the impact. Even with extensive safety precautions, cyclists remain vulnerable to both minor and severe injuries.  

Head Injuries

Head injuries are among the most severe outcomes of biking accidents. Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can happen even if a cyclist is wearing a helmet. TBIs, in particular, often result in permanent complications like cognitive impairment, chronic headaches, or, in extreme cases, disabilities requiring lifelong care.  

Broken Bones

The impact of a fall or collision often results in fractures. Commonly fractured areas include the arms, collarbone, ribs, and legs. These broken bones can require immobilization, surgery, and months of physical therapy to heal properly.  

Road Rash

Sliding across asphalt during a fall causes road rash, a type of friction burn. While it may seem minor compared to other injuries, road rash can sometimes require extensive care to prevent infections, especially when deep layers of skin are affected.  

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal injuries are life-altering outcomes of some bike accidents. A blow to the back or neck during a crash can cause partial or total paralysis, leaving victims with significant medical and lifestyle challenges.  

Soft Tissue Injuries  

Sprains, strains, and bruises may sound less severe, but these soft-tissue injuries can cause weeks or months of pain and limited mobility. They are especially common if the cyclist lands abruptly or awkwardly in a crash.  

How to Prevent These Injuries

While accidents can happen, cyclists can take certain measures to reduce their risk of common injuries. Wearing a helmet, following traffic laws, and staying visible while riding can all prevent accidents from occurring. It’s also essential to regularly maintain your bike and inspect it for any potential hazards that could cause an accident.  

Rebuild, Recover, and Ride Forward with the Support You Deserve

Cycling can be a powerful tool for maintaining physical and mental health, but it’s not without risks. Understanding the causes of accidents and the potential for serious, life-altering injuries underscores the responsibility that both cyclists and drivers share in ensuring safety.  

For those navigating the aftermath of a bike accident, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Legal support is available to help you rebuild your life while holding negligent parties accountable.  

Have questions about your rights as a cyclist or think you might have a claim? Contact Brassfield & Krueger today for a free case evaluation. With our support, you’ll have the guidance you need to focus on healing and moving forward.