The Most Common Bicycle Accidents
Most car-on-bike crashes fall into a handful of patterns, and in many of them the driver's failure to yield or look is the core of the case. Recognizing them helps explain why so many cyclist claims are stronger than insurers admit.
The right hook
A driver passes a cyclist and then turns right across their path, or turns right without checking for a rider on their right. Because a turning driver must not cut off a cyclist proceeding straight, these often favor the rider.
The left cross
A driver turning left fails to yield to a cyclist coming straight through, often because they were watching for cars. Turning across a rider's path is a failure to yield, not a defense.
Dooring
A driver or passenger opens a door into a cyclist's path. The person opening the door must check first, so dooring usually points to their fault — not the rider's for being near parked cars.
The unsafe pass
A driver passes too close, clips the rider, or forces them off the road. California's Three Feet for Safety Act requires a safe passing distance, so an unsafe pass can be central to fault.
Frequently asked questions
Are these crashes usually the driver’s fault?
In many of these patterns, the driver failed to yield, look, or pass safely, which points to their fault. But every case turns on its facts, which is what a free review sorts out.
Keep reading
This article is general information about Bicycle Accidents injury law, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
The law depends on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to bicycle accidents.
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