Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle accident is an unplanned, unintended event occurring when a cyclist crashes, either by colliding with a motor vehicle, pedestrian, obstacle, or another cyclist, or by losing control and falling without an external impact. Because bicycles offer zero structural protection and riders travel at varying speeds alongside heavy traffic, these incidents carry a high risk of bodily injury, particularly to the head and limbs.

The "Left Cross"

An oncoming motorist turns left directly into the path of a cyclist proceeding straight through an intersection.

The "Right Hook"

A motorist passes a cyclist on the left and then makes a sudden right turn directly in front of or into the cyclist.

Dooring

A parked motorist opens their driver-side door into the path of an oncoming cyclist without looking.

Rear-End Collisions

A motorist strikes a cyclist from behind, often due to distracted driving, speeding, or low visibility.

Sideswipes

A motorist passes too closely, violating Alabama’s 3-foot passing law, and clips the cyclist.

Infrastructure Failure

Crashes caused by hidden potholes, sewer grates, unpainted speed bumps, or loose gravel on city roads.

Dog Chases

An unrestrained dog runs into the street, causing a cyclist to crash or causing a direct impact.

Product Malfunction

Mechanical failures such as sudden brake loss, cracked frames, or front-wheel separation due to manufacturing defects.

Operator Error

Losing control while taking a turn too fast, braking too hard on the front wheel, or slipping on wet leaves.