The city of Houston has started adding more bike lanes throughout the downtown area, but there are still countless miles of roadways where there is no protected bike lane, leaving cyclists at risk of being injured while sharing the road.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a total of 843 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2019, and accidents have increased nearly 19 percent since 1975. Our Houston bicycle accident attorneys list the most common causes of bike accidents.

#1: Hit by a Car

Over 30 percent of bicycle accidents are caused by bike and car-related collisions. Bike and car-related accidents often result in serious or even catastrophic injuries – especially if the bicyclist wasn’t wearing a helmet. Since bikes don’t have the protection an individual has in a vehicle, they are more likely to suffer severe injuries when a vehicle collides with them. Bicyclists often suffer fractured bones, road rashes, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and more.

#2: Falling

The second most common cause of bike accidents is when a person falls from their bike. Oftentimes, bicyclists fall from their bikes due to uneven roads, to avoid an object, or if they are hit by an oncoming vehicle. Major fall accidents can also result in serious injuries.

#3: Poor Roads

Potholes and bumpy roads are other common causes of bicycle accidents. The local government is required to maintain proper roads—especially bike lanes. When the local government fails to do so and results in a bicycle accident, they can be held liable for their negligent behavior.

#4: Crashing or Colliding with a Fixed Object

In other circumstances, bicycle accidents occur due to user error. If a bike rider isn’t keeping their focus on the road, it can cause them to collide with a fixed object. Major impact with a fixed object can result in serious injuries if a bicyclist isn’t wearing protective gear.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact us today at (888) 273-1045 to schedule a case review!