Bicycling is a popular way to get around, whether for commuting, exercise, or leisure. However, riding a bike also comes with certain risks, particularly when it comes to road hazards. Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and other obstacles can all contribute to bike accidents, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. If you have suffered injuries in a bike accident involving road hazards, there is a good chance you can recover compensation for your injuries. The best way to find out whether you have a claim is to discuss your case with a bike accident lawyer near you today.
Types of Road Hazards That Can Cause Bike Accidents
Many different types of road hazards can pose a danger to cyclists. Some of the most common include:Potholes and Uneven Pavement
Potholes and uneven pavement are among cyclists' most common and dangerous road hazards. These can range from small cracks and bumps to large, deep craters that can swallow a bike tire whole. When a cyclist hits a pothole or uneven patch of road, it can cause them to lose control of their bike, leading to a crash. Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the pavement and then expands and contracts with temperature changes, causing the pavement to weaken and crumble. Over time, this can lead to large, deep holes that can be difficult for cyclists to see and avoid, especially in low-light conditions or when riding at high speeds. Uneven pavement can also be caused by tree roots, settling soil, or poor repairs to the road surface. These irregularities can cause a bike to bounce, wobble, or suddenly change direction, making it difficult for the rider to maintain control. Cyclists can help protect themselves from potholes and uneven pavement by riding with properly inflated tires, avoiding puddles and standing water (which may be hiding potholes), and scanning the road ahead for any signs of damage. Suppose a pothole or uneven patch is unavoidable. In that case, it's best to slow down, stand up slightly on the pedals to absorb the impact and ride through it as perpendicularly as possible to minimize the risk of losing control. However, even the most cautious and skilled cyclist can still fall victim to a pothole or uneven pavement. Suppose you suffered an injury in a crash caused by a pothole or other road defect. In that case, you can hold the government agency responsible for maintaining the road accountable through a personal injury claim.Debris and Loose Gravel
Debris and loose gravel on the road can also pose a serious hazard to cyclists. Debris can include everything from litter and branches to broken glass and metal shards. When a bike tire hits debris, it can cause a sudden puncture or blowout, leading to a rapid loss of air pressure and control. Loose gravel, sand, and other small particles on the road can also cause a bike to lose traction and skid or slide out from under the rider. This is especially dangerous when cornering, braking, or riding high speeds. Debris and loose gravel can end up on the road for many reasons. Litter and illegal dumping are common sources of road debris, as are fallen trees and branches after storms or strong winds. Construction sites, gravel roads, and areas undergoing road repairs are also prone to having loose gravel and other debris on the surface. To minimize the risk of a crash caused by debris or loose gravel, cyclists should avoid riding through piles of leaves, gravel, or other debris whenever possible. If debris is unavoidable, it's best to slow down, scan the road ahead for large or sharp objects, and ride through it as straight and upright as possible. Using puncture-resistant tires or tire liners can also help reduce the risk of a flat caused by debris. However, even the best tires can't prevent every puncture, so it's important to always carry a spare tube, patch kit, and pump or CO2 inflator when riding. Suppose you suffered an injury in a crash caused by debris or loose gravel on the road. In that case, you may seek compensation for your injuries and damages through a personal injury claim, especially if debris caused the incident by negligence by a construction company, property owner, or government agency.Sewer Grates and Manhole Covers
Sewer grates and manhole covers are another road hazard that can be particularly dangerous for cyclists. Workers use these metal grates and covers to access underground utility lines and drainage systems; you can find them on streets and roads nationwide.
The problem with sewer grates and manhole covers is that they often have large, parallel slots or gaps that can catch a bike tire and cause the rider to flip over the handlebars or get thrown from the bike. This is especially dangerous if the cyclist is riding at high speeds or not paying attention to the road ahead.
Some cities have started using bike-safe sewer grates and manhole covers with smaller openings flush with the road surface. These designs are less likely to catch a bike tire and cause a crash. However, many older grates and covers still have large, hazardous openings that can pose a risk to cyclists.
To avoid crashes caused by sewer grates and manhole covers, cyclists should try to ride around them whenever possible, especially if they have large, parallel slots. If you cannot avoid a grate or cover, it's best to slow down, ride perpendicular to the slots, and avoid braking or turning while riding over it.
Railroad Tracks and Trolley Tracks
Railroad and trolley tracks that cross the road at an angle can also be hazardous for cyclists. These tracks often have a gap between the rail and the road surface called the flangeway, designed to allow the train or trolley wheels to pass through. However, this gap can also be wide enough to catch a bike tire, causing the rider to lose control and crash. This is especially dangerous if the tracks are wet or slippery, as the metal rails can be very slick. To avoid crashes caused by railroad and trolley tracks, cyclists should try to cross them as close to a perpendicular angle as possible. This minimizes the risk of the tire getting caught in the flangeway and helps the bike maintain traction and stability. If crossing tracks at a perpendicular angle is impossible, cyclists should slow down, stand up slightly on the pedals to absorb any bumps or jolts and maintain a straight line while crossing. It's also important to avoid braking or turning while crossing tracks, as this can cause the bike to skid or slide out of control. Abandoned or unused tracks can also pose a hazard to cyclists if improperly maintained or removed from the road surface. Debris, vegetation, or other hazards may cover these tracks, causing a bike to lose traction or get caught in the flangeway. If you suffered an injury in a crash caused by railroad or trolley tracks, you can seek compensation for your injuries and damages through a personal injury claim. This may involve holding the railroad or transit company responsible for maintaining the tracks or the government agency responsible for overseeing the road surface accountable for their negligence.Slick Surfaces
Slick surfaces on the road, whether caused by wet weather, oil spills, or other hazards, can be incredibly dangerous for cyclists. When a bike tire loses traction on a slippery surface, it can cause the rider to skid, slide, or even fall off the bike entirely. Wet weather is perhaps the most common cause of slick road surfaces for cyclists. When it rains, snows, or sleets, the road surface can become coated in a layer of water or slush, reducing tire traction and making it harder to control the bike. This is especially true if the road surface is already worn or damaged or if leaves, debris, or other hazards on the surface can become even more slippery when wet. Oil spills and other chemical hazards can also create slick spots on the road that can be difficult for cyclists to see and avoid. These spills can come from leaking vehicles, industrial accidents, or illegal dumping, and they can create a slippery, dangerous surface that can cause a bike to lose traction and crash. Even road markings and surface treatments designed to improve vehicle traction can become slippery hazards for cyclists, especially in wet weather. Painted lines, crosswalks, and metal plates can all become very slick when wet, making it difficult for bike tires to grip and increasing the risk of a crash. If you do start to skid or slide on a slick surface, it's important to remain calm and avoid slamming on the brakes or making sudden movements. Instead, try to keep the bike as upright and straight as possible, and gently apply the brakes while steering into the skid until you regain traction.How Road Hazards Can Cause Bike Accidents
So, how exactly do these road hazards cause bike accidents? There are a few different ways that a hazard on the road can lead to a crash:Loss of Control
Loss of control is one of the most common ways road hazards can cause bike accidents. When a cyclist encounters a pothole, debris, or slick spot on the road, it can cause their bike to suddenly jerk, swerve, or skid out of control. This can happen in a split second, leaving the rider little time to react and regain control of their bike. For example, imagine a cyclist riding down a street when they suddenly hit a deep pothole. The impact can cause the front tire to twist or turn, throwing off the bike's balance and causing the rider to lose control. If the rider cannot quickly regain their balance and control, they may end up crashing into the pavement or veering into traffic. Similarly, if a cyclist rides over a patch of loose gravel or sand, it can cause their tires to lose traction and skid out from under them. This can be especially dangerous if the rider is going downhill or navigating a turn, as the loss of traction can make it difficult to steer or stop the bike. Loss of control accidents can be particularly severe because they often happen suddenly and without warning. The rider may have little time to brace themselves for impact or protect their body from injury. This is why it's so important for cyclists to always be alert and scan ahead for potential hazards on the road.Punctures and Blowouts
Punctures and blowouts are another common way road hazards can cause bike accidents. When a cyclist rides over debris like glass, nails, or sharp objects, it can cause their tire to puncture or blow out suddenly. This can cause the rider to lose control of their bike and crash, especially if traveling at high speeds. For example, imagine a cyclist riding down a bike lane when they suddenly ride over a broken beer bottle. The sharp glass can easily puncture the tire, causing it to go flat in seconds. If the rider is going fast or not paying attention, they may not have time to safely stop or control their bike before crashing. Blowouts can be even more dangerous than punctures because they happen more suddenly and can cause the tire to completely separate from the wheel. This may cause the rider to lose all control and fall off the bike. Blowouts are more likely to happen if the tire is worn or damaged or the rider is carrying a heavy load.Obstructions and Collisions
Road hazards like potholes, sewer grates, and railroad tracks can also act as obstructions that can cause cyclists to crash. These hazards can be difficult to see or avoid, especially if the cyclist is riding at night or in low-visibility conditions. If riders cannot steer around these hazards in time, they may collide with them head-on, causing serious injuries. For example, imagine a cyclist riding through a city street when they come across a large, unmarked pothole. If the cyclist doesn't see the pothole in time, they may ride right into it, causing their front tire to get stuck or their bike to flip over. This can cause the rider to be thrown from the bike and land on the hard pavement, potentially causing broken bones, head injuries, or other serious trauma. Similarly, sewer grates and railroad tracks can also act as obstructions that can cause cyclists to crash. If a rider's tire gets caught in the slots of a sewer grate or the gaps in a railroad track, it can cause the bike to stop suddenly or flip over, throwing the rider from the saddle.Slips and Falls
Slick road surfaces, such as wet leaves, oil spills, or painted lines, can cause cyclists' tires to lose traction and slip out from under them. This can cause the rider to fall off their bike and onto the hard pavement, potentially causing serious injuries like head trauma, broken bones, or road rash.
Slips and falls can be especially dangerous if they happen while the cyclist is turning, braking, or riding through an intersection. The sudden loss of traction can cause the rider to lose control of their bike and collide with other vehicles or objects in their path.
For example, imagine a cyclist riding through a busy intersection when suddenly hitting a patch of wet leaves on the road. The leaves can cause their tires to slip and slide, making it difficult for the rider to steer or stop their bike. If the rider cannot regain control quickly enough, they may collide with a car or slide into oncoming traffic.
What to Do If You're Involved in a Bike Accident Caused by a Road Hazard
If you do get into a bike accident caused by a road hazard, take the following steps:- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't think you're seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can still be serious.
- Report the accident to the police and your insurance company, if applicable.
- Keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, bike repairs, and lost income if you cannot work.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Road hazards like potholes, debris, slick surfaces, and other obstacles can pose a serious risk to cyclists, leading to accidents that can result in injuries or even fatalities. By being alert, riding defensively, maintaining your equipment, and choosing safe routes, you can help reduce your risk of getting into a crash caused by a road hazard. However, if you are involved in a bike accident caused by a road hazard, don't hesitate to seek medical attention and legal help. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries and other losses and hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.