How Do Road Hazards Cause Bike Accidents?

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.

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 generally 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.

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 scanning the road ahead for any signs of damage. 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 may be able to hold the government agency, corporation, or individual 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 or braking.

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.

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 the debris was caused by a construction company, property owner, or government agency.

Sewer grates and utility covers.

Sewer grates and utility 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.

The problem with sewer grates and utility 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.

Some cities have started using bike-safe sewer grates and utility 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.

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 are on the road.

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.

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 onto 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.

Obstructions and collisions.

Road hazards like potholes, sewer grates, and debris 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 does not 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 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 are 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 do not think you are seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can still be serious.
• Report the accident to the police.
• Report the accident to your insurance company, if applicable.
• Obtain witness contact information from witnesses, if possible.
• Take pictures of the scene of the accident, if possible.
• Keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, bike repairs, and lost income if you cannot work.
• Take pictures of your injuries, your ongoing recovery, and of you in the hospital, if applicable.

Sometimes, you can hold a government agency, business, or homeowner responsible for failing to maintain the road that caused your accident. This is known as a “premises liability” claim. To succeed in this type of claim, a skilled injury attorney will need to show that the at-fault party knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it within a reasonable amount of time.

An experienced injury attorney can gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the government agency, business, or homeowner and/or their insurance company to seek a fair settlement. If necessary, a lawyer can also represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Nelson Injury Law for help!

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, do not hesitate to seek medical attention and legal help. The skilled injury attorneys at Nelson Injury Law are here to help you seek compensation for your injuries and other losses and hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Please contact us now for a free consultation.

Eric S. Nelson, owner of Nelson Injury Law, is an experienced trial attorney who will provide you with wise and compassionate legal counsel and representation through each stage of your case.