When a Cyclist Gets Hit by a Car: The Uphill Battle for Justice

-

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Picture of a cyclist who has been hit by a car. His bike is under the car and he is laying next to it clearly injured.

When a Cyclist Gets Hit by a Car: The Uphill Battle for Justice

Quick Answer: When a cyclist gets hit by a car, the legal and insurance battles are often stacked against them. Even with clear evidence, cyclists face blame-shifting, denied claims, and lengthy legal fights. Advocacy and awareness are critical to changing this system.

Cycling is a beloved sport for many, but unfortunately, it can also be a dangerous one. Cyclists face a range of risks on the road, including collisions with cars, which can result in serious injury or even death.

📍 A Recent Case

Recently, a cyclist in a major city was struck by a car while riding in a designated bike lane. The driver, distracted by their phone, veered into the lane and hit the cyclist from behind. The rider was hospitalized with a broken collarbone and a concussion.

⚖️ The Insurance Battle

Despite the driver’s clear fault, the cyclist faced an uphill battle for justice. The driver’s insurance company denied the claim, arguing the cyclist was partially at fault—citing helmet use and lane position. This is a common tactic used to reduce payouts.

The cyclist’s lawyer pushed back, pointing to city bike lane laws and the driver’s violation. They showed the cyclist had worn bright clothing and used lights. After months of pressure, including media and advocacy group involvement, the insurance finally settled—but only under public scrutiny.

🚴 Why This Keeps Happening

  • Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto cyclists.
  • Distracted driving continues to rise, despite laws against it.
  • Cycling infrastructure is still poorly enforced in many cities.

🔑 What Needs to Change

  • Stronger enforcement of bike lane laws.
  • Harsher penalties for distracted driving.
  • Legal systems that don’t put the burden on injured cyclists.

🚴 Safety Gear That Could Save Your Ride

Staying visible and protected won’t stop reckless drivers—but it may reduce injuries and strengthen your case if something happens.

📢 Final Thoughts

Getting hit by a car is traumatic enough. Cyclists shouldn’t also have to fight for recognition and justice. As cycling grows, the push for fair treatment on the roads and in the courts must grow with it.

Related Reads:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I get hit by a car while cycling?
Call 911, get medical attention, document the scene with photos, gather witness info, and never admit fault. Contact a lawyer before speaking to insurance companies.

Does not wearing a helmet affect insurance claims?
In some cases, insurance companies will argue it shows negligence. But in most jurisdictions, helmet use is not legally required and does not excuse the driver’s fault.

Should I use a bike camera?
Yes, if you have one. Video evidence can be invaluable in proving liability and countering false claims.

Last Updated: September 1, 2025

USB rechargeable bike tail lights
Be Seen. Be Safe. — USB Rechargeable Tail Lights (2-Pack)
Under $20, fast USB charge, strap-on mount. Perfect spare set for seatpost, helmet, or bag.
Check Price →
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission if you buy through links on this site — at no extra cost to you.

Subscribe

Popular posts from this blog

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know

-
Image
REAL CYCLIST INSIGHT: I’ve logged over 150,000 miles in the saddle. While I’ve never personally suffered from sciatica, I’ve ridden with plenty of cyclists who have — and I’ve paid close attention to what helped them keep going. Here's what I've learned from the road. Sciatica is no joke. The sharp, radiating pain that travels from your lower back down your leg can make everyday activities tough—let alone riding a bike. If you're a cyclist dealing with sciatica, you might be asking yourself: Is cycling helping me or making things worse? Like many things in health and fitness, the answer is: It depends. Cycling can both aggravate and relieve sciatic pain, depending on your riding position, bike setup, and the underlying cause of your symptoms. 🚫 When Cycling Might Make Sciatica Worse Cycling can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation under certain conditions: Prolonged Sitting: Long hours in the saddle—especially with a hard, narrow seat—can put direct pr...
Read more

Boost Your Focus and Mental Clarity with Cycling

-
Image
  Cycling for Focus and Mental Clarity: How Two Wheels Can Clear Your Mind We all know cycling is great for physical health, but did you know it can also sharpen your mind and improve your ability to focus? Whether you’re struggling with concentration, battling anxiety, or just looking for a mental reset, hopping on a bike may be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to boost your brainpower. 🚴 How Cycling Improves Mental Focus Cycling isn’t just exercise — it’s a cognitive workout. Here’s how: 1. Increases Blood Flow to the Brain When you cycle, your heart rate rises and blood flow improves — especially to your brain. This delivers more oxygen and nutrients, which can enhance memory, focus, and decision-making . 2. Puts You in a Meditative State Cycling forces you to pay attention: to your breathing, your cadence, the road ahead. This state of flow quiets distractions and trains your brain to focus on the present moment. 3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Riding a b...
Read more

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?

-
Image
Last updated August 7, 2025 Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight? I’ve been riding a bike for over 50 years. At times I was riding 30 minutes a day. Other times, I was doing 300. But no matter how many miles I logged, I could never get to a healthy weight and stay there. I blamed my age. I blamed my metabolism. I even blamed my bike. What I didn’t realize — not until much later — was that cycling alone wasn’t the problem. It was what I was doing off the bike that kept holding me back. So, is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to lose weight? Yes — but only if you pair it with what it took me five decades to figure out . Here’s the truth that finally worked for me at 69 years old, after thousands of miles and a lot of trial and error. How Weight Loss Works At its core, weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you consume. Our bodies use calories for everything—from breathing to digestion to movement. When we eat more calories than we burn, we gain ...
Read more