Liability for a bicycle accident is determined by what caused the crash. In most cases, liability for a bicycle accident falls on other motorists who do not know how to share the road with bicyclists. A driver who violates traffic laws or is otherwise negligent or reckless puts everyone else on the road in danger and increases the risk of a serious injury accident. Should a negligent driver cause an injury bike crash, they may be held liable for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses suffered by the victim.
It is also possible for liability to fall onto the city, county, or state in the case of hazardous roadways. If a road has potholes, dangerous blind turns, severely narrow lanes, or even debris, the road poses a crash hazard. If the agency or department in charge of maintaining a roadway is negligent in its duties, then that agency may be held liable for the losses a bike accident victim may suffer.
Finally, if the accident was caused by a defective bike, or bike part, then the manufacturer may be held liable for their negligence.
Generally, if your accident injuries were caused by the negligence or recklessness of another, you have the right to sue in civil court. An experienced attorney can examine the details of your accident and help you understand your legal rights and options.