Bicycle Accidents

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Delaware

Many bicycle accidents are caused by driver negligence or hazardous conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

Driver Inattention

Drivers may fail to see cyclists due to texting, GPS use, talking on the phone, or general distraction.

Failure to Yield

Drivers often overlook bicycles when turning at intersections, pulling out of driveways, or merging into bike lanes.

Unsafe Passing / “Right Hook” Accidents

Motorists who pass too closely or turn across a cyclist’s path cause many severe crashes.

Speeding

High speeds increase the force of impact and reduce a driver’s ability to avoid collisions.

Opening Car Doors (“Dooring”)

A driver or passenger opening a door into a cyclist’s path can cause life-threatening injuries.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, broken pavement, debris, and poorly designed bike lanes can contribute to accidents — sometimes creating municipal liability.

Defective Bicycle Components

Brake failures, tire blowouts, or mechanical malfunctions may point to product liability issues.

No matter the cause, our team investigates every detail to determine what went wrong and who should be held accountable.

Injuries Commonly Seen in Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists typically suffer more severe injuries than vehicle occupants due to their vulnerability. Our attorneys regularly handle cases involving:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Concussions
• Fractured or broken bones
• Road rash and deep lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Shoulder and collarbone injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Facial fractures or dental trauma
• Crush injuries
• Permanent disability
• Amputations
• Wrongful death

Even when wearing a helmet, cyclists remain at risk for catastrophic harm. These injuries often require long-term care — which makes securing full compensation essential.

Delaware law protects cyclists and requires drivers to operate safely around them. Key legal protections include:

The “Delaware Yield” Rule

Cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs, but drivers must still watch for them and yield the right of way when appropriate.

The 3-Foot Passing Law

Motorists must leave at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist.

Bike Lane Protections

Drivers may not obstruct or drift into designated bike lanes.

Sidewalk Riding (Local Rules Vary)

Some areas allow sidewalk riding; in others, cyclists must stay on the road or in bike lanes.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Cyclists can recover damages as long as they are no more than 50% at fault for the accident.

Our attorneys ensure the insurance company respects your rights and does not attempt to unfairly blame you for the crash.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident?

Multiple parties may share responsibility for a bicycle crash. Depending on the case, liability may fall on:

1. Negligent Drivers

For failing to yield, driving distracted, speeding, or making unsafe turns.

2. Commercial Drivers / Employers

If the driver was working at the time of the crash, the employer may also be liable.

3. Government Entities

Poor road maintenance, inadequate signage, or unsafe bike lanes may create municipal responsibility.

4. Manufacturers

If a defective bicycle, tire, brake system, or vehicle component contributed to the crash.

5. Property Owners

In certain cases, private property hazards may also play a role.

Identifying all liable parties maximizes the value of your claim.

Compensation Available for Injured Cyclists

If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses
• Future medical needs
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Bicycle damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability
• Scarring and disfigurement

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one was killed in a cycling crash, your family may pursue funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other wrongful death damages.

Our attorneys work with medical professionals and financial experts to ensure your case reflects the full extent of your injuries.

Why You Need a Delaware Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies often try to blame cyclists or downplay the seriousness of their injuries to reduce payouts. When you hire Schuster Jachetti LLP, we take immediate steps to protect your case:

• Investigate the crash scene
• Obtain police reports and witness statements
• Secure traffic camera and surveillance footage
• Analyze road conditions and driver behavior
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Document all injuries and long-term medical needs
• Handle all negotiations with insurers
• Fight for full compensation in court if necessary

Our goal is to relieve your stress and help you move forward after a traumatic accident.

Contact a Delaware Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was injured while cycling, you deserve strong legal representation from a firm experienced in bicycle accident claims. At Schuster Jachetti LLP, our Delaware personal injury lawyers — including Kenneth R. Schuster, Esq. — are dedicated to protecting injured cyclists and helping them recover compensation for their injuries.

Call today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you secure the justice you deserve.