When you ride, you expect the pavement, bike lanes, and intersections to be reasonably safe. But road hazards like potholes, loose gravel, broken storm grates, or faded markings can turn a normal ride into a serious crash. When that happens, many riders assume it was “just an accident.” In reality, someone may be legally responsible for the unsafe condition that caused your injuries. Connelly Law helps injured cyclists understand who may be at fault and what steps to take next.
Common Road Hazards That Cause Bicycle Accidents
Unsafe streets come in many forms. Some of the most common road conditions we see in bicycle accident cases include:
- Deep potholes or broken pavement
- Uneven or raised asphalt patches
- Loose gravel or sand spread across the road or bike lane
- Metal plates that are slick, uneven, or unsecured
- Storm grates with wide gaps that can trap a bicycle wheel
- Faded or missing bike lane markings and crosswalks
- Poorly designed or unmarked construction zones
- Debris left in the roadway, like tree limbs or fallen cargo
Any of these hazards can cause a rider to lose control, be thrown over the handlebars, or swerve into traffic. The key legal question is: who had a duty to fix or warn about the danger, and did they fail to do it?
When Is a City or Government Responsible?
In many cases, a city, county, or other government agency is responsible for maintaining public roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks. They may be liable for your bicycle accident if:
- They knew or should have known about a dangerous road condition
- They had a reasonable amount of time to repair it or put up warnings
- They failed to fix the hazard or warn road users
- That failure directly led to your crash and injuries
For example, if a pothole has been reported many times and ignored, or if a broken storm grate has been left unrepaired for months, that can support a claim. Claims against government entities often have shorter deadlines and special notice requirements, which is why it’s crucial to talk with an experienced attorney quickly after a crash.
Construction Companies and Utility Contractors
Not every hazard is the city’s fault. Private construction companies and utility contractors often open up roads to lay pipes, cables, or repair underground lines. They must keep work zones reasonably safe by:
- Securing metal plates and trench covers
- Posting clear warning signs and cones
- Keeping loose gravel, tools, and debris out of bike lanes
- Restoring the road surface properly after work is complete
If they cut corners to save time or money and a cyclist gets hurt, that company may be legally responsible for the resulting bicycle accident. Photos of the work zone, witness statements, and records of upcoming projects in the area can all help prove what went wrong.
Property Owners and Businesses
Sometimes the hazard comes from a nearby property rather than the road itself. Examples include:
- A business washing down its parking lot and sending water or slippery soap into the street
- Landscaping companies leaving branches, rakes, or blowers in the bike lane
- Property owners letting gravel, soil, or mud spill from their driveways onto the street
If a private property owner creates or allows a dangerous condition that affects the roadway, they may be held liable for a cyclist’s injuries.
Other Drivers and “Secondary” Road Hazards
Even when the pavement is fine, other drivers can create sudden hazards that force a cyclist into danger. Examples:
- A driver cuts you off, causing you to swerve into a pothole or curb
- A parked driver opens a car door into your path, forcing you to crash or veer into traffic
- A truck drops cargo or debris that you cannot avoid
In these situations, the driver who created the danger may share or even bear the primary responsibility, even if the road itself had issues. A thorough investigation looks at every factor, not just the street condition.
Can the Cyclist Be Blamed for a Road Hazard Crash?
Insurance companies often argue that the cyclist should have:
- Seen the hazard sooner
- Chosen a different route
- Worn different gear or lights
In many states, this leads to comparative negligence, where each party is assigned a percentage of fault. Even if you are found partially responsible, you may still recover compensation – your recovery is just reduced by your share of fault.
A lawyer from Connelly Law can push back against unfair blame and show how little time you had to react, how poor the visibility was, or how the hazard blended into the roadway.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident Caused by Road Hazards
If you believe a road condition contributed to your crash, try to:
- Call 911 and get medical care. Your health comes first, and medical records help link your injuries to the crash.
- Document the hazard immediately. Take close-up and wide-angle photos or video of the pothole, gravel, grate, or debris, as well as skid marks, your bike, and your injuries.
- Note witnesses and nearby cameras. Get names and contact information. Look for businesses or homes with security cameras.
- Report the condition. File a report with local police or transportation departments, and keep a copy or confirmation number.
- Preserve your bike and gear. Do not repair or throw anything away; they can serve as evidence.
- Talk with a bicycle accident lawyer early. Deadlines for claims, especially against government entities, can be much shorter than standard personal injury cases.
For more general safety information and statistics about cycling crashes, you can also review resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
How Connelly Law Helps Injured Cyclists
Proving who is responsible for unsafe streets can be complex. Connelly Law can:
- Investigate the scene and obtain maintenance records, complaints, and construction permits
- Work with roadway design or engineering experts when needed
- Identify all potentially responsible parties – government agencies, contractors, property owners, and drivers
- Calculate the full value of your damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts
- Deal with insurers and government adjusters so you can focus on healing
If you were hurt in a crash, reviewing your rights with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can make the difference between an undervalued settlement and a fair resolution that truly reflects what you’ve lost.
Talk to Connelly Law About Your Bicycle Accident
Unsafe streets should not be your burden to carry alone. If a dangerous road condition or work zone contributed to your bicycle accident, you may have a strong claim—even if no vehicle directly hit you. Connelly Law can review what happened, explain your options, and help you pursue accountability from the parties who allowed the hazard to exist.
You deserve safe roads. When those responsible fall short, you deserve a law firm ready to stand up for you.