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Why Are Bicycle Accidents So Traumatizing?

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Last Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

Why Are Bicycle Accidents So Traumatizing?

Any sort of accident that results in physical and emotional injuries can be difficult for the victim to process. Sometimes accidents happen very quickly, without much warning and are unexpected. This can be the case for those who ride bicycles as means of transportation, leisure or even sport. Any situation in which a person is sharing the road with a vehicle, is at risk for being hit. In the article here, we have talked more about why exactly bicycle accidents can be so traumatizing for the rider.

What is the main reason bicyclists get hit by cars?

Car drivers may cause a bicycle accident for a variety of reasons. Most drivers do not watch out for bicyclists nearly often enough, and may not notice a rider is next to them until it is too late. Additionally, drivers may be distracted on their cell phone or speeding in order to make it to work on-time. Unfortunately, bicyclists may pay the price for such negligence and carelessness.

What are the most common injuries that may result?

Injuries associated with being struck by a car are endless. When a vehicle exterior made of such firm materials collides with the fragility of the human body, life-threatening conditions may arise. A more extensive list of potential bicyclist injuries are listed as follows:

- Concussion

- Fractured skull

- Neck & back injuries

- Dislocated shoulder

- Broken bones

- Road rash

- Muscle sprains or tears

- Anxiety, depression, new fears

- Facial wounds

- Cuts from broken windshield

- Deep bruising

Pelvic fracture

Can you tell me more about anxiety, depression and new fears?

Any person who has undergone a traumatic experience which caused pain can develop psychological difficulties. A bicyclist who has been hit by a car may find that he or she has started to feel anxious, depressed and have new fears about getting back onto a bike. If you are having such feelings, they should be communicated with your doctor so you can receive the help that you need to process what happened. A common condition that arises for those who were part of a particularly distressing event is called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Signs that you may be affected by PTSD after your bicyclist accident can include:

1. Replaying the crash in your mind over & over

1. Avoiding areas that remind you of where you got hit

1. Withdrawing from friends & family

1. Experiencing panic attacks

1. Feeling down, worrisome or hopeless

1. Triggers in environment cause you anxiety

1. Changes in eating habits

1. Difficulty falling asleep

1. Feeling on edge or irritable

Being too afraid to get back onto your bike

What if I want to sue the driver who hit me, am I eligible for compensation?

If the driver was at-fault for the accident happening, then you may be entitled to receiving repayment for your injury costs. Medical bills can quickly pile high especially if your condition was severe due to being hit. It is uncommon for a bicyclist to walk away from being clipped by a car totally unscathed. A bicycle accident attorney can meet with you and help you decide if filing a civil lawsuit is the route you wish to take.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Barry P. Goldberg for their insight into bike accidents.

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Why Are Bicycle Accidents So Traumatizing?

Why Are Bicycle Accidents So Traumatizing?

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