Right hook accidents occur when a vehicle turns right across a cyclist's path, cutting them off or striking them. These collisions—among the most common car-bicycle accidents—result from drivers failing to check for cyclists before turning. Understanding liability helps injured cyclists pursue compensation.
How Right Hook Accidents Happen
Right hooks typically occur when a vehicle and cyclist travel in the same direction, with the cyclist riding to the right of the vehicle in a bike lane or shoulder. The driver turns right, crossing the cyclist's path, either not seeing the cyclist or misjudging their speed.
Common scenarios include drivers passing cyclists then immediately turning right, drivers turning from a middle lane across a bike lane, and drivers failing to check mirrors before turning at intersections. The cyclist may strike the turning vehicle's side, be struck by the vehicle's front, or be run over as the vehicle turns.
Driver Negligence in Right Hook Collisions
Drivers bear clear responsibility in most right hook accidents. Legal duties require drivers to yield to cyclists in bike lanes when turning, check mirrors and blind spots before turning, signal turns with adequate advance warning, and pass cyclists at safe distances before turning.
Failure to perform these duties constitutes negligence. Traffic violations—failure to yield, improper passing, turning from wrong lane—establish negligence per se.
Severity of Right Hook Injuries
Right hook collisions cause serious injuries because the cyclist collides with the side of a moving vehicle or is struck while crossing the vehicle's path. Common injuries include broken bones from impact with the vehicle, head injuries from striking the vehicle or pavement, spinal injuries from being thrown from the bicycle, and crush injuries if the cyclist falls under the vehicle's wheels.
The unexpected nature of right hooks—cyclists expect vehicles ahead to continue straight—limits defensive action and increases injury severity.
Evidence in Right Hook Cases
Witness testimony establishing that the vehicle turned into the cyclist's path is powerful evidence. Traffic camera footage, bicycle-mounted cameras, and surveillance from nearby businesses may capture the collision.
Physical evidence includes damage patterns on the vehicle (typically the right side or front right corner), the cyclist's injuries corresponding to impact points, and the final rest position of the cyclist and bicycle indicating the collision dynamics.
Comparative Fault Defenses
Drivers may allege cyclist fault, claiming the cyclist was in a blind spot, traveling too fast, or should have yielded. These defenses can often be overcome with evidence.
Cyclists riding in bike lanes or to the right of traffic are exactly where they are supposed to be. Drivers have duties to check for cyclists before turning—being in a "blind spot" is not an excuse when the driver failed to look. Speed allegations require evidence and often do not eliminate driver liability even if accurate.
Insurance and Compensation
Right hook accidents are covered by the driver's auto liability insurance. If the driver is uninsured or coverage is insufficient, the cyclist's own UM/UIM coverage may supplement recovery.
Damages include medical expenses, lost wages, bicycle damage, pain and suffering, and any permanent impairment. Serious injuries from right hook collisions justify significant compensation.
If you were injured in a right hook accident, document the scene and seek legal consultation to protect your right to full compensation.