Collisions between motorcycles and bicycles present unique liability questions because both riders face similar vulnerabilities. When motorized and pedal-powered vehicles collide, determining fault requires careful analysis of traffic laws, right of way, and each party's conduct.
Where Motorcycle-Bicycle Accidents Occur
Shared roadways where bicycles ride in traffic lanes alongside motorcycles create collision opportunities. Bicycles moving slower than traffic flow can surprise approaching motorcycles.
Bike lanes and paths adjacent to roadways pose risks when motorcycles enter these spaces or bicycles exit into traffic without checking.
Intersections where bicycles and motorcycles converge from different directions create right-of-way conflicts. Stop sign and signal violations by either party cause collisions.
Parking lots and driveways where bicycles and motorcycles navigate among pedestrians and cars see collisions from unexpected movements by either vehicle.
Determining Fault
Traffic laws apply to both motorcyclists and bicyclists. Both must obey signals and signs, ride in appropriate lanes, and exercise reasonable care for others' safety.
Right-of-way rules determine fault when vehicles converge. The party who violated another's right of way bears primary fault, regardless of vehicle type.
Speed appropriate for conditions matters. Motorcyclists traveling too fast for mixed traffic conditions may bear fault even when bicyclists contributed.
Comparative negligence principles apply when both parties contributed to the collision. Fault is apportioned based on each party's relative negligence.
Motorcyclist Liability
Motorcyclists may bear fault for striking bicycles when they failed to maintain safe speed for conditions, didn't keep proper lookout, or violated right of way.
Passing too closely to bicycles and causing them to fall or swerve creates motorcyclist liability. Riders must give adequate clearance when overtaking slower vehicles.
Aggressive riding near bicycles - revving engines, tailgating, cutting off - can cause bicycle crashes even without physical contact. Negligent conduct creating hazards establishes liability.
Bicyclist Liability
Bicyclists bear fault when they violate traffic laws - running stop signs, riding against traffic, making sudden lane changes without signaling.
Unpredictable movements by bicycles, such as swerving into traffic lanes or suddenly stopping, can cause motorcycle accidents. Bicyclists owe duties of reasonable care to motorists.
Riding while distracted or impaired creates bicyclist liability. Headphone use, phone handling, and intoxication all contribute to bicycle-caused accidents.
Injury Severity Considerations
Both motorcyclists and bicyclists lack structural protection, making all collisions serious. Even low-speed impacts cause significant injuries to both parties.
Motorcycles' greater mass and speed typically cause more severe injuries to bicyclists in collisions. This doesn't determine fault but affects damage calculations.
Both parties commonly suffer road rash, fractures, and head injuries. Helmet use (or lack thereof) affects injury severity but may not affect fault determinations.
Insurance Coverage Issues
Motorcycle insurance covers liability when motorcyclists are at fault for bicycle accidents. Bodily injury liability pays the bicyclist's damages up to policy limits.
Bicyclists often lack significant insurance. Homeowners or renters insurance may provide some liability coverage, but limits are typically low.
When at-fault bicyclists have insufficient coverage, motorcyclists may recover through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on their own policies.
Recovering as an Injured Motorcyclist
If a bicyclist caused your accident, pursue their liability insurance (if any) and personal assets. Many bicyclists lack substantial insurance, limiting recovery.
Your own UM/UIM coverage and MedPay provide compensation when at-fault bicyclists are uninsured or underinsured. Review your motorcycle policy for available coverage.
Health insurance and disability coverage provide additional resources for medical expenses and lost income.
Recovering as an Injured Bicyclist
Motorcycle liability insurance typically provides substantial coverage for bicyclists injured by motorcyclist negligence. Most policies carry $50,000-$300,000 or higher limits.
Document your injuries, expenses, and impacts on your life thoroughly. Bicyclists deserve full compensation for injuries caused by negligent motorcyclists.
Consult an attorney experienced in both motorcycle and bicycle accidents to evaluate fault and pursue appropriate claims.
Steps After a Motorcycle-Bicycle Collision
Both parties should seek medical attention. Exchange contact and insurance information. Call police to document the accident.
Document the scene with photographs showing vehicle positions, damage, and road conditions. Get witness contact information.
Don't admit fault at the scene. Fault determination requires investigation. Let evidence establish what happened rather than making statements that could be used against you.
Contact an attorney before giving statements to insurance companies. An attorney protects your interests and pursues all available compensation.