Bicycle road races can be exciting. The crowd, the speed, and the competition often feel like a mini Tour de France. But races also carry real risks. Any time riders pack closely together at high speeds, accidents can happen.
If you suffer a serious injury during a race, you may wonder if you have any legal options. The answer depends on what caused the accident.
Should You Even Consider Legal Action?
Most riders never enter a race expecting to get hurt. They also do not expect to sue anyone. But a serious injury can change that quickly. Surgery, hospitalization, or long-term recovery can create major medical bills and lost income. When an injury happens because of something unexpected, it makes sense to explore your options.
Assumption of Risk in Cycling
Some cycling injuries come with the sport. In New York, the law says that when you take part in recreational activities like cycling, you accept certain risks.
Falling off your bike usually counts as one of those risks. This is especially true during a race, where riders move fast and ride close together. If you crash because you went too fast, lost focus, or another rider cut you off, you likely cannot bring a legal claim.
That changes if something else causes the crash.
For example, if a defective bike part fails, you may have a claim. If the brakes on a new bike stop working and cause a crash, the manufacturer or seller may be responsible.
An Accident You Did Not Expect
Now consider a different situation.
You are riding alone about 30 minutes into a race. The group has spread out, and you feel strong. The race takes place on open roads, and cars still use the route. Warning signs are posted.
As you come around a bend, you suddenly see a car in your lane. The driver drifted over while reading a text message. You swerve to avoid the car, lose control, and crash into a rock bed. You suffer multiple broken bones.
This is not a normal racing risk. You could not have reasonably expected this to happen. The crash occurred because the driver was not paying attention.
In this situation, the “assumption of risk” rule likely would not apply. You may have the right to bring a negligence claim against the driver and seek compensation through their insurance.
The Bottom Line
Cycling always involves some risk. If you get hurt because of a risk that comes with the sport, you probably cannot recover damages. But if someone else’s carelessness causes your injury, you may have a valid claim.
Bicycle accidents can cause serious and life-changing injuries. If that happens, it is worth protecting your rights and exploring your legal options.
If you have questions about a bicycle accident, call us today.