You can do everything right on your bike—obey traffic signals, wear a helmet, stay visible—and still end up seriously hurt because of someone else’s poor decision. The danger is real whether you’re riding through Fayetteville, Springdale, or along one of the Razorback Greenway paths. Collisions between bikes and cars rarely happen by chance. They often stem from preventable mistakes: failing to yield, drifting into bike lanes, texting behind the wheel, or simply not paying attention.
When a driver makes a reckless choice, you’re the one who pays the price. And if you’re the one on the bike, the consequences can be devastating. If you’ve been hit while cycling in Northwest Arkansas, you have the right to hold the driver accountable. An experienced Arkansas bicycle accident attorney can help you pursue the compensation you need to begin recovering.
The Most Common Reasons Why Cars Strike Cyclists on Arkansas Roads
Most serious bike accidents involving cars are caused by avoidable driver behaviors. While weather and road conditions can play a role, it’s usually a human decision—or lack of one—that leads to impact. Drivers often fail to yield at intersections, misjudge the distance needed to pass safely, or simply don’t check their mirrors for cyclists. In many cases, these errors happen because the driver didn’t pay attention or expect a bike to be on the road.
In Northwest Arkansas, more bikes are sharing the roads than ever before. Cities like Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Rogers have invested heavily in cycling infrastructure. But increased access doesn’t always equal increased safety—especially when motorists don’t respect bike lanes or follow the rules meant to protect riders.
Distracted driving, speeding, and turning without signaling are some of the most common ways drivers collide with cyclists. On a bike, you’re more vulnerable to every mistake a driver makes. One wrong move behind the wheel can leave you with broken bones, head injuries, or worse. These crashes are rarely true “accidents.” They’re the direct result of careless or unlawful driving behavior.
Drivers Don’t Always Look Out For Cyclists at Intersections
Most serious bicycle crashes happen at intersections. A driver may roll through a stop sign or turn without checking for bikes. You might be coming straight through with the right-of-way, but if they’re in a rush or distracted, you’re the one who ends up on the pavement.
In fact, according to Arkansas data, 61 percent of Arkansas bicycle crashes occur at intersections. That number is even higher in urban areas like Bentonville and Fayetteville, where traffic volume and shared bike paths create daily hazards.
The impact isn’t just physical when you’re stuck at an intersection. You lose time, mobility, and often the ability to work or ride again anytime soon. These consequences are preventable.
Drivers simply need to respect the space cyclists are entitled to.
Bike Lanes Don’t Mean You’re Safe from Distracted Drivers
Distracted drivers are a danger to everyone, but cyclists feel the impact more directly. When someone glances down at their phone for just five seconds, they cover the length of a football field. If you’re in the bike lane beside them, that small window can lead to devastating injuries.
Distracted driving continues to threaten the safety of cyclists across Arkansas. While exact state-level numbers are limited, national data shows a disturbing trend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 3,500 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2021, and many of those incidents involved vulnerable road users like bicyclists and pedestrians. With more drivers using smartphones and in-car technology, the risk to cyclists—especially in shared lanes and intersections—continues to grow.
Passing Too Closely Is More Than Just Rude—It’s Deadly
Arkansas law requires that drivers maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle on the road. Many either don’t know this or choose to ignore it, especially on narrow streets or winding roads throughout Washington and Benton Counties.
That violation puts your life at risk. A vehicle clipping your handlebars or startling you into swerving off the road can send you straight into traffic, trees, or pavement. In 2022, Arkansas recorded a 12 percent increase in serious cyclist injuries caused by unsafe passing, making it one of the fastest-growing contributors to bicycle crashes in the state.
When a driver invades your space, it’s not just inconsiderate—it’s a violation of your rights. You’re entitled to safe passage, just like anyone else using the road legally.
Low Visibility Conditions Aren’t an Excuse for Driver Carelessness
Early mornings and late evenings are popular riding times in Northwest Arkansas, but they’re also when many accidents happen. Drivers may claim they “didn’t see” the cyclist, especially during dawn or dusk. However, low light doesn’t excuse negligence.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that over 50 percent of fatal bike accidents in Arkansas occur during low-light conditions, particularly between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., and again between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. This holds even when cyclists wear reflective gear or use flashing lights, which many do.
Failing to adjust for time of day or road conditions—such as turning without checking mirrors, speeding, or ignoring crosswalks—worsens a dangerous situation. That’s not an accident; it’s a choice.
When A Car Hits a Cyclist, the Damage Isn’t Just Physical
Bike injuries can include everything from road rash and broken bones to spinal injuries and traumatic brain damage. But the aftermath doesn’t stop there. Your ability to earn a living, care for your family, or even enjoy everyday activities can be ripped away in seconds.
You may face months of treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and mounting medical bills—all while trying to prove to an insurance company that you didn’t cause your injuries. That’s why having the right legal team matters.
Were You Hit by a Car While Riding a Bicycle?
If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike anywhere in Northwest Arkansas—whether in Bentonville, Fayetteville, or a quieter stretch of road in Washington or Benton County—you don’t have to handle the fallout alone. At The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., we know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize your injuries or blame you for the crash. We won’t let that happen. Our team is here to listen, investigate, and build a strong case rooted in Arkansas law. Attorney Jason Hatfield brings years of courtroom experience and a deep commitment to injured cyclists across the region. If you’re struggling in the aftermath of a crash caused by a careless driver, call 479-361-3575 now to schedule your free consultation. You focus on recovery—we’ll take care of the rest.