After weeks of rain and short daylight, a clear stretch of weather brings more people back onto bikes. In Lynnwood and Edmonds, that often means more cyclists sharing space with drivers who are still in winter habits, leading to a noticeable rise in close calls and collisions. The mix of higher bike traffic, faster driving, and busy arterials creates predictable crash patterns.
Why Bike to Car Collisions Increase in Clear Weather
When roads dry out, drivers tend to speed up and follow more closely. At the same time, more cyclists return to commuting, exercise rides, and short errands, which increases interactions at intersections and driveway entrances. Drivers may also be less accustomed to scanning for bikes after a long stretch of low cycling activity. Add sun glare in the morning or late afternoon, and it becomes easier to miss a rider in a bike lane, shoulder, or crosswalk.
The Most Common Bicycle to Car Crash Scenarios
Right-hook collisions happen when a driver turns right across a cyclist traveling straight, often at intersections or into shopping centers and side streets. Left-turn crashes occur when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming cyclist, misjudging speed or failing to see the rider. Dooring incidents rise when people park curbside and open a door into the bike lane without checking mirrors. Rear-end impacts can happen when a driver is distracted and does not expect a cyclist ahead, especially on narrower roads without a protected lane. Merge and sideswipe crashes occur when drivers drift into bike lanes or pass too closely, assuming there is more space than there is.
What Injured Cyclists Should Do Right Away
Prioritize safety and medical care first. Call 911 if you have head, neck, back, or leg pain, or if you were thrown from the bike. If you can move, get to a safe area away from traffic. Photograph the bike, your helmet, your injuries, the vehicle, the lane markings, and any nearby signs or signals. Ask witnesses for names and phone numbers and note whether any nearby businesses or homes may have cameras. Avoid discussing fault at the scene and stick to factual details when speaking with police or insurers. Get a same-day medical evaluation even if symptoms feel minor, since concussion and soft tissue injuries often appear later.
Evidence That Matters in Bicycle Cases
Photos of the roadway are crucial. Bike lane boundaries, turn arrows, crosswalk markings, and sightline obstructions can show how the collision occurred. Damage points on the bike and vehicle help establish angle of impact. Helmet condition can support the seriousness of the event and should be saved. If the driver claims they did not see you, video footage, witness statements, and visibility factors like glare or a blocked view become especially important.
How Drivers Can Help Prevent These Collisions
Drivers should actively re-train their scan patterns as cycling volume increases. Check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes, slow down near bike lanes and intersections, and give extra space when passing. Before opening a parked car door, check for cyclists approaching from behind.
How Bridge Law Can Help
Bicycle collisions often involve disputes about visibility, right-of-way, and how much space was available. Bridge Law helps preserve evidence early, locate video and witnesses, document injury impact, and manage insurer communications. If you were hit while cycling in Lynnwood or Edmonds, a consultation can clarify your options and next steps.
