While there are certainly innumerable ways for a collision to occur, some collision types are more common than others. With regard to bicycles the issue is generally one of a lack of awareness or disregard on the part of the motorists to the fact that the cyclist is present on the roadway and has the same rights as another car would have under similar circumstances. While it is not always “fair”, we cyclists must be proactive and take steps to anticipate unsafe actions on the part of the drivers with whom we must share the roads.
Below is a link to an excellent post which addresses some of the more common collision patterns, and offers suggestions on how you as a cyclist can decrease the odds that you will be hit.