Are recumbents more fatal in an accident than a regular bicycle? I noticed a bunch of people riding recumbents a few days ago, as well as upright bikes, for an event happening in my town.  What struck me was the low ride height and poor visibility (by others) of the recumbent riders, and, yes, they had flags.

While I hope it never happens, I couldn't help but think that if one were to get hit by a vehicle on a recumbent, it seems like one would be more likely to get run over/squashed/crushed under the tires, whereas on an upright bike, it seems more likely one would just fall off the bike if one were to get struck by a vehicle.  

This is what has happened to me when I've been hit by cars in the past; I got injured but kind of just flew off the bike and to the ground.  I have never ridden a recumbent so I'm not familiar. 

I know closing speed, impact angle, preparedness, etc. all factor into how bad one is hurt or not during an accident and I would like to know, on average, is a recumbent more fatal in an accident than a regular bike?  Are there any statistics that speak to this?
I have been riding a recumbent for the last couple months.  Its a highracer so higher than a lowracer, and puts me at about even face height with sedan drivers.  Thats roughly even with the saddle on my road bike.  I have a flag but its not much above my head.


You're harder to see because you're behind cars rather than peaking over cars
As a rider you have more limited visibility of other cars for the same reason
BUT as something highly unusual on the road, drivers seem to perceive you better - the visual image passes from the lizard brain to the conscious brain and other road users notice you more.   I experienced the same thing when riding a tandem either solo or together, or when towing the kiddy trailer - vehicles gave significantly more passing room than they do when I'm on my boring upright road bike.




To address the "more fatal" part - an upright rider is higher than a sedan, so an accident is more likely to hit the bike and "scoop" the rider up and over a bonnet/hood/windshield.  With a lower bike, an impact will be more of a "push" leading to more impact and sliding, than a "lift" which would be more throw and impact with the ground or other objects.  

Personally, I'd prefer to ride defensively and avoid the potential accident all together, regardless which bike I am on.