California Bicycle Accident Lawyers

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in California

Taking the right steps after a bicycle accident can protect your health and your legal rights. Follow these steps to ensure your safety and strengthen your potential claim:

• Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if medical attention is needed.
• Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible but do not leave the scene.
• Contact law enforcement to report the accident and request an official police report.
• Exchange contact information with the driver and collect details such as their name, license plate number, insurance information, and phone number.
• Take photos of the accident scene, including your bicycle, any vehicles involved, injuries, and road conditions.
• Gather witness information, including names and contact details, as their statements can support your claim.
• Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may appear later.
• Refrain from speaking to insurance adjusters or accepting settlements without consulting an attorney.
• Contact our California bicycle accident lawyers to review your case and protect your rights.

Acting promptly and carefully can make a significant difference in your recovery and the outcome of your claim.

California Bicycle Accident Statistics

Bicycling is gaining popularity for commuting, exercise, and leisure, but cyclists remain highly vulnerable on the roads.

In 2021, California reported 125 bicyclist fatalities, representing 2.9% of all motor vehicle-related deaths in the state. This was an 8.8% decrease from 2020, contrasting with a 1.9% increase in bicyclist deaths nationwide.

Urban areas accounted for 90% of fatal bicycle crashes, with principal arterials being the most common crash locations. Los Angeles County had the highest number of bicyclist fatalities (27) and serious injuries (240), while smaller counties like Alpine reported the highest rates per capita.

The most common factors in bicycle crashes included unsafe speeds (17.5%), improper turning (17.1%), and right-of-way violations (15.8%). Male cyclists made up 88% of fatalities and 80% of serious injuries, with the 55-64 age group being the most affected. Fridays between 9 p.m. and midnight saw the highest number of fatal crashes, while Saturday afternoons were peak times for serious injuries. Safety measures such as better infrastructure, helmet use, and public education remain critical to reducing these incidents.

Biking Laws and Guidelines in California

Bicyclists in California share the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and must adhere to traffic laws to ensure safety on the road. Each year, over 100 bicyclists are killed and more than 10,000 are injured in collisions.

Here are key biking laws and safety tips to help reduce these risks:

Key Biking Laws

• Right to the Road – Cyclists can ride in travel lanes unless restricted. They must ride as far to the right as practicable unless overtaking, turning, or avoiding hazards. On one-way streets with multiple lanes, cyclists can ride near the left curb.
• Bicycle Lanes – Cyclists must use bike lanes when available but can leave the lane to turn, pass, or avoid hazards. Bright green lanes are treated the same as standard bike lanes.
• Helmet Requirements – Riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Night Riding – Bikes must have a front white light (visible at 300 ft.), a rear red reflector or light (visible at 500 ft.), and side reflectors. Avoid wearing dark clothing.
• Signaling – Cyclists must signal turns and stops using hand signals.
• Passing Rules – Motorists must leave at least 3 feet when overtaking a cyclist. Cyclists must also exercise caution when passing vehicles.
• Prohibitions – Cyclists cannot ride under the influence, carry more passengers than the bike is designed for, or operate a bike without a functional brake system.

Safety Guidelines

• Stay Visible and Alert – Use lights and wear bright clothing, especially at night. Always scan for vehicles at intersections and driveways.
• Control Your Bicycle – Use a properly sized and well-maintained bike. Inspect brakes, tires, and other parts regularly.
• Follow Traffic Laws – Obey stop signs, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules. Avoid riding through yellow lights if you cannot cross safely.
• Avoid Hazards – Watch out for potholes, gravel, and parked car doors. Maintain a safe distance from hazards and use mirrors to check behind you before turning.
• Ride Defensively – Expect sudden movements from vehicles and be prepared to take evasive action.

Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California

Understanding the causes of bicycle accidents can help cyclists make safer decisions and avoid potential crashes, even when drivers are at fault. Many bicycle accidents are the result of negligent or distracted driving. Here are the most common types of crashes and their causes:

• Right hook accidents occur when a driver makes a right turn and hits a cyclist traveling on the same side of the road. These accidents are often caused by a motorist failing to check their blind spot or misjudging the cyclist’s position. In 2021, improper turning was responsible for 17.1 percent of all bicycle accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities in California.
• Left cross accidents happen when a vehicle turning left at an intersection collides with a cyclist coming from the opposite direction. Drivers frequently cause these accidents by failing to yield or misjudging the speed of the cyclist. These types of crashes are particularly dangerous because they often occur at higher speeds.
• Dooring accidents occur when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens a door into the path of a cyclist. This sudden obstruction can cause the cyclist to crash into the door or swerve into traffic to avoid it, leading to further injuries. Cyclists riding near parked vehicles should stay at least three feet away to minimize this risk.
• Drunk driving accidents involve impaired drivers who have slower reaction times and reduced focus, making them less likely to notice cyclists. Alcohol impairment is also linked to speeding and failure to yield, both of which increase the likelihood of a crash. Nationwide, alcohol was a factor in nearly 10 percent of all traffic-related fatalities involving cyclists in 2021.
• Distracted driving significantly increases the chances of a crash. Drivers using phones, eating, or engaging in other activities are less likely to notice cyclists in their path. This is especially dangerous for cyclists crossing intersections or riding alongside vehicles on busy roads. Distracted driving is a growing concern, with data showing that it contributes to a significant portion of traffic accidents each year.

By being aware of these common scenarios, cyclists can adopt defensive riding strategies to stay safe and reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.

Where Do Most Accidents Involving Bicycles Occur in California?

Bicycle accidents in California are most common in urban areas, where 85.7 percent of bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries occurred in 2019.

Urban environments typically have higher traffic volumes, more complex intersections, and an increased likelihood of interactions between bicycles and motor vehicles. Los Angeles County recorded the highest number of fatal and serious bicycle injuries, followed by other populous counties such as Orange, San Diego, and Santa Clara.

Nearly half of all fatal bicycle crashes in California happened on non-interstate principal arterials, like major roads and highways, which accounted for 46.6 percent of incidents. Minor arterials and local roads contributed to 24.8 and 13.5 percent of crashes, respectively. While rural areas accounted for just 14.3 percent of bicycle fatalities, some less populated counties, like Del Norte and Plumas, reported higher per capita rates of serious bicycle injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident?

Liability in a bicycle accident often involves multiple parties who contributed to the incident. Fault is determined based on the specific circumstances of the accident and the level of negligence displayed by each party. Possible liable parties include:

• Motor Vehicle Drivers – Drivers may be held accountable for actions such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield to a cyclist.
• Employers of Drivers – If the at-fault driver was performing job duties at the time of the accident, their employer could share liability under vicarious liability laws.
• Government Entities – State or local governments may be responsible for accidents caused by poorly maintained roads, defective traffic signals, or other hazardous infrastructure.
• Pedestrians – Pedestrians may be liable if they contributed to the accident, such as by jaywalking or stepping into a cyclist’s path without warning.
• Other Cyclists – Cyclists who act negligently, such as by failing to follow traffic laws or riding unpredictably, can also bear responsibility for causing or contributing to the accident.
• Construction Companies or Contractors – If construction work creates unsafe conditions like debris or improperly marked zones, these parties may be liable for resulting accidents.

Determining liability in a bicycle accident can be complex and may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts. Our skilled California bicycle accident attorneys can help identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for their role in your accident.

What Compensation is Available After a Bicycle Accident in California?

Bicycle accidents in California often lead to serious injuries and financial challenges. Knowing the types of compensation you may be entitled to can help you recover from the impact of the accident. Our California bicycle accident attorneys can assist you in pursuing the following:

• Medical Expenses – Coverage for expenses related to your injuries, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for wages lost due to missed work, as well as future earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job.
• Property Damage – Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your bicycle, gear, or other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering – Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, and the negative impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
• Reduced Earning Potential – If your injuries cause permanent disability or limit your ability to work, you may be eligible for compensation for diminished future earnings.
• Punitive Damages – In cases of extreme negligence or reckless conduct by the at-fault party, additional damages may be awarded to hold them accountable and prevent similar behavior.

Every bicycle accident is different, and the compensation you can recover depends on the circumstances of your case. Speak with our experienced California bicycle accident attorneys to explore your options and work toward securing the financial recovery you deserve.

Common Bike Accident Injuries in California

Cycling accidents can result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for cyclists compared to drivers of motor vehicles. Bicyclists are especially vulnerable to serious harm when sharing the road with cars, trucks, or commercial vehicles. Here are some of the most common injuries seen in California bike accidents:

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most frequent and severe injuries in bicycle accidents, often resulting from head impacts. These injuries include brain contusions, where bleeding occurs on the brain’s surface, and penetrating injuries caused by sharp objects. Head injuries account for the majority of cycling fatalities in the United States.

Broken bones are another common outcome of bike accidents. Studies show that around 40 percent of cyclists in crashes suffer fractures, most often in the arms and shoulders. Many of these injuries require surgery, especially in collisions involving motor vehicles.

Spinal column injuries frequently occur in bike crashes, particularly in the cervical spine (C1-C7 vertebrae). These injuries include spinal cord damage, which can result in paralysis, and disc injuries like herniations, causing long-term pain and mobility issues.

Other common injuries include neck and back trauma, internal organ damage, joint injuries, and skin abrasions such as road rash, puncture wounds, lacerations, and bruises. Each injury can significantly impact a cyclist’s life, both physically and financially.

If you have been injured in a cycling accident, our California bicycle accident lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.

California and Its Bicycle Helmet Laws and Statistics

California has implemented helmet laws aimed at reducing head injuries among cyclists, particularly children. Since 1994, cyclists under the age of 18 have been required to wear helmets while riding on public roads, with penalties for non-compliance starting at $25. Despite this legislation, the effectiveness of mandatory helmet use remains debated, with mixed results observed in reducing serious head injuries.

A study in San Diego found no significant reduction in serious head injuries after the law’s implementation, even as helmet use increased. Data showed that head injury rates slightly rose from 27.2% before the law to 28.2% after. Additionally, youth cycling declined by 14% statewide, suggesting the law may have discouraged cycling activity. Critics argue that helmet mandates, while intended to enhance safety, can lead to unintended consequences like reduced cycling rates and increased enforcement challenges in disadvantaged communities.

Helmet Use and Public Health

Although helmets provide individual protection, research suggests that promoting bicycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transport yields greater public health benefits than focusing solely on helmet mandates.

Studies show that non-helmeted commuter cyclists often experience lower overall mortality rates compared to non-cyclists, highlighting the importance of encouraging cycling over imposing restrictive policies.

The California Bicycle Coalition opposes adult helmet mandates, advocating instead for investments in safer cycling infrastructure. Studies indicate that cities with improved bike lanes and bike-share programs see fewer accidents and head injuries, even among unhelmeted riders. Every $1 million spent on bike infrastructure saves an estimated $2.8 million in healthcare costs, emphasizing the long-term benefits of creating safer streets for all road users.

We Charge No Upfront Fees Unless We Win

Our California bicycle accident lawyers offer their services with NO UPFRONT COSTS. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we secure a settlement for you. If we cannot recover compensation for your bicycle accident, you owe us nothing.

Our team is available 24/7 to provide legal advice and support after a bike accident. You can even sign up with one of our attorneys over the phone before insurance companies try to undermine your right to fair compensation.

We have a bilingual staff fluent in Spanish and English, ready to assist you in getting back on your feet after your cycling accident.

Our bilingual staff ensures Spanish-speaking clients receive the same clear, compassionate representation. Don’t face the complexities of a bicycle accident claim alone. Contact Thompson Law today for a free case evaluation and let us fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

If you are involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, call the police immediately and file a report. Gather as much information as possible about the vehicle or driver, such as the make, model, color, or license plate number. Then, seek medical attention right away and consult with our bicycle accident lawyer to explore options like uninsured motorist coverage or other avenues for compensation.

Can I file a claim if I was injured while riding a rental or shared bike?

Yes, you can file a claim if you were injured while using a rental or shared bike, such as those from bike-share programs. Liability will depend on the specifics of the accident, including whether the bike was defective or if another party was at fault. Our lawyers can help you determine who is responsible and pursue compensation.

What if the accident happened because of poor road conditions?

If your accident was caused by hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, or debris, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable. These cases often involve specific filing deadlines and procedures, so it is important to contact a lawyer immediately.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?

Yes, you may still recover compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, but it could affect your case depending on the circumstances. California law only requires cyclists under 18 to wear helmets, so not wearing one does not necessarily mean you were negligent. Our attorneys can help clarify how this impacts your claim.

What if my accident was caused by a malfunction or defect in my bicycle?

If a defective bicycle or component caused your accident, you may have a product liability case against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. These cases require evidence that the defect directly caused your injury, so preserving the bike and consulting a lawyer as soon as possible is crucial.