San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Call Our San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today!

At Thompson Law, we handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t secure compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide support after an accident. You can sign up over the phone, so you don’t have to wait for an in-person meeting while insurance companies try to minimize your claim. Our bilingual team speaks both English and Spanish to ensure all cyclists get the legal help they need. Call today for a FREE CASE REVIEW

What Compensation is Available After a Bicycle Accident in San Diego?

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in San Diego, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Bike crashes can lead to serious injuries, costly medical bills, and time away from work. Knowing what you can do to recover the different kinds of compensation can make a big difference in rebuilding your life. Here are some damages you may be able to claim:

• Medical Expenses:  Covers hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages:  If your injuries keep you from working, you can recover the income you lost. If you can’t return to your previous job or work at all, you may also be compensated for reduced future earnings.
• Property Damage:  If your bike, helmet, or other personal belongings were damaged or destroyed in the crash, you can be reimbursed for repairs or replacements.
• Pain and Suffering:  This includes the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. If the crash left you with lasting trauma, anxiety, or a lower quality of life, you may receive compensation.
• Reduced Earning Potential:  If the accident caused long-term injuries that affect your ability to work or live independently, you may be entitled to additional compensation for the lasting impact on your life.
• Punitive Damages:  If the driver who hit you was extremely reckless, such as driving under the influence or intentionally breaking traffic laws, the court may award extra damages to punish them and discourage similar behavior.

Every case is different, and the amount you can recover depends on the details of your accident. An experienced San Diego bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident in San Diego?

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 complicated and may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts. Our skilled San Diego bicycle accident attorneys can help recognize all responsible parties and hold them accountable for their role in your accident.

Why Choose Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law’s San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Biking Laws and Guidelines in San Diego

Cyclists in San Diego have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and must follow traffic laws to ensure safety. Each year, numerous bicyclists are injured or killed in collisions. Here are essential 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.
• Helmet Requirements:  Riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Night Riding:  Bikes must have a front white light visible from 300 feet, a rear red reflector or light visible from 500 feet, 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.

San Diego Bicycle Accident Statistics

Bicycling is popular in San Diego for commuting, exercise, and leisure, but cyclists face significant risks on the roads. Between 2017 and 2022, the city reported 2,121 bicycle accidents, resulting in 18 fatalities and 2,173 injuries.

Urban areas saw the highest number of incidents, with downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach being notable hotspots. The most common factors in these accidents included unsafe speeds (14.9%), improper turning (19.9%), and right-of-way violations (14.7%). Male cyclists accounted for a significant majority of those injured or killed. Fridays between 9 p.m. and midnight saw the highest number of fatal crashes, while Saturday afternoons were peak times for serious injuries.

Improving infrastructure, promoting helmet use, and enhancing public education are critical to reducing these incidents.

Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Diego

Understanding the causes of bicycle accidents can help cyclists make better and safer decisions, as well as avoid potential crashes. Many bicycle accidents result from 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. Often caused by motorists failing to check their blind spot or misjudging the cyclist’s speed.
• Left Cross Accidents:  Happen when a vehicle turning left at an intersection collides with a cyclist coming from the opposite direction. Drivers may fail to yield or misjudge the cyclist’s speed.
• Dooring Accidents:  Occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist, causing a collision or forcing the cyclist into traffic.
• Drunk Driving Accidents:  Involve impaired drivers with slower reaction times and reduced focus, making them less likely to notice cyclists.

Being aware of these common situations allows cyclists to adopt the right protective measures when riding in order to stay safe and reduce the risk of getting into an accident.

Where Do Most Accidents Involving Bicycles Occur in San Diego?

Most bicycle accidents in San Diego occur in busy urban areas where cyclists and vehicles share the road. In 2019, over 85% of serious and fatal bike crashes in California happened in cities, and San Diego was one of the most affected areas. High traffic, complex intersections, and distracted driving contribute to the high number of accidents.

Major roads and highways are the most dangerous for cyclists. Nearly half of all fatal bike crashes in the state happen on large roads that aren’t part of the interstate system. These streets often have fast-moving traffic, few bike lanes, and drivers who aren’t paying attention to cyclists. Smaller streets also see a significant number of accidents, making up about 38% of crashes.

Although rural areas see fewer total accidents, some counties report a higher rate of serious bike injuries per capita. This is often due to winding roads, high speeds, and limited visibility.

In San Diego, areas with heavy traffic and poor cycling infrastructure are the most dangerous for riders. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Get a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Common Bike Accident Injuries in San Diego

Cyclists in San Diego are vulnerable to serious injuries in crashes with cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Unlike drivers, they have little protection, making even minor collisions dangerous. Here are some of the most common injuries from bicycle accidents:

• Head and Brain Injuries:  Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe. A hard impact can cause concussions, brain swelling, or bleeding. Head injuries are the leading cause of cycling-related deaths in the U.S. Helmets help reduce the risk but don’t always prevent concussions.
• Broken Bones:  Fractures are common, especially in the arms, shoulders, and collarbones. Studies show that nearly 40% of cyclists in crashes suffer broken bones. Many require surgery, particularly if hit by a motor vehicle.
• Joint injuries:  Cyclists often suffer joint injuries in crashes, especially in the knees, wrists, shoulders, and ankles. A direct impact or an awkward fall can lead to dislocations, sprains, ligament tears (such as ACL or rotator cuff injuries), and long-term joint instability.
• Spinal Injuries:  Damage to the spine can lead to long-term pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis. Injuries to the cervical spine (neck) or back trauma are particularly serious and may cause permanent nerve damage.
• Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage:  Sliding across pavement can cause painful abrasions, cuts, and deep lacerations. Severe cases may require skin grafts or lead to infections.
• Internal Injuries:  A hard impact can damage internal organs, leading to dangerous internal bleeding. Rib fractures, punctured lungs, and abdominal injuries are common in high-impact crashes.

Every bike accident is different, and the severity of injuries depends on factors like speed, road conditions, and whether protective gear was worn. If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident, speaking with an experienced San Diego bicycle accident lawyer can help you get the financial support you need for recovery.

San Diego and Its Bicycle Helmet Laws and Statistics

San Diego requires cyclists under 18 to wear helmets while riding on public roads. If caught without one, they face a $25 fine. While helmet use is encouraged, adults are not legally required to wear one.

A study in San Diego showed that despite more cyclists wearing helmets after the law was passed, serious head injury rates did not significantly decrease. The percentage of cyclists with head injuries increased slightly from 27.2% before the law to 28.2% after. Additionally, youth cycling dropped by 14% statewide, suggesting that mandatory helmet laws may discourage biking rather than improve safety.

Helmet Use and Public Health

While helmets help protect individuals, experts argue that safer streets do more to prevent injuries. Studies show that cities with protected bike lanes see fewer accidents, even among cyclists who don’t wear helmets. Investing in bike-friendly infrastructure, such as designated lanes and traffic-calming measures, has been linked to lower injury rates and healthcare costs. Every $1 million spent on bike infrastructure saves approximately $2.8 million in medical expenses.

Organizations like the California Bicycle Coalition advocate for better bike lanes, improved intersections, and education programs over strict helmet laws. Research also shows that cities encouraging cycling tend to have healthier populations, as regular biking reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

FAQs About San Diego Bicycle Accidents

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

Call the police immediately and file a report. Try to gather details about the car, such as its color, make, model, or license plate number. Then, seek medical attention and contact a bicycle accident lawyer to explore options like uninsured motorist coverage.

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

Yes. If you were hurt while using a bike-share service, you may still be able to file a claim. Liability depends on the cause of the accident, such as a defective bike, poor maintenance, or another driver’s negligence. A lawyer can help determine who is responsible.

What if the accident happened because of poor road conditions?

If potholes, cracked pavement, or road debris caused your crash, you may be able to file a claim against the city or government agency responsible for maintaining the road. These cases have strict filing deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly.

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

Yes. In San Diego, only cyclists under 18 are required to wear helmets. If you’re an adult, not wearing a helmet doesn’t mean you were at fault for the accident. However, insurance companies might try to argue that it contributed to your injuries, so having a strong legal advocate is important.

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

If a faulty bike or part caused your crash, you may have a product liability case against the manufacturer or retailer. Keeping the damaged bike as evidence is crucial, so avoid making repairs until a lawyer evaluates your case.