Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries in a bike accident, our Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for injured cyclists throughout Bakersfield and Kern County.

Contact our law offices, Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, to schedule a free consultation and discover how we will recover the maximum financial compensation on your behalf.

Complete our online evaluation form or call us at (661) 490-9440 to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury law firm today.

Table of Contents 

How a Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer Strengthens a Case
Who Can Be Found at Fault for a Bakersfield Bike Accident
What if I am Partially at Fault for the Bicycle Accident?
Compensation in a Bicycle Accident Claim
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident

How Legal Representation Maximizes a Bicycle Accident Claim

While hiring a local bicycle accident attorney is not mandatory, professional legal representation will significantly benefit your personal injury case.

Bicycle accidents often lead to severe injuries, lost wages, and emotional distress. Representation from our experienced bicycle accident lawyers is crucial for securing financial compensation and offers the following benefits.

Conduct a Thorough Investigation to Establish Liability

Our legal team collaborates with accident reconstruction specialists and analyzes police reports, traffic signals, camera footage, and photos of the accident scene to establish liability against the responsible party.

Handle Communication with the Driver’s Insurance Company

When working with our legal team, we draft and submit a formal demand package to the at-fault party and aggressively negotiate with insurance adjusters to ensure that insufficient settlement offers are not accepted. Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts, and having experienced legal representation levels the playing field.

Consult Medical and Economic Experts to Maximize Compensation

Our law firm retains medical specialists to document the extent of bicycle accident injuries and future care needs. The firm also employs expert witnesses, such as vocational experts, to calculate lost income and loss of earning capacity if injuries prevent the victim from returning to work.

Reduce Liability if the Bicyclist Is Partially Responsible

To prevent compensation from being significantly reduced, comparative fault must be minimized. This is accomplished by investigating all potentially liable parties, including manufacturers of a defective bicycle or a government entity responsible for hazardous road conditions.

Litigate to Achieve an Optimal Outcome

Legal representation alleviates the burden of the claims process by handling paperwork, deadlines, and court appearances. If a fair settlement is not offered, our Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers can file a lawsuit and take the personal injury case to trial.

Accident Statistics Within the Cycling Community

Under California Law (Vehicle Code Section 21200), bicyclists possess the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and other road users. Therefore, they must follow traffic laws just as motor vehicle drivers do to avoid an accident.

However, negligent drivers are often to blame for bicycle crashes. Accidents happen on these roads every week, and the steps taken after an accident occurs can shape an entire personal injury claim. In 2023 alone, Bakersfield recorded 70 bicycle crashes resulting in 71 injuries and two deaths. 

Bakersfield has a growing cycling community supported by over 170 miles of bike trails, lanes, and paths. Bakersfield bike riders regularly face risks on high-speed arterials like Truxtun Avenue, Rosedale Highway, Ming Avenue, California Avenue, and Coffee Road, where limited dedicated bike lanes, poor lighting, and fast-moving traffic create dangerous conditions.

Common Causes of Bike Accident Cases in Bakersfield, CA

Bicycle accidents often result from negligent drivers, particularly on roads with limited bike lanes, poor lighting, and fast-moving traffic. Understanding the causes of bicycle accidents is critical for proving negligence and pursuing compensation. Common causes include:

• Right-Hook Crashes: A driver makes a right turn ahead, striking a cyclist traveling straight
• Left Crosses: A car turns left across a rider’s path, cutting through a bike lane or oncoming traffic
• Distracted Driving: Distracted drivers who are texting, using GPS, or simply not paying attention to the road are a leading cause of Bakersfield bicycle accidents
• Reckless Driving: Tailgating or excessive speeding that reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries
• Failure to Yield: Motorists who do not yield at intersections, crosswalks, or dedicated bike lanes
• Dooring: Parked car doors opening into cyclists near downtown Bakersfield or shopping areas
• Unsafe Passing: Drivers who pass cyclists too closely or cut back in too soon
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, broken pavement, or missing signage, creating hazardous riding environments

Our Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers investigate all potential causes, including negligent drivers, local governments responsible for road maintenance, and defective bicycle components from manufacturers.

Liability in a Motor Vehicle-Related Bicycle Accident

California law holds the negligent party responsible for a victim’s injuries and damages. While a negligent driver is frequently at fault, other parties can also be held liable in bicycle accident claims, including:

• Bicycle Repair Shops: Faulty repairs or modifications to a bike
• Bicycle Manufacturers: Design or manufacturing defects, such as a defective bicycle frame, brakes, or wheels
• Property Owners: Failure to maintain sidewalks or premises adjacent to their property
• Government Entity: A city or county responsible for poorly maintained infrastructure, road hazards, or missing bike lane markings
• Other Businesses: An employee operating a company motor vehicle who strikes a cyclist while on the job

If you were injured in a Bakersfield bicycle accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you can pursue compensation from the responsible party to recover damages for your losses.

Understanding Fault and Comparative Negligence in California

California law follows a pure comparative fault system, holding all parties responsible for injuries resulting from an accident. Bike accident victims can still collect compensation even when partially responsible for the crash, though the amount is reduced based on their percentage of fault.

For example, if a bicyclist is found to be 25% at fault and total damages are $100,000, the cyclist could still recover $75,000.

Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto the rider, exaggerating a cyclist’s fault to reduce payouts. Skilled Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers push back with evidence, including witness statements, photos, and expert analysis, to ensure riders exercise their right to reasonable care and fair recovery.

What Can Be Compensated in a Bicycle Accident Case

In the event of a collision, bike accident victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. California law allows bicycle accident victims to seek compensatory damages resulting from negligence. An experienced bicycle accident attorney ensures that bicycle accident claims encompass the full extent of damages, categorized as follows.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses. Common examples include:

• Emergency room visits and medical bills
• Surgical procedures and follow-up care
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Lost wages and lost income during recovery
• Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment
• Property damage to the bicycle and riding equipment

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for losses without a specific dollar amount. Common examples include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or scarring

Punitive Damages

These forms of loss are rarely awarded, but may be awarded when a defendant’s conduct is found to be especially reckless or intentional. Examples of conduct that may warrant punitive damages include:

• DUI-related crashes
• Intentional road rage against riders
• Gross negligence, such as fleeing the scene

Wrongful Death Damages

When a bicycle accident results in wrongful death, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death damages. Common examples include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Loss of consortium
• Grief and emotional distress

How to Prove Negligence in a Personal Injury Case

Negligence must be proven to hold the at-fault party liable for damages. To prove negligence in a personal injury case, the following four factors must be demonstrated:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty of care to act reasonably.
2. Breach of Duty: That duty was breached through careless actions.
3. Causation: The breach caused the bicycle accident.
4. Damages: The victim sustained injuries and other damages as a result of the crash.

Working with an experienced attorney is crucial to this process, especially when the injured rider is partially responsible for their injuries, such as failing to follow traffic laws or riding without proper lighting.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclists lack the protection of a motor vehicle, making even helmets insufficient against the full impact of a collision. When negligent drivers cause a Bakersfield bike accident, bicycle accident victims often face life-altering consequences. Bike safety awareness is critical, but it cannot always prevent a crash caused by someone else’s negligence.

Common bicycle accident injuries include:

• Amputation
• Broken bones (collarbone, wrists, ribs, pelvis, legs)
• Dental fractures
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Facial fractures
• Head injuries and concussions
• Lacerations and severe road rash
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Wrongful death

Seek medical treatment after a bicycle crash, even for seemingly minor injuries. Prompt medical treatment not only addresses serious injuries but also creates critical documentation of their nature and progression. Keeping a detailed record of all medical care helps establish the connection between the accident and the injuries suffered, which is essential to any insurance claim.

What Bicycle Accident Victims Must Do After a Crash

If you were injured in a bicycle collision, take the following steps to protect your well-being and potential personal injury claim:

1. Move to safety and call 911. Then, request a police report from the Bakersfield Police Department or CHP.
2. Document the accident scene. Get the driver’s name, license plate, license, and insurance information.
3. Photograph the vehicle, bike, head injuries, or other visible injuries, traffic signals, debris, and road surface. Keep a detailed record of everything.
4. Seek immediate medical treatment at Kern Medical, Adventist Health Bakersfield, or the nearest emergency room. Injuries resulting from a bike crash are not always immediately apparent.
5. Do not speak to the insurance companies, admit fault, or sign insurance papers. Call a personal injury attorney in Bakersfield for proper legal guidance.

Why Choose Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer for a Bakersfield Bike Accident?

Our personal injury law firm focuses exclusively on plaintiff-side personal injury cases, never the insurance company’s.

Attorney Jeff is a California personal injury law firm with offices serving communities from San Diego to Santa Barbara and throughout the Central Valley, including a dedicated Bakersfield office handling serious bicycle accident claims.

Unlike other accident lawyer firms that treat cycling cases like routine injury claims, Attorney Jeff focuses on delivering an optimal outcome for every bicycle accident victim. To ensure the best legal service, our Bakersfield office offers the following benefits:

• Local Expertise: Our familiarity with Bakersfield roads and dangerous intersections on Rosedale Highway, Coffee Road, Ming Avenue, Allen Road, and White Lane provides crucial insight into reconstructing a Bakersfield bike accident and proving fault.
• Proven Track Record: We have recovered millions for bicycle accident victims and injured clients throughout California, including significant bicycle accident settlements and verdicts.
• Client-Centered Approach: Our clients are not just a case number. We provide personalized attention, clear communication, and regular updates throughout your case.
• No Fees Unless You Win: Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront legal fees. Our fee depends entirely on whether we secure a settlement or a favorable verdict for you.
• Full-Service Representation: We manage every aspect of bicycle accident claims, including investigations, negotiations, complex medical bills, and courtroom advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bakersfield Bicycle Accidents

Can I sue if a car driver hits me while I’m riding a bicycle?

Yes. If a negligent driver hits a cyclist, the injured bicyclist can file a personal injury claim to recover medical expenses and other damages. California law protects your right to recovery through the legal system.

Can I still file an insurance claim if I was not wearing a helmet?

Yes. Adults are generally not required to wear helmets in California. Regardless, insurance companies may argue shared fault. Ultimately, your case depends on the available evidence, whether severe injuries were sustained, and causation, not just helmet use alone.

What if I was partially responsible for the bicycle accident?

You can still pursue compensation and collect compensation under California’s comparative fault system. A skilled bicycle accident attorney can fight unfair fault assignments that insurance carriers use to reduce payouts.

What if the driver fled the scene or had no insurance?

Report the hit-and-run to the Bakersfield Police Department immediately. Our legal team can investigate video footage, witnesses, and police leads, and explore uninsured motorist coverage under your own auto policy to help you recover damages.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in California?

Bicycle accident victims have two years from the date the injury was sustained, not necessarily the date of the accident, to file a personal injury claim under California’s statute of limitations. Claims against a government entity, such as the City of Bakersfield or Kern County, for dangerous road conditions or a poorly maintained bike lane, have a shorter deadline of six months to file an administrative claim.

Contact Our Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

If you suffered injuries in a Bakersfield bike accident involving a motor vehicle, unsafe road conditions, or a defective bicycle, contact Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer today. Our experienced bicycle accident attorney team offers a free consultation to review your legal options at no obligation.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we deliver a case win. 

Prompt action is vital to preserving evidence, meeting California filing deadlines, and protecting the full value of your bicycle accident claims. Contact our Bakersfield office as soon as possible.

Address: 1527 19th St, Suite 312, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 490-9440

You focus on healing, and let us handle the rest. After an accident, Jeff’s got you.

Attorney Jeff’s Other California Office Locations

We have law offices throughout Northern and Southern California. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with our compassionate bike accident attorneys in Bakersfield today.

• Corona
• Fontana
• Fresno
• Hesperia
• Monterey Park
• Rancho Cucamonga
• San Jose
• Santa Ana
• Tustin
• Van Nuys
• Victorville
• Visalia

Other Personal Injury Cases Our Accident Attorneys in Bakersfield Specialize In

Our award-winning personal injury law firm also specializes in the following practice areas.

• Bakersfield Bicycle Accidents
• Bakersfield Car Accidents
• Bakersfield Dog Bite Cases
• Bakersfield Elder Abuse Claims
• Bakersfield Medical Malpractice Claims
• Bakersfield Motorcycle Accidents
• Bakersfield Pedestrian Accidents
• Bakersfield Personal Injury Accidents
• Bakersfield Rental Car Accidents
• Bakersfield Slip and Fall Accidents
• Bakersfield Truck Accidents
• Bakersfield Lyft Accidents and Bakersfield Uber Accidents
• Bakersfield Workers’ Compensation Accidents
• Bakersfield Wrongful Death Claims