California Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer specializes in helping our injured clients recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to after suffering an injury due to another party’s negligence. If you or a loved one were injured in a bike crash, connect with our award-winning California bicycle accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

To get in touch, please call us at 888-894-4569 or submit an online contact form.

How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

Our bicycle accident law firm is dedicated to helping injured cyclists get the justice and compensation they deserve. From obtaining evidence to interviewing witnesses to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of bike accident claims.

Our personal injury law firm offers the following services:

Thorough Accident Investigation: Working with accident reconstructionists to conduct an in-depth, personalized investigation to determine all contributing factors of the bike crash
Evidence Collection and Preservation: Securing and preserving all critical evidence, such as photos, videos, police reports, and witness statements to establish liability
Witness Interviews: Locating and interviewing all eyewitnesses to obtain their official testimony
Claims Filing: Managing all necessary documentation for insurance and court filings, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and the statute of limitations
Damage Assessment: Analyzing the full extent of economic damages and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Insurance Negotiation: Aggressively negotiating with insurance companies to achieve a fair and full settlement that accounts for all sustained damages
Court Representation: Filing a personal injury lawsuit and providing skilled in-court representation if necessary

California Bicycle Accidents Statistics

Bike riders in California share the roads with millions of motor vehicles, and with little to no protection against the impact of a passenger vehicle or large truck, accidents involving cyclists may result in serious injuries.

NHTSA data shows that bicyclist fatalities have been on the rise, reaching a high of 966 cyclist deaths nationwide in 2021. California, Florida, and Texas accounted for 42.8% of these fatal accidents.

Additionally, Los Angeles and Orange County are among the top five counties that experience a high frequency of serious injury and fatal bike accidents.

What Bicyclists Need to Know After a Bike Crash

A serious bicycle accident can result in life-changing injuries and significant financial burdens. This is why, as the American Bar Association explains, personal injury law exists to protect those hurt due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions.

Even at low speeds, a crash can cause bicycle injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, or other catastrophic injuries, requiring costly medical treatment.

The careless driver should be held accountable for their actions. However, insurance companies often try to blame the cyclist for the accident to reduce their payout.

If you were obeying the California bicycle laws, you deserve full compensation. Our bicycle accident attorneys will gather evidence to prove the driver’s fault and protect you from the insurance company’s tactics.

Liability and Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

In most scenarios, bicycle accidents occur due to negligence. Some of the most common causes of a bicycle crash include:

Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, eating, talking to passengers, or engaged in another activity that takes attention away from driving
Failing to Follow Traffic Signals: Motorists who run through stop signs or fail to yield at intersections to individuals riding bicycles
“Dooring” Incidents: A parked car’s door opening suddenly into oncoming traffic, a bike lane, or a cyclist’s path
Unsafe Passing: Drivers who don’t give the required three-foot clearance when passing can sideswipe a cyclist.
Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive driving, driving under the influence, or failing to follow other traffic laws

Unexpected Liable Parties

If a bike accident is caused by a dangerous road condition, like an unfilled pothole or cracked pavement, the city or a government agency responsible for road maintenance might be liable.

Alternatively, the bike manufacturer could be held responsible under product liability law if a bicycle had a mechanical failure due to a defective part.

An experienced bicycle attorney will investigate all possible causes to identify all at-fault parties who contributed to the accident.

California Bicycle Laws

California biking laws are designed to ensure the safety of both bicycle riders and other road users. According to the California Vehicle Code (VEH 21200), bicyclists typically have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.

This means that bicyclists must follow bike-specific laws and obey motor vehicle traffic laws, including:

Riding in the same direction as traffic and using designated bike lanes when available
Following all traffic signals and signs, including stopping at stop signs and red lights
Riding in the bike lane when traveling at a speed less than the rest of traffic
Yielding to pedestrians at intersections
Wearing a helmet for bicyclists under the age of 18

Biking laws are designed to promote bicycle safety and the coexistence of bicyclists with motor vehicle drivers, ensuring everyone can travel safely and responsibly.

Types of Serious Injuries Sustained in Bike Accidents

Bike accidents can result in various injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to life-threatening conditions. Common types of bike injuries that can be compensated include but are not limited to the following:

Head Trauma

This occurs when a motor vehicle strikes a bicyclist, causing the rider to fall off and hit his or her head. Even with a helmet, the impact can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Spinal Cord Injuries

Significant injuries, like a spinal injury, occur when a bicyclist aggressively lands on the back or neck area. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis and require extensive medical care.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Collisions with motor vehicles can cause bone breaks, including fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body. These severe injuries often require surgery and long-term recovery.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

A forceful impact can cause internal damage, such as a punctured lung or damaged spleen. These injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Soft Tissue Injuries

These include injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can occur from falls or collisions. Soft tissue injuries can cause significant pain and limit mobility, often requiring physical therapy for recovery.

The varying severity of these injuries highlights the importance of legal support to ensure injured bicycle riders receive the compensation they deserve.

What Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?

Every bicycle accident case is unique, and compensation will depend on the circumstances. Bicycle accident victims are often severely injured due to the lack of protection, making bike accident injuries particularly devastating.

These injuries often require months of rehabilitation and can leave you with lasting limitations. The value of your bicycle accident claim includes both your economic losses (medical expenses and loss of wages) and your non-economic losses (pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life).

Types of Compensation

When we pursue a bicycle accident injury claim in California, we aim to recover all damages you are entitled to. You may claim compensation for:

Medical Bills: All past and future hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, medication, and any other treatment related to injuries
Lost Income: Wages lost while out of work, as well as future earnings if the injured party cannot return to work, creating a reduced earning capacity
Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace the bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident (helmet, phone, camera, etc.)
Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress endured due to the traumatic event
Loss of Enjoyment: Compensation for how the injuries have diminished the ability to enjoy hobbies, exercise, and day-to-day life
Permanent Injury or Disability: Bike riding accidents resulting in deep scarring, disfigurement, or a lasting disability, impacting confidence

Our law firm will diligently calculate and document the full extent of your losses, refusing to let the insurance company undervalue your bike accident claim. This thorough approach will demonstrate the true value of your injuries and other damages, putting you in a position not to recover a fair settlement.

Proving Liability in a Bike Accident Case

Proving liability in a bike accident case can be complex and requires the expertise of a bicycle accident attorney. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

To establish liability, we demonstrate that the defendant (the person or entity responsible for the accident) was negligent or reckless in their actions. There are four key elements in a bike accident case to prove this:

Duty of Care: The defendant had a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming the bicyclist. This means following laws and driving safely.
Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in the bike crash. This could involve actions like speeding, running a stop sign, or failing to yield to a bicyclist.
Causation: The defendant’s actions were the direct cause of the accident and the bicyclist’s injuries. It must be clearly evident that the defendant’s behavior directly caused the bike accident and led to the victim’s injuries.
Damages: The bicyclist suffered damages as a result of the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These damages must be documented and quantified.

Evidence to Establish Liability and Prove Damages

To prove the four elements of negligence, a bicycle lawyer will compile sufficient evidence that supports their argument. This may include the following:

Witness Statements: Testimonies from individuals who saw the accident or have knowledge of the events leading up to it
Police Reports: Official reports from law enforcement officers who responded to the accident scene
Medical Records: Documentation of the bicyclist’s medical treatment, summary of injuries, and medical treatment overview
Photographs and Video: Visual evidence of the accident scene and the bicyclist’s injuries
Expert Testimony: Insights from experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, who can provide detailed analysis of the accident and the injuries sustained

By gathering and presenting evidence, a bicycle accident attorney can help prove liability and secure compensation for the bicyclist’s injuries and damages. This thorough approach ensures that the injured cyclist receives the justice and financial support they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Cases

What should I do after a bicycle accident?

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

Call 911 immediately: Call 911 immediately to get necessary medical assistance and police presence to obtain an accident report. Even if injuries do not appear serious, still seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Gather Information: If physically able, exchange information with the driver (name, contact info, insurance details, and license plate) and any witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, the bicycle, the involved vehicle(s), and any visible injuries.
Do Not Admit Fault: Cooperate with police, but don’t apologize or accept blame. The investigation will determine fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” could be used against you. Avoid speaking with the other party’s insurance company in the meantime.
Preserve Evidence: Do not repair any damaged property from the accident. Retain the damaged bicycle and all gear as evidence, and save all medical records and bills. These items will prove compensable damages.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Consult with experienced lawyers before speaking with the insurance company. Bicycle injury lawyers can handle communications and protect your rights, ensuring fair case proceedings.

By following these steps, you give yourself the best chance at a strong recovery–both physically and financially.

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

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date the injury was sustained, but there are some exceptions.

For example, claims against a government agency must be filed within six months. The filing period can be extended in other personal injury cases involving injured minors.

Regardless of the allotted timeframe, it takes time to build a strong case and to preserve evidence while it is readily available. The sooner an attorney gets involved, the better.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet when I was hit?

California only requires bike helmets for riders under 18. If you weren’t wearing a helmet, it does not prevent you from seeking compensation for your injuries.

Under California’s comparative fault laws, the insurance company might argue that your head injuries could have been less severe with a helmet, reducing a settlement amount.

However, with the right bike accident attorney and legal team, comparative negligence laws will not prevent you from compensation.

Speak to a California Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Our bicycle accident attorneys at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer are ready to help you hold the negligent party accountable and recover the financial compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident anywhere in California, Jeff’s got you. We offer comprehensive legal representation, enabling you to focus on your recovery.

We invite you to schedule a free consultation at your convenience and speak with an experienced bike accident lawyer about your case.

Contact Our Law Firm for a Free Consultation

To initiate the recovery process, please contact our office at 888-970-5729 and speak with our California bicycle accident attorneys; we are available 24/7 to take your call.

Alternatively, you may submit your inquiry through our online contact form to receive a timely response and a detailed discussion of your legal options.

Our Locations in Southern California

Our law offices are conveniently located throughout Southern California to better serve you, including Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and more.

At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we specialize in handling the following personal injury practice cases: