Bicycle Accidents

Support After Bicycle Crashes

Every year, thousands of Californians are injured while riding bicycles. Whether you commute to work, ride for exercise, or enjoy weekend outings, you deserve to feel safe on California’s roads. If a driver’s careless actions have left you hurt, the aftermath can be overwhelming – medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what steps to take. At Attain Law, we understand how a bicycle accident can disrupt your life. We help cyclists across California get clear answers and protect their rights when the unexpected happens. If you’re unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal side, so you can focus on healing.

Serious bicycle accidents can happen anywhere — from busy Los Angeles streets to quiet neighborhood roads. No matter the circumstances, you have legal protections under California law. Learn about your next steps, how to secure fair compensation, and how to hold negligent drivers accountable.

If you have questions about your situation, you can also read about car accidents or pedestrian accidents to understand how different traffic incidents are handled in California.

Defining Bicycle Accident Claims

A bicycle accident claim is a legal process that allows injured cyclists to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. Most claims arise from collisions between a bicycle and a motor vehicle. However, some involve poorly maintained roads, unsafe bike lanes, or even defective bicycle parts.

Key scenarios include:

• A driver fails to yield or check blind spots and strikes a cyclist.
• Doorings, when a car door opens suddenly into a cyclist’s path.
• Unsafe road design or lack of proper signage.
• Distracted or impaired driving.
• Defective bicycle components causing crashes.

If your accident involves a rideshare vehicle, see our rideshare accidents page for more about those specific situations.

California Laws That Protect Cyclists

California has some of the nation’s most comprehensive bicycle safety laws. The California Vehicle Code (CVC) spells out both driver and cyclist responsibilities:

• Three Feet for Safety Act (CVC §21670): Drivers must leave at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist.
• Right to the Road: Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers in most circumstances.
• Bike Lane Protections: Motor vehicles may not drive or park in designated bike lanes (CVC §21209).
• Helmet Laws: Riders under 18 must wear helmets (CVC §21212), though it’s a good practice for all ages.

If a driver violates these rules and causes your injury, they may be liable for your damages. California is a “comparative fault” state, so even if you share some responsibility, you may still recover compensation, though your award could be reduced.

For broader context on injury law, visit our personal injury page or learn more about premises liability if unsafe property conditions contributed to your crash.

What If a Defective Bike Part Caused the Crash?

Sometimes, a crash happens not because of another driver, but due to a faulty bicycle component or unsafe product design. In these cases, you may have a product liability claim. Defective bike parts—like brakes or tires—can make manufacturers or retailers responsible for your losses.

Read more about faulty consumer products and steps to take after a product-related injury.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Knowing what to do immediately after a bicycle accident can make a big difference for your health and your future claim. Here’s a simple action plan:

1. Get to Safety: Move out of traffic if you can.
2. Call 911: Report the crash and get medical attention, even for minor injuries.
3. Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, bike, the scene, and any vehicles involved.
4. Get Witness Information: Names and contacts of people who saw the crash can be crucial.
5. File a Police Report: This becomes important evidence.
6. Preserve Evidence: Don’t repair your bike or throw away damaged gear.
7. Speak with a Lawyer: Before talking to insurance companies, contact an attorney who understands traffic accidents.

For a more detailed checklist, see steps to take after a bicycle accident.

Know the Damages You May Recover

If you’re injured in a California bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rehab, future treatment)
• Lost income and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Damage to your bicycle and gear
• Out-of-pocket expenses

In tragic cases involving loss of life, families may have a wrongful death claim. Learn about common causes of wrongful death claims for further guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bicycle Accident Claims in California

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in California? Move to a safe area if possible, call 911 for medical help, collect contact and insurance information from any involved drivers, take photos of the scene, and file a police report. It’s also wise to seek prompt legal advice before speaking with insurers.

Who is at fault in a California bicycle accident? Fault depends on the circumstances. If a driver violated traffic laws or failed to yield, they may be at fault. California’s comparative fault system may reduce your recovery if you share responsibility, but you can still seek damages.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in California? You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California, but shorter deadlines may apply if a government entity is involved.

Can I recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet? Yes, you may still recover damages even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. However, failing to wear a helmet (if under 18) could reduce your compensation if it contributed to your injuries.

What if a road hazard caused my bicycle accident? If a dangerous road condition or lack of proper signage caused your crash, you may have a claim against a city, county, or other responsible party. Government claims have shorter deadlines, so act quickly.

Talk to a California Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been hurt while cycling in California, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Attain Law’s attorneys are ready to answer your questions and help you understand your rights. For a free, no-pressure consultation, call (888) 970-8627 or contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.