Bicycle Accidents

What Is a Bicycle Accident?

A bicycle accident happens when someone riding a bike gets hurt because of a crash or collision. This can involve any kind of vehicle, like a car, truck, bus, or motorcycle, or even dangerous road conditions. In California, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. If a driver, another cyclist, or even a pedestrian acts carelessly and causes an injury, it’s considered a bicycle accident.

Common examples include:

• A car turning without seeing a cyclist
• A driver opening a door into a bike lane (“dooring”)
• Unsafe road surfaces or obstacles
• Collisions at intersections

Legal Rights of an Injured Cyclist in California

After a bicycle accident, an injured person in California has several important legal rights:

1. Right to Seek Compensation

• If another party (driver, cyclist, pedestrian, or even a government entity responsible for road conditions) was careless or negligent and caused the accident, the injured cyclist can pursue compensation. This may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage (such as to the bicycle itself).

2. Equal Rights and Responsibilities

• Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers under California law. This means they are entitled to use the road and expect others to exercise reasonable care.

3. Right to File a Claim or Lawsuit

• The injured person can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company or, if necessary, file a lawsuit to recover damages. California follows a comparative fault system, so even if the cyclist is partially at fault, they may still recover compensation, though it may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

4. Right to Legal Representation

• Injured cyclists have the right to hire an attorney to represent their interests. Legal counsel can help investigate the accident, gather evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation.

5. Right to Medical Care

• The injured party has the right to seek immediate and ongoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident. Prompt medical attention also helps document the extent of injuries for any legal claim.

6. Right to Due Process

• If the case goes to court, the injured person has the right to present evidence, call witnesses, and have their case heard by a judge or jury.

How Our Office Can Help Injured Cyclists

If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, our office can support you in several ways:

• Investigating the Incident: We collect details about what happened, including photos, witness accounts, and official reports, to understand the cause and who is responsible.
• Handling Insurance: We communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, making sure your claim is taken seriously and you aren’t pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
• Proving Fault: We work to show that another person’s carelessness led to your injuries, which is key to getting compensation.
• Seeking Compensation: We help you recover costs for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and damage to your bicycle.
• Guiding You Through the Process: We explain your rights, answer your questions, and represent you in negotiations or court if needed.
• No Upfront Fees: You only pay us if we successfully recover money for you.

Simple Summary

A bicycle accident is any situation where a cyclist is injured, often because someone else was careless. Our office helps injured cyclists by investigating the accident, handling insurance, proving fault, and fighting for fair compensation, so you can focus on getting better.