California Bicycle Accident Attorneys
California has one of the largest cycling populations in the country, and unfortunately, one of the highest rates of bicycle accidents. Cyclists share the road with motor vehicles but have virtually no protection in a collision. Even at low speeds, an impact between a car and a bicycle can cause devastating injuries.
Smilove & Rosenblum APC represents injured cyclists across California. Our attorneys understand the rights of bicyclists under California law and fight to ensure those rights are fully protected.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles are caused by driver negligence. Common scenarios include vehicles turning right across a bike lane, dooring when a parked driver opens their door into a cyclist’s path, failing to yield to cyclists at intersections, passing too closely in violation of the Three Feet for Safety Act (Vehicle Code Section 21760), distracted driving, and failure to check mirrors before merging. Under California law, bicycles are considered vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as cars. Drivers who fail to respect cyclists’ right to the road can be held liable for the injuries they cause.
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Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accident injuries are often severe due to the lack of protection. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken collarbones, wrists, and arms, spinal injuries, facial injuries and dental damage, road rash and deep lacerations, knee and hip injuries, and internal organ damage. We strongly recommend seeking medical attention immediately after any bicycle accident, even if you feel fine initially. Many serious injuries, particularly head injuries, may not show symptoms right away.
Your Rights as a Cyclist
California Vehicle Code provides extensive protections for cyclists. Drivers must give at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle (VC 21760), cyclists may use the full lane when necessary for safety (VC 21202), bike lanes must be respected by motor vehicles, and cyclists have the right of way in designated bike lanes and crosswalks. If a driver violated any of these laws and caused your accident, that violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your claim.
Free Consultation
If you were injured while cycling due to a negligent driver, contact Smilove & Rosenblum APC at (800) 300-3226 or request a consultation online. We will review your case at no cost and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Related Articles from Our Blog
- Dangerous Road Conditions and Government Liability in California
- Distracted Driving Laws and Penalties in California
- Hit-and-Run Accidents in California
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Cases
What rights do bicyclists have on California roads?
Under California Vehicle Code §21200, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Drivers must give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing (Vehicle Code §21760, the “Three Feet for Safety Act”). Bicyclists also have the right to use full traffic lanes when necessary for safety. When a driver violates these rules and causes an accident, they can be held liable for the cyclist’s injuries.
Can I file a claim if I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle?
Yes. If a motorist’s negligence caused your bicycle accident, you can file a personal injury claim to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, bicycle replacement, and more. Even if you were partially at fault (for example, not wearing a helmet), California’s pure comparative negligence system allows you to recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
What should I do if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage per Insurance Code §11580.2. If you don’t have UM coverage, you can file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. In hit-and-run cases, your UM coverage can also provide protection. An attorney can help you explore all available sources of recovery.
Mga Madalas Itanong Tungkol sa Aksidente sa Bisikleta (Bicycle Accident)
Frequently Asked Questions in Tagalog
Ano ang mga karapatan ng mga nagbibisikleta sa mga kalsada ng California?
Sa ilalim ng California Vehicle Code §21200, ang mga cyclist ay may parehong karapatan at responsibilidad tulad ng mga motorista. Ang mga driver ay dapat magbigay ng hindi bababa sa tatlong talampakan na clearance kapag nag-overtake (Vehicle Code §21760, ang “Three Feet for Safety Act”). Ang mga cyclist ay may karapatan ding gumamit ng buong traffic lane kung kinakailangan para sa kaligtasan.
Maaari ba akong mag-file ng claim kung nasagasaan ako ng sasakyan habang nagbibisikleta?
Oo. Kung ang kapabayaan ng isang motorista ang dahilan ng iyong bicycle accident, maaari kang mag-file ng personal injury claim para makakuha ng damages para sa medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, pagpapalit ng bisikleta, at iba pa. Kahit ikaw ay bahagyang may kasalanan, ang pure comparative negligence system ng California ay nagpapahintulot sa iyo na makakuha ng damages na binawasan ng iyong percentage of fault.
Paano kung walang insurance ang driver na nakabangga sa akin?
Kung ang at-fault driver ay walang insurance, maaari kang mag-file ng claim sa ilalim ng iyong sariling uninsured motorist (UM) coverage ayon sa Insurance Code §11580.2. Kung wala kang UM coverage, maaari kang direktang magsampa ng kaso laban sa at-fault driver. Sa mga hit-and-run na kaso, ang iyong UM coverage ay makakapagbigay din ng proteksyon. Ang isang abogado ay makakatulong sa paghahanap ng lahat ng available sources ng recovery.