Bicycle Accident 101

1. Biking in California: Risks, Rights & Your Road to Recovery

Bicycling is a popular and eco-friendly mode of transportation in California, but it also poses serious risks. Each year, thousands of cyclists are injured in collisions involving motor vehicles, road hazards, or negligent drivers. Understanding your legal rights after a bicycle accident is crucial to protecting your health, financial recovery, and future.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the bicycle accident claims process in California. From identifying common injuries and documenting evidence at the scene to navigating insurance claims and pursuing compensation, we cover what you need to know to make informed decisions. 

Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend rider, this guide is designed to help you recover and move forward with confidence after an accident.

*Please remember that the information provided is for general guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice tailored to your specific situation.

2. The Numbers: How Common Are Bicycle Crashes in California?

With a population of just under 40 million, it’s no surprise that California leads the nation in bicycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities. 

• From 2018 to 2022, the state averaged 9,218 bicycle crashes per year, with the highest totals concentrated in densely populated regions like Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Sacramento Counties.
• In 2022, there were 177 bicyclist fatalities statewide—a noticeable drop from earlier years, but still reflective of persistent danger in urban areas.
• By 2024, reported bicycle-related incidents rose again to 9,752, accounting for nearly 23% of all bike-related injuries nationwide.

National Bicycle Crash Trends 

• Bicycle deaths have surged by 53% between 2014 and 2023, underscoring a growing safety concern.
• Most fatal crashes occur in urban areas (81%), and non-intersection zones remain the deadliest locations.
• Evening hours—especially between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM—see the highest number of fatalities.
• Deadliest months: July through October, when more cyclists are on the road.

3. Why Bike Accidents Happen: Leading Causes in California

According to data provided by UC Berkeley, the most common causes of bicycle collisions involve both driver negligence and cyclist error. Understanding these patterns helps improve safety for all road users. 

Improper Turning

Many collisions occur when drivers make left or right turns without checking for nearby cyclists. These crashes often happen at intersections or driveways where visibility is limited or drivers underestimate a cyclist’s speed and position. 

Unsafe Speed

Excessive speed—either by the driver or cyclist—reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries in the event of a crash. Speeding drivers may fail to stop in time or misjudge the space needed to safely pass a cyclist 

Automobile Right of Way

The leading cause of automobile-bicycle collisions is a driver’s failure to yield the right of way, especially at intersections, crosswalks, or while merging into bike lanes

Traffic Signals and Signs

Ignoring stop signs, running red lights, or misinterpreting signal changes are frequent contributors to collisions. These violations occur on both sides—drivers and cyclists alike—but often put the more vulnerable cyclist at greater risk

Wrong Side of the Road 

Cyclists riding against traffic pose significant danger, as motorists typically do not anticipate oncoming bikes in the wrong lane. This can lead to head-on collisions or sideswipes

4. Common Bicycle Accident Injuries (and Why They’re So Serious)

A bicycle accident-related injury could be as minor as a scraped knee to a severe traumatic brain injury, depending on the circumstances and nature of the crash. While vehicle speed plays a large role, the location of the accident can also be a factor.

In California, where the number of cycling accidents is high, common injuries often include:

• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, are a leading concern, especially when cyclists are not wearing helmets. 
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Collarbones, wrists, ribs, and legs are frequently fractured during impact with vehicles or pavement. 
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe crashes can result in long-term or permanent damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or chronic pain.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Bruises, lacerations, scrapes, cuts, and muscle tears are common. While less severe, they can still require emergency and medical care. Road rash is one of the most common injuries associated with bicycling. 
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma may cause internal bleeding or organ damage, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. 

In 2022 alone, California recorded 177 bicyclist fatalities, highlighting the risk of serious or fatal outcomes when safety is compromised. With California consistently ranking among the top states for bicycle accident deaths, understanding these injuries is vital for both prevention and legal recovery.

5. Hit While Cycling? 7 Critical Steps to Take After a Bike Crash

Knowing what to do immediately after a bicycle accident can make a big difference in your safety, recovery, and potential legal claim. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Ensure Safety First

Move out of traffic if you’re able and check yourself and your bike for serious injuries or damage. 

2. Call 911 

Report the accident and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask serious symptoms. 

3. Wait for Police and Get a Report

A police report creates an official record of the incident. Avoid negotiating with the other party or apologizing at the scene. 

4. Exchange Information

Collect the driver’s name, license number, contact info, insurance details, and vehicle description. 

5. Document Everything

Take photos of injuries, your bike, the vehicle and license plate, the scene, and any relevant road signs or signals. 

6. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor. Some injuries (like concussions or internal trauma) may not show symptoms right away. 

7. Contact an Attorney 

Legal guidance early on can help preserve your rights and maximize your compensation. 

6. Who Pays? Determining Fault in Bicycle Accidents

In most bicycle accident cases, liability falls on negligence. That is, the person who acted negligently and caused the accident. Negligence can be attributed to one or multiple individuals. 

For example, if a driver failed to check for cyclists before making a left-hand turn, they would most likely be found at fault and therefore liable for any damages. 

A cyclist can also be found partially negligent if he or she failed to follow traffic laws, such as riding in the wrong direction. 

Liability in bicycle accidents is often determined under California’s comparative negligence system. This means that more than one party can share fault, and any compensation awarded may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to each party. 

Even if a cyclist is partially at fault, they may still recover damages proportionate to the other party’s degree of responsibility. Establishing liability often requires careful review of traffic laws, eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction.

7. What Damages Can You Recover After a Bike Accident?

If you were injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation under California personal injury law. These damages fall into two main categories:

Economic Damages

These are measurable financial losses you’ve suffered, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future): hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices.
• Lost wages: income lost during recovery or time missed from work.
• Loss of future earning capacity: if the injury affects your ability to work long term.
• Property damage: such as repair or replacement costs for a damaged bicycle.

Non-Economic Damages

These are subjective losses that affect your quality of life, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring or disfigurement.

In some rare cases, punitive damages may also apply if the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Understanding the full scope of compensation ensures that you’re not leaving money on the table during settlement or trial.

8. Know the Rules: Key California Laws for Cyclists

California has many laws governing cycling, but we’ve highlighted the most important ones below. You can find these and other bicycle-related regulations in the California Vehicle Code (CVC). 

Bicyclists Must Follow the Vehicle Code

As a general rule, bicyclists have the same duties and responsibilities as vehicle drivers. Therefore, stop at stop signs and red lights just like all other vehicles (CVC 21200).

Ride With Traffic

Ride in the same direction as traffic. If traveling in the opposite direction of a one-way street, walk your bicycle on the sidewalk (CVC 21650).

Ride On the Right Side of the Road

If you are riding as fast as traffic, you can ride in the traffic lane. However, in most cases, you will be moving slower than traffic. Then, you must ride as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. 

Use Bike Lanes

If you are riding on a roadway with a bike lane and moving slower than traffic, you must use the bike lane. Also, you may exit the bike lane after determining it is reasonably safe to do so and giving the appropriate signal. 

Yield to Pedestrians

Pedestrians should always use marked crosswalks when crossing a roadway. However, even if pedestrians are breaking the rules, bicyclists must exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian on a roadway (CVC 21954).

Stop At, Not In, the Crosswalk

Crosswalks are for pedestrians, not cars or bicycles (CVC 21455).

Ride With Lights and Reflectors at Night

When riding at night, you or your bike must be equipped with a white light that is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front of the bike. The bike must also have:

1. A red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet
2. A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet
3. A white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, unless your bike has front and rear reflectorized tires (CVC 21201(d)).

Under 18, Wear a Helmet

If you are under age 18, you must wear an approved helmet when riding. However, if you are 18 and older, a helmet is not required. Do not risk a life-threatening head injury in a bike crash, and always wear a helmet (CVC 21212).

One Ear Not Covered

Bicyclists are not allowed to wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears (CVC 27400).

No Tall Bikes On Roadways

The bike must be of a size that the bicyclist can stop, support it in an upright position with at least one foot on the ground, and start in a safe manner (CVC 21201(c)).

9. Why You Need a Qualified Lawyer on Your Side

After a bicycle accident, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in your case. Here’s how an attorney can help:

Investigate the Accident
Your attorney can gather critical evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports, to build a strong case on your behalf.

Determine Liability
In California’s comparative negligence system, fault may be shared. A lawyer can help determine who is legally responsible and defend you against any claims of partial fault.

Handle Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts. Your attorney will negotiate aggressively to ensure you are not pressured into accepting a lowball settlement.

Calculate Full Damages
Attorneys account for both economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

File Lawsuits and Meet Deadlines
An attorney will handle all paperwork, ensure compliance with California’s statute of limitations, and represent you in court if necessary.

Provide Peace of Mind
While you focus on healing, your lawyer handles the legal complexities, so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

10. DK Law: Fighting for California Cyclists’ Rights

At DK Law, we understand that a bicycle accident can upend your life in an instant. Whether you’re facing painful injuries, lost income, or emotional trauma, our legal team is here to fight for your recovery.

We’ve helped countless cyclists across California hold negligent drivers and insurers accountable. From “dooring” incidents to intersection collisions, we know how to build strong claims that get results. Our firm works on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

When you call DK Law, you’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re getting a team that understands the unique challenges faced by injured bicyclists—and one that’s committed to securing the compensation and justice you deserve.

Injured while riding? Don’t wait. Call DK Law for a free consultation today.