We Win Bicycle Accident Cases.

Cyclists Have Legal Rights—Here’s How to Use Them

If you’ve been hit while riding your bike, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Cyclists have the same legal rights as drivers—and that includes the right to file a personal injury claim when someone else’s negligence causes harm.

At DK Law, we stand up for injured cyclists who were doing everything right, only to be hurt by drivers who weren’t paying attention. Every year, thousands of cyclists miss out on the compensation they deserve. Don’t be one of them.

We know that riding a bike isn’t just transportation—it’s a lifestyle choice that helps the environment, improves your health, and saves you money. That’s why it’s especially devastating when a preventable crash turns your life upside down.

Unfortunately, too many drivers treat cyclists as afterthoughts. They run red lights, speed through neighborhoods, and swing car doors open without looking. When a collision happens, it’s almost always the cyclist who pays the price, often with serious injuries, missed work, and long-term trauma.

Worse still, a significant number of those injured in bicycle crashes are children.

But here’s the good news: California law is on your side. You have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable, and we can help you do just that.

Without a Lawyer, You’re Riding Uphill Alone

With so many cars on the road and countless distractions, bicyclists are extremely vulnerable in traffic. Whether it’s speeding or a driver opening a door without looking, a single accident can leave you with serious, long-lasting injuries—or worse. 

At DK Law, we help injured bicyclists and their families:

• Navigate insurance challenges – Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny valid claims. We make sure your voice is heard and your claim is taken seriously.
• Fight for full compensation—not lowball offers – You deserve more than the bare minimum. We push back against unfair settlement tactics to pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
• Litigate if your settlement is below par – If the settlement from the insurance company doesn’t cover everything you are entitled to, we’ll take your case to court.

When Should I Hire a Lawyer?

The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case. Most bicycle accident victims have two years from the date of their accident to take legal action. Beyond two years, you’ll lose the right to sue or recover any financial compensation. 

The Real Reasons Bike Crashes Happen

Motorists who fail to look both ways when merging or backing up can cause serious and catastrophic injuries to cyclists. Below are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents:

Distracted Driving

Over the years, distracted driving has risen to the top as one of the most common causes of bicycle crashes. Drivers who text or talk while driving may not see a cyclist and cause a serious crash.

Reckless Driving

Reckless behavior, such as excessive speeding, running red lights, and drag racing, has dire consequences for cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists.

Impaired Driving

DUI leads to some of the most serious and fatal bicycle crashes, and is 100% preventable.

Dooring

When a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for approaching cyclists, they can cause a collision with cyclists who cannot stop in time.

Poor Road and Weather Conditions

Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes and crash. Wet or icy roads, high winds, and poor visibility can also increase the risk of accidents.

Pedestrian Interference

Pedestrians stepping into bike lanes or crossing the streets without looking can cause accidents.

Common Cycling Injuries: Why They’re So Devastating

Bісусlеѕ are a соmmоn means оf trаnѕроrtаtіоn, recreation, аnd exercise. However, they offer very little protection from the dangers on roadways. This often leads to severe and catastrophic injuries to bicyclists when an accident occurs, such as: 

• Head trauma and brain injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Facial injuries 
• Road rash and deep lacerations
• Internal bleeding or organ damage

The growing popularity of electric bicycles (e-bikes) has also led to a noticeable rise in serious cycling injuries, often due to their higher speeds and heavier frames compared to traditional bikes.

Who Is Liable for a Bike Accident?

Liability falls on the person or entity who acted in a reckless, careless, or negligent way and caused the accident. 

• In certain cases, the motorist is found at fault by speeding through a red light or driving under the influence. This is known as “negligence per se.”
• There are instances where a bike accident is caused by a defective part. In such cases, the manufacturer of the bike or bike part may be held liable. 
• If an accident was caused by a dangerous road condition, such as a pothole or inadequate signage, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable.

Determining liability in a bike accident can be complex, as there may be more than one party at fault. At DK Law, we have years of experience handling bicycle accidents and holding the right party responsible for damages. 

Can You Still Win If You’re Partly at Fault?

Multiple parties may share liability, which is known as “comparative negligence.” California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which states that each party’s degree of fault is determined as a percentage, and the damages awarded to the plaintiff are reduced by their percentage of fault. 

For example, if the driver is found 70% at fault and the cyclist is found 30% at fault, the cyclist will be able to recover 70% in damages.

What Your Claim Could Be Worth

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Settlements are designed to help those injured recover physically, emotionally, and financially after an accident.

For example, a severe injury could require multiple surgeries, ongoing medical care, and pain management—quickly leading to overwhelming medical bills. You may also be unable to work during your recovery, resulting in lost wages and financial strain. Beyond the physical toll, many experience emotional trauma, such as PTSD or chronic pain, that can deeply affect daily life.

The law allows you to seek compensation—called “damages”—for these and other losses, such as:

• Medical Expenses – Covers costs directly related to your injuries, including emergency care, surgeries, follow-up visits, physical therapy, and medications.
• Damage to Personal Property – Compensation for repairing or replacing your damaged bicycle or other belongings.
• Lost Wages – Reimbursement for income you lost due to time off work while recovering from your injuries.
• Rehabilitation Costs – If you required physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation, those expenses can be included in your claim.
• Pain and Suffering – This covers the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident, such as chronic pain, reduced quality of life, emotional trauma, or permanent impairment.
• Wrongful Death – In tragic cases, a bicycle accident may result in loss of life. Family members or the estate of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim.

Damages recoverable in a wrongful death case may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits
• Compensation for the family’s emotional pain and suffering

Bike Safety Tips Backed by Data

Staying safe on a bike is largely a matter of smart preparation and situational awareness. The most dangerous areas for cyclists, by a wide margin, are urban areas and away from intersections. In fact, roughly 62% of all fatalities occur at non-intersection locations. 

Other high-risk areas or activities include traveling next to a motor vehicle (responsible for 29% of fatalities) or near a motor vehicle turning lane. Trucks are also a particular danger, as their size makes it more difficult to see cyclists sharing the road.

There are a number of ways to be safe on the roads. First, always wear a helmet. Use of head protection lowers your risk for a serious head injury by roughly 60%. In fact, head injuries are one of the most common causes of cycling fatalities. Therefore, helmets should also meet all relevant safety regulations. Other safety recommendations include: 

• Use hand signals wherever applicable
• Ride in the same direction as traffic 
• Wear bright clothing and use reflective materials if riding at night
• Horns, bells, and headlights improve visibility