Bicycle Accident Lawyer California | HellaHurt
Injured in a bicycle accident in California? HellaHurt's licensed personal injury attorneys fight for full compensation for your documented losses. Free case check. No fees unless we win. Call 888-693-5777.
California Bicycle Accident Statistics (SWITRS Data)
California averages approximately 130 cyclist fatalities and 13,000+ cyclist injuries per year according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Motor vehicles are involved in 76% of serious bicycle injuries. E-bike crashes have surged 300% from 2019 to 2023 as adoption has grown. The six highest-injury corridors are Los Angeles (30% of statewide bicycle fatalities), San Francisco, San Diego, Oakland, Sacramento, and Fresno.
California Bicycle Accident Law
California Vehicle Code § 21202 requires cyclists to ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable, with exceptions for turning, passing, and avoiding hazards. Drivers must give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing (CVC § 21760). Violating the 3-foot rule is strong evidence of negligence.
Dooring: California Vehicle Code § 22517 prohibits opening a car door into traffic. When a driver opens their door into a cyclist's path, the driver is liable. Dooring is one of the most common causes of serious bicycle injuries in California cities.
Helmet law: California requires helmets for cyclists under 18 (CVC § 21212). Adults are not required to wear helmets, but insurers may argue that not wearing one contributed to head injuries. HellaHurt counters this with medical evidence.
Government entity claims: If a dangerous road condition, missing bike lane signage, or defective traffic signal contributed to your crash, the responsible city or county may be liable. You must file a government tort claim within 6 months of the injury under the California Tort Claims Act — this deadline is strict and non-extendable.
What Damages Can You Recover?
California bicycle accident victims may recover:
- Medical expenses — past and future hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, medication
- Lost wages — income lost while recovering, plus future earning capacity if you can no longer work at full capacity
- Pain and suffering — physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Property damage — vehicle repair or replacement, personal property
- Punitive damages — in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident Incident in California
The steps you take immediately after a bicycle accident incident in California can significantly affect the value of your claim. Here is what to do:
- Call 911: Get police and emergency medical services to the scene. The police report is foundational evidence for your claim.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated. Many serious injuries — including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding — have delayed symptoms. Gaps in medical treatment hurt your claim.
- Document everything: Take photos and video of the scene, all parties involved, road or property conditions, your visible injuries, and any damage. Surveillance footage is often overwritten within 24–72 hours — act fast.
- Get witness information: Names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the incident. Witnesses become harder to locate over time.
- Do not give a recorded statement: Do not give a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Adjusters use recorded statements to find inconsistencies that reduce your settlement.
- Contact HellaHurt: Call 888-693-5777 or start your free AI case check to understand your rights before speaking with any insurance company.
Why Choose HellaHurt for Your California Bicycle Accident Case
- Licensed California attorneys: Morgan D. Ross (CA Bar #270650) and Robert B. Salgado (CA Bar #297391)
- Contingency fee: You pay nothing unless we win your case
- Free AI case check: Get an instant analysis of your claim in under 2 minutes
- Statewide representation: We handle cases throughout all of California
- Free consultation: No pressure, no obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in California?
California's statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of injury (CCP § 335.1). For claims against government entities, you have only 6 months to file a government tort claim. Contact HellaHurt immediately if you are approaching a deadline.
What compensation can I recover for a bicycle accident in California?
California injury victims may recover medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of financial support. California has no cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases.
What is the 3-foot passing law in California?
California Vehicle Code § 21760 requires drivers to give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. Violating this law is strong evidence of negligence. If a driver passed too close and caused your crash, HellaHurt uses this statute to establish liability.
Can I sue if a driver doored me?
Yes. California Vehicle Code § 22517 prohibits opening a car door into traffic. When a driver opens their door into a cyclist's path, the driver is liable for all resulting injuries. HellaHurt handles dooring cases throughout California.
Does HellaHurt handle bicycle accident cases throughout California?
Yes. HellaHurt handles bicycle accident cases throughout all of California — San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and every city in between. We are a statewide firm. Call 888-693-5777 for a free consultation.
What if I was partially at fault for my bicycle accident in California?
California follows pure comparative negligence — you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters often try to inflate your fault percentage to reduce their payout. HellaHurt fights back.
Free Case Evaluation
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- Call 888-693-5777
- No fees unless we win