Bicycle Accidents in California: What Cyclists Need to Know After a Crash
Cyclists have every right to share the road — but when a car, truck, or distracted driver ignores those rights, the results can be devastating.
If you were hit by a vehicle while riding your bike in California, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, painful injuries, and serious emotional distress. And yet, many cyclists don’t realize they may be entitled to compensation for those damages — even if the driver fled or the collision wasn’t caught on video.
This guide breaks down what to do after a bicycle accident, how California law protects you, and why working with an attorney can help you get the recovery you need.
Do Cyclists Have Legal Rights After an Accident?
Yes. Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when riding on public roadways. This means drivers must treat bicycles like any other vehicle — and if they fail to do so, they can be held legally and financially responsible for any resulting injuries.
Several key California Vehicle Code (CVC) sections specifically protect cyclists:
- CVC § 21200: Grants cyclists the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles, except for rules that, by their nature, don’t apply to bicycles. Drivers cannot treat cyclists as second-class road users — and if they fail to yield, make an unsafe turn, or violate a cyclist’s right-of-way, they may be held liable.
- CVC § 21760 (Three Feet for Safety Act): Requires drivers to maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. If that buffer cannot be provided safely, the driver must slow down and wait until it's safe to pass. Failing to follow this law is a leading cause of preventable collisions and sideswipes involving cyclists.
These statutes exist to reduce risks for cyclists and hold negligent drivers accountable. When a driver disregards these rules and causes harm, a personal injury claim may be the only way to pursue justice and compensation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Many bike crashes happen because drivers simply fail to pay attention. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, using GPS, eating)
- Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks
- Unsafe lane changes or right turns
- Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path (dooring)
- Speeding or running red lights
- Driving under the influence
- Ignoring dedicated bike lanes or cyclist signals
Even low-speed collisions can lead to severe injuries due to the lack of protection for cyclists.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been hit while cycling, here’s what you should do — if you’re physically able:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Get medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor
- Exchange information with the driver (name, license, insurance)
- Get witness contact info, if anyone saw the crash
- Take photos of your injuries, your bike, the vehicle, and the scene
- Request a police report and note the responding officer’s name
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies without speaking to a lawyer
- Preserve your bike and gear — they may be useful evidence
If the driver fled the scene, try to write down any details you can remember about the vehicle, and speak with a lawyer about your uninsured motorist options.
What If the Driver Didn’t Stop?
Unfortunately, hit-and-run bicycle accidents are on the rise. If the driver who hit you fled the scene, you may still have options.
If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of your auto insurance — or live with a family member who does — that policy may step in and cover your injury claim. You don’t need to be driving a car at the time to use your UM coverage; it can apply even if you were on a bike.
Filing a claim under your own policy does not raise your rates if you weren’t at fault, and a lawyer can help ensure the insurer treats your claim fairly.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Because cyclists have limited protection, injuries from even moderate collisions can be severe. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash, cuts, and bruises
- Shoulder and knee trauma
- Dental or facial injuries
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medical care — and deserve to be taken seriously.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Bicycle Crash
Bicycle accidents can lead to complex claims, especially when:
- The driver denies fault
- The police report is incomplete or inaccurate
- The collision involves a commercial or rideshare vehicle
- Insurance companies try to shift blame onto the cyclist
- You were doored or injured by a vehicle that never made contact
A personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash and preserve evidence
- Work with experts to reconstruct the accident
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Ensure your medical bills are covered through liens, Med Pay, or UM
- Pursue full compensation for your injuries, not just basic expenses
You deserve to focus on healing — not fighting with insurance adjusters.
Cyclist Injured in California? You Have Rights — And Options.
If you were injured while biking due to a driver’s negligence, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone — and you don’t have to accept a lowball settlement.
Call Lawyer Gigi today for a free consultation.
We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you need to get back on the road — and back on your bike.
