California Bicycle Accident Attorney
Personal Injuries from a Bike Crash? Get Help Receiving Your Compensation Today!
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in California, CA Injury Lawyer is here to help you every step of the way. We are recognized for:
Providing personalized legal services tailored to each client’s unique needs
A strong history of securing favorable settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients
Extensive experience with California bicycle laws and how to leverage them to protect your rights
A commitment to always putting our clients first and fighting for their best interests
Do not let a bicycle accident derail your life. Fill out our online contact form or call us to schedule a consultation with a trusted bicycle accident lawyer.
California Bicycle Laws
California’s bicycle laws, outlined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC), regulate cyclist behavior, rights, and safety. Below are key laws relevant to bicycles:
Helmet Requirements (CVC 21212)
Cyclists under 18 must wear a properly fitted helmet meeting safety standards.
Cyclists under 18 must wear a properly fitted helmet meeting safety standards.
No helmet law for adults, but helmets are strongly recommended.
Bicycle Lane Use (CVC 21208):
Cyclists must use bike lanes when available, unless turning, passing, avoiding hazards, or if unsafe.
Bicycles have the same rights and duties as motor vehicles (CVC 21200).
Riding on Roadways (CVC 21202):
Cyclists must ride near the right edge of the road, except when passing, turning left, avoiding hazards, or if the lane is too narrow to share.
Riding two abreast is allowed if not impeding traffic.
Sidewalk Riding:
No statewide prohibition, but local ordinances may restrict or ban it. Check city or county rules.
Traffic Signals and Signs (CVC 21200)
Cyclists must obey all traffic signals and stop signs.
Bicycles may trigger traffic signal sensors (CVC 21201.5).
Equipment Requirements (CVC 21201)
Bicycles must have a white front light (visible from 300 feet) and a red rear reflector or light (visible from 500 feet) at night.
Must have working brakes, handlebars below shoulder height, and a seat.
Reflectors required on pedals or shoes, or additional side reflectors.
Alcohol and Drugs (CVC 21200.5)
Riding under the influence is illegal, with penalties similar to DUI for motorists.
Riding under the influence is illegal, with penalties similar to DUI for motorists.
Fines up to $250; no driver’s license points.
Right of Way and Passing (CVC 21760):
Motorists must maintain at least 3 feet of clearance when passing cyclists.
Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and give audible signals when passing.
Electric Bicycles (E-bikes) (CVC 312.5, 21207.5)
Class 1 & 2: Max speed 20 mph, allowed on bike lanes/paths.
Class 3: Max speed 28 mph, restricted from most bike paths, riders must be 16+ and wear helmets.
Local governments may regulate further.
Prohibited Actions:
No headphones covering both ears (CVC 27400).
No carrying items preventing at least one hand on handlebars (CVC 21205).
No hitching rides on vehicles (CVC 21203).
Local Variations:
Cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles may have additional rules. Check local ordinances.
Cyclist Rights in Accidents (CVC 20001):
Drivers must stop and provide assistance after a collision.
Cyclists can pursue compensation for injuries or damages caused by negligent drivers under California’s comparative negligence system.
Violations of these laws can result in fines ($25–$100) and may impact liability in accident claims. For legal advice or to pursue a claim, consult one of our bicycle accident attorneys
How Much is a Bicycle Accident Claim Worth in California?
The value of a California bicycle accident claim varies widely based on case-specific factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and fault. There’s no fixed average, but settlements typically range from $10,000 to $100,000 for most cases, with severe cases reaching $1 million or more. Here are key data points from recent sources:
Settlements often range from $5,000 to $30,000.
Settlements typically fall between $30,000 and $85,000.
Settlements can range from $85,000 to $500,000, or higher for catastrophic injuries like brain damage or paralysis.
The median personal injury verdict in California is about $114,000, though bicycle accident settlements often vary.
- $175,000 settlement for a cyclist vs. State of California.
- $190,000 settlement for a cyclist struck by a vehicle.
- $737,500 for a car vs. bicycle accident in Contra Costa.
- $2.8 million for a cyclist with head injuries and fractures in San Diego.
- $9.1 million jury verdict for a cyclist with brain damage in Los Angeles.
Factors affecting value:
Higher medical bills and long-term care (e.g., for spinal injuries) increase payouts.
California’s comparative negligence reduces settlements by the victim’s percentage of fault (e.g., 25% fault reduces a $100,000 claim to $75,000).
Minimum coverage is $15,000 per person, but underinsured drivers may limit recovery unless other policies apply.
Include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Pain and suffering often calculated as 1.5–5 times medical costs.
For an accurate estimate, consult with our bicycle accident attorneys, as each case depends on unique evidence and circumstances.
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Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. On top of recovering from injuries, you may face mounting medical bills, loss of income, and pushback from insurance companies reluctant to pay what you deserve. This is where a skilled bicycle wreck attorney can make all the difference.
1. Expertise in Navigating Complex Legal Processes
From filing the necessary paperwork to meeting California’s strict statute of limitations, your attorney will handle these critical details so you can focus on healing. They’ll also guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that your case proceeds smoothly and without costly mistakes.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over fair compensation for accident victims. Without an attorney, you may find yourself pressured into accepting a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your full losses. An experienced attorney knows how insurance companies operate and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf. They’ll advocate for what you truly deserve, whether it’s compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
3. Understanding California Bicycle Laws
Bicycle accident cases require a deep understanding of California’s specific laws and regulations. From right-of-way rules to helmet requirements, your attorney will leverage their knowledge to build a strong case that demonstrates how the other party’s negligence led to your injuries.
4. Maximizing Your Compensation
A knowledgeable attorney knows how to assess the full scope of your damages to ensure nothing is overlooked. This includes both economic damages, such as medical costs and property repairs, and non-economic damages, like emotional distress and diminished quality of life. With our expertise, we will fight to maximize your compensation, addressing both immediate and long-term impacts of the accident.
5. Protecting Your Rights
After a bicycle accident, it’s not uncommon for the at-fault party or their insurance provider to attempt to shift blame onto you. Our attorneys will stand up for your rights and gather evidence such as accident scene photos, witness statements, and medical records to establish liability. They’ll handle any disputes and ensure you’re treated fairly throughout the legal process.
6. Peace of Mind During a Difficult Time
Recovering from a bicycle accident is hard enough without the stress of handling a legal battle on your own. By entrusting your case to a seasoned attorney, you can focus on your recovery, knowing that a skilled advocate is working diligently to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Get Expert Legal Help After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident or need expert guidance on California bicycle laws, contact a dedicated attorney today for a free consultation. Don’t wait to take the first step toward justice and peace of mind!