California Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. A collision with a vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries. Krash Lawyers fights for the full compensation California cyclists deserve. No fees unless we win.
California Cyclists Have the Same Rights — and the Same Right to Compensation
In California, cyclists have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers on public roads. When a driver fails to respect those rights — by failing to yield, passing too closely, running a red light, or opening a car door into a bike lane — they are liable for the injuries that result. Period.
Despite having the legal right to be on the road, cyclists are frequently subjected to the same bias that motorcycle riders face: insurers and defense attorneys will try to argue the cyclist was weaving, not visible, or not riding properly. We know these arguments well — and we dismantle them with evidence, California traffic law, and expert accident reconstruction.
Bicycle accident injuries are often catastrophic because cyclists have no metal shell protecting them. A direct vehicle collision at even moderate speeds can result in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and severe road rash. The cost of these injuries — medically, financially, and personally — can last a lifetime. California law allows you to recover full compensation for all of it.
Dooring Accidents: “Dooring” — when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into a cyclist’s path — is one of the most common bicycle accidents in California. Under CVC § 22517, it is illegal to open a vehicle door on the traffic side unless it can be done safely without interfering with cyclists or other traffic. Dooring is almost always the vehicle occupant’s fault.
Key California Laws That Protect Cyclists and Determine Fault
California has specific laws protecting cyclists that our attorneys use to establish driver negligence:
- CVC § 21760 (Three-Foot Law): Motor vehicle drivers must give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. Violations are strong evidence of negligence.
- CVC § 21202: Cyclists may ride in the travel lane when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle. Forcing cyclists to the right is not always legally required.
- CVC § 21208: Drivers may not interfere with a cyclist lawfully using a designated bike lane.
- CVC § 22517: Prohibits opening a vehicle door into traffic without first checking for cyclists and other vehicles.
- CVC § 21212: Helmet law — minors under 18 must wear an approved helmet. Adults are not required to wear helmets, and failure to wear one as an adult does not bar recovery.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
- • Driver fails to yield at intersection
- • Right hook — driver turns right in front of cyclist
- • Dooring — car door opened into bike path
- • Driver passes too close — three-foot violation
- • DUI driver fails to see cyclist
- • Road hazard — potholes, debris, defective bike lane
- • Defective bicycle component — product liability
Bicycle Accident Injuries and What You Can Recover
Cyclists lack the physical protections of motor vehicle occupants, making bicycle accidents among the most injury-intensive of all traffic collisions. California law entitles you to recover full compensation for all injuries caused by another party’s negligence.
Common Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries — even with a helmet, high-impact collisions cause TBI
- Spinal cord injuries — permanent paralysis, paraplegia
- Bone fractures — collarbone, arm, wrist, pelvis, leg
- Road rash — severe abrasions, skin grafts, permanent scarring
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Knee and shoulder injuries requiring surgery
What You Can Recover
- All medical expenses — emergency, surgery, rehabilitation
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Bicycle and equipment replacement or repair
- Pain and suffering — ongoing and permanent
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life and activities
Bicycle Accident Results That Speak for Themselves
Bicycle accident victims deserve full compensation — not a quick lowball settlement. Our attorneys fight to maximize every dollar you are owed.
California Bicycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Injured in a California Bicycle Accident? Call Krash Lawyers Now.
Free consultation. No fees unless we win. Available 24/7 across all of California.