California Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Representing Injured Cyclists Across the State

If you share the road with motorists as a bicyclist in California, then you already know that it can be dangerous due to commonplace driver negligence. If you've been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else's mistakes, Alvandi Law Group, P.C. is here to help you fully explore your legal options. Our highly experienced attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by cyclists, so we’re prepared to do whatever it takes to pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses.

Call (800) 980-6905 or contact us online to schedule a free case consultation.

California Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), in 2021, there were:

• 125 bicyclist fatalities across the state
• 8% fewer bicyclist fatalities than 2020
• More than 1,000 nonfatal bicycle accidents

The California Office of Traffic Safety is currently promoting new programs to help reduce the rate of bicycle accidents throughout the state. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to explore your legal options, not only because you might be owed compensation for your injuries but also because your injury claim could help OTS improve its safety campaign and efforts by bringing more attention to the statewide issue of bicycle accidents.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California

Bicycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, but a significant number are directly related to the negligence of motorists. Many incidents occur when drivers fail to observe traffic rules, do not yield the right-of-way, or engage in distracted driving, all of which increase the risk of collision with bicyclists, who are more difficult to notice than larger passenger vehicles.

Driver mistakes and negligence that cause bicycle accidents vary, such as:

• Failure to yield: Motorists often fail to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists at intersections or when merging, leading to potentially severe collisions.
• Distracted driving: Using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions reduces a driver's attention, making it easy to overlook bicyclists.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the likelihood of severe injury to bicyclists in a crash. 
• Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who change lanes without properly checking for bicyclists can cause accidents by abruptly cutting off or sideswiping them.
• Ignoring bicycle lanes: Many cities in California have dedicated bicycle lanes. Drivers who ignore the rules of this lane put bicyclists at serious risk of injury.

California Bicycle Laws That Could Impact Your Case

In California, bicycles are seen as two-wheeled vehicles, which means that bicyclists must follow the rules of the road like motorists. However, in some municipalities, it is acceptable for a cyclist to use the sidewalk as long as that doesn’t put any pedestrians in danger. While on the road, bicyclists are expected to obey stop signs and traffic lights, signal when they want to turn or change lanes, use a bike lane when possible, and so on.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in California

If you’re ever in a bicycle accident, you should try to remember these steps:

1. Ensure safety: Move to a safe location away from traffic, if possible, to avoid further injury or accidents.
2. Check for injuries: Assess yourself and others involved for any injuries. Seek immediate medical attention if needed, even if the injuries seem minor.
3. Call the police: Report the accident to the local authorities. An official accident report can help with insurance claims and legal action.
4. Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance information from any motorists involved. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.
5. Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including damages to your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries. Note the time, date, and weather conditions.
6. Seek medical attention: Visit a healthcare professional to document and treat any injuries. Keep records of all medical visits and treatments.
7. Contact our attorneys: Reach out to a bicycle accident attorney at Alvandi Law Group, P.C. once you have been medically treated. We prefer to start an injury claim as soon as possible, which might allow us to more easily find usable evidence of liability.

What to Expect from a Bicycle Accident Attorney

When you hire our California bicycle accident attorneys, you can expect that we’ll be there to handle every step of your case. You don’t want to stay busy with legal work when you should be resting. Let us be your guides from start to finish, so you can stay focused on your health and other matters important to you. Whenever there is a hearing or meeting in your case, you can count on us to act on your behalf, too.

People across California choose our attorneys because:

• We have secured more than $500,000,000 in settlements for our clients.
• We focus entirely on personal injury claims for plaintiffs.
• We use contingency fees – if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
• We have more than 20 years of experience representing injured Californians.
• We offer honest and clear communication in several languages.

Types of Damages Recoverable in a California Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents usually result in serious injuries for bicyclists, such as fractures, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries, which can lead to substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation costs. The financial burden can be overwhelming, worsening the physical and emotional toll of the accident. Pursuing an injury claim allows you to seek compensation to cover your extensive costs and restore your quality of life as much as possible.

Damages that could be recoverable in your bicycle accident claim filed in California include:

• Medical expenses: Costs incurred for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work during recovery, as well as future earnings if the injuries impact the victim's ability to work.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages that account for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of the bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Loss of consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on the victim's relationship with their spouse or family due to the injuries sustained.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Coverage for any incidental costs directly related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments or home modifications needed due to injuries.

We keep our phone lines open 24/7. Call (800) 980-6905 whenever you’d like to schedule a FREE initial case consultation.