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San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash in San Diego, Los Angeles, or elsewhere in California, The Advocates can help.

A Bike Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case 

Bicycle accidents, especially when they involve motor vehicles, often lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Cyclists have so little protection compared with occupants of motor vehicles that their recovery often requires months or years of medical care, leading to extensive financial damages. 

A personal injury lawyer with The Advocates can help. Our experienced California attorneys are dedicated to helping bicycle accident victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially. 

If a cycling accident has left you or a loved one with severe injuries, property damage, and steep medical costs, contact an Advocate for a free case evaluation today. 

The Next Steps In Your California Bike Accident Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Get the damage on your bike assessed and repaired

Property Damage

Seek medical treatment as soon as you can

Completed Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your attorney will compile your medical records

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.   

For more information on how settlements and payments work, please see our contingency fee information page.   

If the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.  

Your attorney will gather evidence, monitor your medical treatment progress, ensure to keep an accurate record of all relevant documents and facts to support your claim, negotiate and correspond with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.  

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will zealously pursue your claim through resolution.   

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process depends on many factors, including but not limited to on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and much more.  

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to several years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which, if you do not resolve or file a lawsuit within the prescribed time, you will lose your right of action.  

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you focus on healing. Generally, once all evidence has been gathered and your medical treatment has been completed or you are back to feeling yourself again, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a settlement on your behalf.  

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a lawsuit In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Bicycle Accident Professionals Assigned to Your Case   

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the fair compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.   

  We can help you:  

  • Understand the claims process  
  • Investigate your accident  
  • Work together with you towards a full resolution of your injuries  
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters  
  • Obtain a settlement or judgment against the at-fault party  

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

California Bicycle Accident Case FAQs

What rights and responsibilities do bicyclists have on California roadways? 

When traveling on roadways, cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists. This includes adhering to the following signs and signals: 

  • Stop signs 
  • Red lights 
  • Yield signs 
  • Lane markings 

 Similarly, motorists should extend the same courtesy to bicyclists as they give to other drivers. When passing cyclists, give them at least three feet of space, whether they are in a bike lane or on the roadway. At intersections, yield the right-of-way when appropriate, just as you would to a car. 

Common causes of bicycle accidents 

  • Distracted driving: Motorists become much more dangerous and unpredictable when texting or talking on the phone. 
  • Impaired driving: Bike accidents are far more likely to happen when the driver or bicycle rider is under the influence. 
  • Poor visibility: Cycling on poorly lit roads or riding without proper reflective gear makes it difficult for drivers to see bikers. 
  • Reckless or aggressive driving or cycling: Motorists and cyclists who speed, swerve, or refuse to yield the right-of-way put everyone on the road at risk. 
  • Bad weather: When conditions are rainy or icy, it is easy for drivers and cyclists to lose control and swerve out of their lane. 
  • Dooring: Drivers or passengers may open their car doors without checking to see if a bicyclist is coming. Depending on the speed of the biker, dooring can cause catastrophic injuries. 
  • Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and other hazards on roadways and in bike lanes can cause accidents. 
People on the street during a summer hail storm

Common bicycle accident injuries  

Depending on the nature of your accident and the protective gear you were wearing at the time, bicycle injuries can range from road rash to life-threatening conditions. Some common types of injuries from bicycle accidents include: 

  • Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries 
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Broken bones 
  • Scarring and disfigurement 
  • Broken or missing teeth 
  • Ligament tears or strains 
  • Lacerations and bruising 

If you’ve suffered injuries due to a negligent driver in California, contact The Advocates’ San Diego law office today for a free consultation. 

What damages can I seek in my San Diego bicycle accident case? 

Every personal injury case is different. The types of damages you may claim in your case will depend on several factors, including the severity of your accident and the amount of treatment you require. 

Some common types of damages in personal injury claims include: 

  • Medical expenses 
  • Lost income and loss of future earning capacity 
  • Property damage 
  • Non-economic damages like pain and suffering 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Funeral and burial expenses in the case of wrongful death 

 Contact The Advocates’ personal injury law firm for a free consultation specific to your case. Our San Diego bicycle accident lawyers will listen to your story and examine the factual details of your accident to determine how much your claim may be worth. 

Health Insurance form

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in San Diego? 

Every personal injury case is subject to a time limit, known as the statute of limitations. Once this time frame has passed, the plaintiff loses their right to file. 

 The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in California is generally two years, subject to special circumstances. This may seem like a long time, but it will go by quickly. Some cases take months or years to settle. It is essential to speak with an attorney as soon as you believe you may have a case.  

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in San Diego

Caution triangle on the side of the road

Move to safety and check for injuries 

After any accident, it is crucial that you remain at the scene. Failure to do so could be considered a hit-and-run.  

 The first thing to do after being involved in a car accident as a bicyclist is to move out of traffic if you can. Check yourself for serious injuries. Call 911 or ask someone nearby to do it for you. 

File a police report 

Even if you do not call 911, have a police officer dispatched to the scene to file a report. Many insurance companies require a police report before they will approve any claims. 

 When speaking to the officer, do not assign blame, accept responsibility, or speculate on the causes of the accident. Simply give a factual account of the events that occurred. 

Woman calling insurance support after a car crash
Man and woman have a discussion in the city

Exchange information with the motorist 

You will need to speak with the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident. When doing so, avoid becoming angry, accusatory, or upset. Do not apologize or accept responsibility. Remain calm and neutral as you gather the following information: 

  • The driver’s name, phone number, and address 
  • Their license plate number 
  • Their insurance policy number and their provider’s name 

 If there were any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their contact information as well. 

Document the accident scene 

Take pictures and videos of the accident scene. You may not need all of them later, but they may prove useful when gathering evidence for your case. 

 Get pictures of: 

  • Your injuries 
  • Your bike 
  • The vehicle(s) involved 
  • The road and any nearby traffic signs or signals 
  • Weather and traffic conditions 
  • Any relevant pavement markings or other property damage 

 Your personal injury attorney can help you determine which pictures are helpful later. Even if something doesn’t seem necessary, it’s a good idea to photograph it just in case. 

Person takes photo of damaged car after a car accident
Female Patient Being Reassured By Doctor In Hospital Room

Seek medical treatment 

Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Tell your doctor that you were involved in a bike accident so that they can look for hidden injuries like internal damage or signs of a concussion. Keep track of all treatment you receive.

When Should I Hire a San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorney?

Whether you were injured near the beaches of San Diego County or in the mountains of Northern California, a bike accident lawyer with The Advocates can help you recover.  

Your team of Advocates will answer your questions, explain your options, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to get you maximum compensation for your bicycle accident case. 

 Contact The Advocates’ San Diego bike accident lawyers today for a free consultation. You deserve legal representation tailored to your unique needs. You deserve an Advocate. 

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