Bicycle Accidents in Southern California: Causes, Laws, and What to Do After a Crash
Southern California’s sunny weather makes it a paradise for cyclists. From Los Angeles and Long Beach to Riverside and San Diego, more people are choosing two wheels for commuting and recreation. However, with heavy traffic, tricky urban layouts, and careless drivers, it’s also one of the most dangerous spots for cyclists. When a crash happens, victims face significant injuries, leaving them with mounting medical bills and a long recovery.
If you’ve been injured, it is crucial to understand the causes of these accidents, the laws designed to protect you, and the critical steps to take afterward, such as hiring a lawyer. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we’ve helped thousands of injured Californians get the justice they deserve.
Why Bicycle Accidents Happen in Southern California
Bicycle accidents are rarely simple. They often result from a combination of driver error and environmental factors. Here are the most common causes of bike crashes in California.
Distracted Driving
A driver glancing at a GPS, changing a song on an infotainment system, or texting can cause a catastrophic accident. With noise-canceling headphones and other in-car technologies becoming common, driver inattention is a leading cause of collisions with cyclists, who are much harder to spot than other vehicles.
Failure to Yield at Intersections
Intersections are high-risk zones. Two of the most common and dangerous crashes are:
- The “Right Hook”: A driver passes a cyclist and then makes an immediate right turn directly into the cyclist’s path.
- The “Left Cross”: A driver making a left turn fails to see an oncoming cyclist and cuts across the lane, causing a collision.
In both scenarios, the driver’s failure to yield the right-of-way can lead to severe injuries.
Dooring Accidents
In dense urban areas, such as Downtown Long Angeles and Long Beach, “dooring” poses a significant threat. This occurs when a person in a parked car opens their door into the path of an approaching cyclist without looking. The cyclist has no time to react and can be thrown into traffic, leading to devastating secondary impacts.
Poor Road Conditions and Municipal Liability
Government entities have a responsibility to maintain safe roads. When they fail, cyclists pay the price. Potholes, cracked pavement, debris in bike lanes, and poor street lighting can all cause serious accidents. In these cases, the city or county may be held liable for a cyclist’s injuries, but the legal process is complex and has a much shorter deadline.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive aggressively, they have less time to react to cyclists. Unfortunately, the faster the speed, the harder the impact, and that means more serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and major fractures.
E-bikes and Traffic Conflicts
The rise of e-bikes introduces new challenges. Their higher speeds can lead to conflicts in bike lanes designed for slower, traditional bicycles. Drivers are often unprepared for how quickly an e-bike can approach an intersection or merge into traffic, increasing the risk of a misjudgment and a collision.
Leading Factors that Affect Bicycle Safety
According to the 2023 SafeTREC Traffic Safety Facts, the leading crash factors contributing to fatal or serious bicyclist injuries in California (2021) are:
- Unsafe speed means vehicles often can’t react in time to see and avoid cyclists, leading to high-impact collisions. In the study, it is responsible for 17.5% of these crashes.
- Improper turning, also at 17.1%, including right-hook and left-cross incidents, often leads to crashes at intersections where a driver hasn’t seen or yielded to a cyclist traveling alongside or ahead.
- Right-of-way violations by motorists highlight how cars often encroach on cyclist space, whether it’s merging into a bike lane, failing to yield, or misjudging a cyclist’s speed. The study reveals that this accounts for 15.8% of crashes.
- Wrong-side riding by cyclists, a contributing factor in 12.9% of crashes, creates head-on conflict, increases confusion, and raises accident risk.
- Poor or confusing signage can leave both drivers and cyclists uncertain, leading to crashes. In fact, this is responsible for 12.4% of such crashes.
California Laws That Protect Cyclists
California law states that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles.
California Vehicle Code Section 21200
Under the California Vehicle Code Section 21200, bicyclists are legally treated much like drivers when it comes to using the road. This means that at intersections, cyclists are required to follow the same rules as motorists: stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding the right of way when appropriate, and using hand signals to indicate turns or stops.
At the same time, the law recognizes that bicycles often operate in different spaces than cars. When designated bike lanes or marked crossing paths are available, cyclists are permitted to use them, and doing so still grants them the right to safe passage. Importantly, drivers have a legal duty to yield to cyclists who are lawfully traveling in these areas, whether in a bike lane running alongside traffic or crossing at an intersection.
California Vehicle Code Section 21200
Did you know that under California Vehicle Code Section 21200, cyclists are basically treated like drivers on the road? That means if you’re biking, you have to follow the same rules as motorists, such as stop at red lights and stop signs, yield when necessary, and use hand signals for turns or stops.
At the same time, the law states that bikes and cars don’t always share the same space. When there’s a bike lane or marked crossing, cyclists can (and should) use it, and they’re still entitled to safe use of the road. Drivers also have to yield to cyclists in these areas, whether it’s a bike lane beside traffic or a crosswalk at an intersection.
AB 1909 (OmniBike Law)
The OmniBike Law, or AB 1909, helps make cyclists safer by mandating that drivers switch lanes whenever safe to do so before passing a cyclist. No more stressful “close calls” while on the bike. This law makes sure there’s enough room for cyclists to ride safely and keeps drivers from harming them by passing too close. It’s an easy adjustment that makes a huge difference.
Helmet Requirements
Here’s the deal with helmets: California Vehicle Code 21212 says anyone under 18 must wear a helmet while biking. However, helmets are a smart move for everyone. They significantly lower the risk of serious head injuries if something goes wrong.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in California
- Call 911: Request both police and paramedics. A police report is vital evidence, creating an official record of the incident.
- Document Everything: If you can, take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, damage to your bike and the vehicle, and any relevant road conditions. Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: See a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not have immediate symptoms. Medical records create a direct link between the accident and your injuries.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Do not apologize or discuss fault with the driver or their insurance company. Stick to the facts. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Contact a Bike Accident Lawyer in California: Before speaking to any insurance adjusters, consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney. The insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible. We fight to make sure you get what is right.
What Is the Average Bicycle Accident Settlement in California?
There is no such thing as an average bicycle accident settlement, as compensation varies depending on the nature of the injuries, liability, and insurance limits. However, there are specific damages you can look into when determining the value of your claim:
- Medical Bills: All past, present, and future medical expenses related to the crash.
- Lost Wages: Income you lost while recovering and any impact on your future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your bicycle, helmet, and any other damaged property.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for your physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme recklessness, such as a drunk driver, additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Can I Sue the City if a Pothole Caused My Crash?
If poor road conditions caused your accident, you may have a claim against a government entity. However, the deadline to file these claims is only six months from the date of the injury.
That’s why it’s crucial to have a legal team that truly understands the laws surrounding bike accident claims. With the right team by your side, you can protect your rights and ensure your case isn’t dismissed over technicalities. A skilled bike accident attorney in California can guide you through the claims process and help you pursue fair compensation.
How a Local Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help Protect You
Insurance companies are known for lowballing injured victims. They often try to shift blame, arguing the cyclist was at fault. You need a legal powerhouse on your side to fight back.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in California will:
- Prove liability through accident reconstruction and expert testimony.
- Preserve crucial evidence before it’s lost.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers.
- Represent you in court if needed.
Get the Help You Deserve Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident in Southern California, do not wait. The insurance companies have teams of lawyers working against you; it’s time to level the playing field.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker have a commanding presence in courts across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Riverside, and San Diego. Our personal injury lawyers have decades of experience handling complex cases, making us a trusted Long Beach attorney team for accident victims across California. We are known for our determination and for never settling for less than what is right.
Call us today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case.