Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Suffering a bicycle accident can leave you feeling powerless and frustrated — not only because of the cyclist’s vulnerable position compared to larger vehicles, but also due to the higher risk of serious injuries and damages. Bicycle accident attorneys can help evaluate all the losses you’ve suffered — even those that aren’t immediately obvious — and fight to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to by law.
If you’ve been injured while riding your bike and want to pursue compensation, call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807. We’ll review your case in just a few minutes to determine whether you qualify to make a claim. If you do, we’ll assign an experienced, local California bicycle accident attorney to handle your case. You won’t pay anything out of pocket: our fees come directly from the final settlement we obtain for you. And if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Because it’s the easiest, safest, and most reliable way to claim compensation for all the damages you suffered in your bike accident.
A local California bicycle accident attorney understands the state’s laws on bicycle use, your rights as a cyclist, and the unique risks and circumstances under which bicycle accidents often occur. This knowledge, combined with experience in dealing with insurance companies, can make the difference between receiving full compensation and settling for only a fraction of what you deserve.
If you hire Megeredchian Law, you’ll also benefit from:
As a bike accident law firm, we have experience representing cyclists in many different situations:
You have two years to start your bicycle injury claim, but the sooner you start, the better your chances of obtaining compensation. Having the best bicycle accident attorney near me is essential to do things timely and properly. Luckily for you, Megeredchian Law counts with multiple locations across the state of California. If you still don’t find yours in this list, don’t worry: call (866) 359-0807 to find a bike crash lawyer near you.
The first step is to notify your insurance carrier about the crash. California insurers require timely reporting, and delays may hurt your ability to recover damages. From this point on, a California bicycle accident attorney can step in to manage communications with insurers, making sure nothing you say is used to minimize your claim.
Strong evidence forms the backbone of your case. Police reports, photos of the scene, witness statements, and records of your injuries all support your version of events. A bike crash lawyer will also ensure that receipts for medical treatment, bike repairs, and related expenses are collected as part of your damages.
Medical records are essential in California personal injury claims. Even minor injuries can develop into more serious conditions, so it is critical to undergo full evaluations and follow-up treatments. If you lack health insurance, your attorney can work with providers who accept liens, allowing payment after a settlement is reached.
California is a fault-based state, which means you may pursue compensation directly from the negligent driver’s insurer. A bicycle accident lawyer can file the claim on your behalf to recover medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering. If the driver is uninsured, underinsured, or flees the scene, your own UM/UIM coverage may also apply.
Insurance adjusters often attempt to limit payouts or pressure victims into low settlements. Do not admit fault or accept an offer without legal advice. By allowing your lawyer to handle these negotiations, you reduce the risk of being taken advantage of and increase the likelihood of securing a fair settlement.
If an insurer refuses to settle fairly, your attorney can escalate the case to civil court. In California, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death cases follow the same rule, though claims involving public entities must be filed within six months.
Most bicycle accident claims in California resolve through settlement. However, if litigation becomes necessary, your lawyer will present evidence in court to fight for maximum compensation. Having experienced legal representation ensures your rights as a cyclist are fully protected at every stage.
If you are injured in a bicycle accident in California, you may recover both economic damages (financial losses) and non-economic damages (intangible harms). The amount varies based on the severity of your injuries, medical treatment required, and how the crash impacts your daily life. While minor injury claims may settle for tens of thousands, catastrophic injuries can result in settlements or verdicts worth millions.
Economic Damages include all financial losses connected to the accident. This covers medical expenses such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and the cost of future care. Lost wages are also compensable, along with loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working in the same way as before. Property damage claims cover the repair or replacement of your bicycle and any equipment damaged in the crash, including helmets, electronics, or safety gear.
Non-Economic Damages compensate you for the personal toll of the accident. Pain and suffering accounts for the physical pain you endured, while emotional distress covers psychological effects like anxiety, depression, or trauma. You may also claim loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from engaging in sports, hobbies, or daily activities you once enjoyed. California law does not cap these damages in bicycle accident cases, allowing juries and insurers to assess fair value based on your circumstances.
In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are not tied to your financial losses but are meant to punish a driver who engaged in especially reckless or intentional conduct, such as drunk or hit-and-run driving.
Finally, if the accident results in a fatality, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of love, care, and companionship provided by the deceased.
In California, the general deadline to file a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident is two years from the date of the crash. If the accident results in wrongful death, surviving family members also have two years from the date of death to bring a claim.
However, when the at-fault party is a public entity — such as a city, county, or state agency responsible for dangerous road conditions or a government vehicle collision — you must first file a government claim within six months of the accident, and only after that deadline is met can you pursue a lawsuit.
Missing these time limits usually means losing the right to recover compensation, which is why speaking with a California bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible is critical.
Yes, you can still file a claim for a bicycle accident in California even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. While helmet use is required by law for riders under 18, adults are not legally obligated to wear one. However, insurance companies or defense attorneys may argue that the lack of a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries. This does not bar your claim but can affect the amount of compensation you receive, especially if head injuries are involved.
California also follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you may recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Your compensation will simply be reduced in proportion to your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if you were found 25% at fault and your total damages were valued at $100,000, you could still recover $75,000. Because insurers often try to exaggerate a cyclist’s share of fault, having a bicycle accident lawyer handle your claim is key to ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Yes, undocumented immigrants in California have the legal right to file a claim if they are injured in a bicycle accident. State law protects all residents, regardless of immigration status, when it comes to seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by someone else’s negligence. Courts in California do not require proof of legal status to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim, and juries are not permitted to consider immigration status when determining liability or damages.
That said, undocumented cyclists often face unique challenges, such as fear of dealing with authorities or concerns about retaliation from insurers. Insurance companies may attempt to exploit this vulnerability by pressuring victims into unfair settlements. Working with a California bicycle accident attorney ensures that your rights are upheld, your case is handled confidentially, and you have the strongest possible chance of recovering the compensation you are entitled to under state law.
In California, bicycle accidents remain a frequent safety issue, with about 9,500 reported bicycle crashes with injury or death in 2024. While data for 2024 bicyclist fatalities is not yet fully finalized, 2023 saw a substantial decrease in deaths — from 183 fatalities in 2022 to 145 in 2023.
Despite that decline, the number of crashes remains high and suggests that many incidents involve serious injuries. The yearly crash average between 2020 and 2024 is about 9,200-9,300 accidents per year. Most fatalities occur in urban areas, and statistical reports indicate ongoing risks especially where vehicle traffic is dense.
Bicycle accidents remain a serious safety concern in California, with thousands of cyclists injured or killed each year. In 2024, preliminary state records show roughly 9,700 reported crashes involving injury or death across California. While the total number of collisions has been trending slightly downward in recent years, fatal crashes remain a persistent issue. In 2023, 145 bicyclists lost their lives statewide — down from 183 in 2022 — making California one of the states with the highest cyclist fatality rates in the nation.
Urban areas continue to see the most severe impacts. For example, Los Angeles alone reported 15 bicyclist deaths by August 2024. The rise of e-bikes has also contributed to new accident patterns, particularly among younger riders, with emergency rooms reporting an increase in pediatric e-bike injuries. Most fatal bicycle crashes occur on busy city streets during late afternoon or evening hours, when traffic is heavier.
Key contributing factors in serious or fatal bicycle crashes include drivers making improper turns, speeding, or violating right-of-way laws. Cyclist errors, such as riding against traffic or failing to comply with traffic signals, also play a role. Despite statewide safety campaigns and expanding bike infrastructure, California cyclists remain among the most vulnerable road users, underscoring the importance of legal protections and strong advocacy after a crash.
Distracted Driving – Drivers using phones, GPS devices, or other distractions often fail to see cyclists until it’s too late.
Failure to Yield – Many crashes happen at intersections or crosswalks when motorists ignore a cyclist’s right-of-way.
Dooring Accidents – A common urban hazard where a parked driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a rider.
Speeding – High speeds reduce reaction time, increasing the likelihood of severe or fatal collisions with cyclists.
Unsafe Lane Changes – Motorists merging or turning without checking blind spots can sideswipe or cut off cyclists.
Hazardous Road Conditions – Potholes, uneven pavement, and roadway debris can force cyclists into dangerous situations.
Low Visibility – Poor street lighting, lack of bike reflectors, or drivers’ failure to notice cyclists contributes to nighttime crashes.
In California, most serious and fatal bicycle accidents involve collisions with automobiles. Studies show that over 90% of fatal crashes happen when a cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle, underscoring how dangerous these encounters can be. In contrast, the percentage of all reported bicycle accidents that involve cars is lower, because many non-fatal crashes — such as falls, collisions with other bicycles, or crashes caused by roadway hazards — are either not reported to authorities or not included in statewide traffic databases.
This discrepancy explains why some reports place the number as low as 10–15% when considering all accidents, but a much higher percentage when focusing on fatalities. The reality is that cars are the leading factor in the most severe outcomes for cyclists. California law recognizes this risk by requiring drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing and by granting cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. For injured cyclists, this means that when an automobile is involved, legal claims often form the strongest path to compensation.
Bicycle accidents in California are most common in urban areas, particularly in counties with dense traffic such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, and Santa Clara. Los Angeles County consistently reports the highest number of crashes and fatalities due to its population size and heavy vehicle-cyclist interaction. These hotspots reflect both the high number of cyclists on the road and the risks posed by congested traffic.
More than half of all bicycle accidents take place at or near intersections, where drivers often fail to yield or misjudge a cyclist’s right-of-way. Fatal crashes, however, are disproportionately common at non-intersection locations, often when a cyclist is struck by a passing vehicle on a straight roadway. Roads without dedicated bike lanes account for a significant share of crashes, with state reports estimating that roughly one in three accidents occur on streets lacking cycling infrastructure.
Nighttime riding also presents heightened dangers. Limited visibility combined with driver inattention makes evening and late-night hours especially hazardous for cyclists. California law requires motorists to provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle and to share the road as they would with any other vehicle, but accident data shows that compliance is often lacking.
These patterns underline the importance of safe infrastructure, driver awareness, and legal accountability to reduce cyclist injuries and fatalities.
Sadly, bicycle accidents in California claim well over a hundred lives every year. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 145 cyclists were killed in 2023, down from 183 deaths in 2022. While final statewide data for 2024 is still being reviewed, preliminary reports suggest the number of fatalities remained in a similar range, showing only modest improvement.
These figures place California among the states with the highest cyclist death rates in the country. Most fatal crashes occur in urban counties such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange, often on busy roads without bike lanes and during evening hours when visibility is poor. Despite bike-friendly infrastructure and laws requiring drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing, the risk of severe injury or death remains high for riders across the state.
In California, bicycle accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay out of pocket for their services. Instead, the attorney’s fee is collected as a percentage of the settlement or verdict once your case is resolved successfully. The specific percentage is clearly stated in the representation agreement you sign at the start of the case, so you will know the terms in advance and won’t face unexpected charges. If your attorney does not win your case, you generally owe no attorney’s fees.
A bicycle accident claim in California can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the circumstances. Cases with minor injuries and clear liability may resolve quickly through settlement, while claims involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or uncooperative insurance companies often take longer, sometimes two to three years if they proceed to trial.
The timeline generally depends on how long medical treatment lasts, the strength of the evidence, and whether the case can be settled in negotiations or must go through court.
If you are hit by an uninsured driver in California, you can still pursue compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if it is included in your auto insurance policy. This coverage can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that would have otherwise been covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance.
If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, you may still file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the driver, but recovering compensation can be difficult if they lack assets. In either situation, working with a bicycle accident attorney is fundamental to explore all available options and ensure you don’t bear the financial burden of the crash.
Technically, you are not required to hire a lawyer to file a bicycle accident claim in California, but proceeding without one can put you at a serious disadvantage. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts, and without legal training in California personal injury law, it is difficult to challenge their tactics or prove the full value of your damages. As a result, many unrepresented cyclists end up with settlements far below what they are entitled to—or no compensation at all.
Hiring a bike crash lawyer significantly increases your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Yes. At Megeredchian Law, we represent clients injured in e-bike and electric scooter accidents across California. These crashes are becoming more common as e-bikes and scooters share crowded streets with cars, trucks, and pedestrians, often leading to severe injuries when drivers fail to yield, speed, or drive distracted.
Our team applies the same aggressive approach we use in bicycle accident cases to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether the crash involved a negligent motorist, a defective scooter, or dangerous road conditions, our attorneys have the experience to hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the maximum recovery you deserve.
Settlements for bicycle accidents in California depend on the seriousness of the injuries and financial losses involved. Minor injuries often settle between $10,000 and $50,000, while more serious cases involving broken bones or head trauma can range from $50,000 to over $200,000. In catastrophic cases that cause permanent disability or death, compensation can reach well into the millions, since California law places no cap on damages in these types of personal injury claims.
Homeowners insurance in California can sometimes cover bicycle accidents, but only in limited situations. If you cause an accident that injures someone else or damages their property, your policy’s personal liability coverage may apply. However, it generally won’t pay for your own bike repairs or your medical bills — for those, you’d need health insurance, disability coverage, or a separate bicycle insurance policy.
If you plan to seek compensation for your bicycle accident, having a skilled bike accident attorney on your side can make all the difference. Don’t risk accepting less than you deserve — you only have one chance to secure justice and the full compensation allowed under California law. Act quickly and call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 to schedule your free consultation.
We are selective about the volume of cases and the type of cases we undertake. This ensures our client’s case gets the attention it needs so results are achieved. Big firms with big case volumes means your case gets lost with the thousand others. Results matter, experience the difference by retaining our firm and let us exceed your expectations.
Our clients are not just “clients,” we treat everyone like family with compassion and the utmost care.
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