Being hit by a car while riding your bicycle is a traumatic and terrifying experience. In an instant, you can be left with serious injuries, a destroyed bike, and overwhelming medical bills. But there is good news: California has some of the most progressive laws in the nation designed to protect cyclists.
If a driver’s negligence caused your accident, you have the right to hold them accountable. Understanding these laws is the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve for your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
This guide breaks down the essential California Vehicle Codes and what you should do if a car hits you.
What to Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Car on Your Bike
The moments after a crash are chaotic, but the steps you take are critical for your health and your potential legal claim.
- Move to Safety: If you are able, move yourself and your bike out of the flow of traffic to a sidewalk or shoulder to prevent further injury.
- Call 911: Request immediate medical assistance, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. A police report also creates an official record of the accident.
- Gather Driver Information: Get the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details.
- Document Everything: Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, the damage to your bike, the car that hit you, and any relevant road signs or conditions.
- Get Witness Contacts: If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Independent witness testimony can be invaluable.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I’m okay.” Stick to the facts of what happened.
- Seek a Medical Evaluation: Go to an emergency room or see your doctor as soon as possible to have your injuries professionally assessed and documented.
- Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Before you speak to an insurance adjuster, consult with an attorney who specializes in California bicycle law.
Wondering About the Financial Impact of Your Accident?
After taking these critical first steps, it’s natural to worry about medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. Our free and confidential Settlement Calculator can give you an immediate estimate of what your bicycle accident case could be worth based on the details of your situation.
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Understanding Your Rights: 10 Key Laws for Injured Cyclists
Motorists often misunderstand the rules of the road for bicycles. A California bicycle injury attorney can use these laws to build a powerful case on your behalf.
1. The Three-Foot Rule for Safe Passing
Under the Safe Passing Law (CVC 21760), motorists are legally required to give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of space when passing. If three feet isn’t possible, the driver must slow down to a safe and reasonable speed before passing. Violating this law is direct evidence of negligence.
2. The “Dooring” Law
It is illegal for a person to open a car door into moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so. CVC 22517 explicitly prohibits opening a door in a way that interferes with traffic, including an approaching bicyclist. A “dooring” accident is almost always the fault of the person in the vehicle.
3. Taking the Full Lane
Many drivers don’t realize that cyclists are not always required to hug the right curb. According to CVC 21202, a cyclist can legally “take the lane” and move toward the center when it is necessary to avoid hazards (like potholes or debris), when passing, or when preparing for a left turn.
4. Bike Lanes Are Often Optional
While bike lanes are designed for safety, cyclists are not always required to use them. CVC 21208 allows a cyclist to leave the bike lane to pass another cyclist, avoid a hazard, or make a turn. If you were hit after legally leaving a bike lane, the driver may be at fault.
5. Rules for Sidewalk Riding
There is no statewide law prohibiting bicycles on sidewalks. While many cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have local ordinances restricting sidewalk riding (often based on age), it is not automatically illegal under CVC 21650(g). If you were hit on a sidewalk, it’s crucial to check local rules, but the driver may still be liable for failing to yield.
6. Stopping on Bike Paths is Prohibited
Motorists are not allowed to stop, park, or stand in a designated bike path or lane. CVC 21211 ensures that these paths remain clear for cyclists. If you were injured because a driver was illegally blocking a bike lane, they can be held responsible.
7. Essential Bicycle Safety Equipment
California law requires bicycles to have proper equipment, including brakes, handlebars, and a permanent seat. For night riding, a white headlight and various reflectors are mandatory. Following these rules shows you were riding responsibly.
8. Rules for Electric and Motorized Bikes
California law is evolving to include e-bikes. Different types of e-bikes have different rules about where they can operate (bike paths vs. roadways). Understanding these laws is key to proving you were riding where you were legally allowed.
9. Helmets are Mandatory for Minors
Cyclists under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. While not required for adults, wearing one is the single most effective way to prevent a serious head injury.
10. DUIs Apply to Bicycles
It is illegal to operate a bicycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (CVC 21200.5). A cyclist riding while impaired can be found at fault or comparatively negligent in an accident.
Real Results: $1,000,000 Settlement for Bicyclist Hit by a Truck
When you’ve been seriously injured, you need a law firm with a proven track record. We represented a cyclist who was lawfully crossing the street when a large truck made an illegal U-turn and struck him, causing severe orthopedic injuries. The defense argued our client was partially at fault, but we fought back. Through aggressive litigation, we secured a $1,000,000 settlement to cover his medical care, lost wages, and future needs.
What Our Clients Say
“I strongly recommend working with Sally Morin Law! One of my clients was hit by a car while riding his bike in San Francisco and suffered some very serious injuries. Thank you Sally — you did a great job with my client, helped him gain a very positive settlement and made me look great too!” – Kelly, Yelp
Read Kelly M.‘s review of Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers on Yelp
“Sally represented my personal injury case last year and I’m glad I found her. We met in a personal development class and I never knew at the time that I would need a personal injury attorney. A few months later a car hit me on my bike. I reached out to Sally, unsure of what steps to take. My bike was totaled and my hand and wrist broken. Sally and her entire office were extremely helpful, patient and responsive with my husband and me the entire time. She regularly checked in on me during my recovery and kept me up to date on status of the case and conversations with the other parties insurance company. My case wasn’t large but she treated me as if I was one of her only cases. I’ve already recommended Sally to friends and that’s the highest recommendation I could offer.” – Natalie, Yelp
Read Natalie S.‘s review of Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers on Yelp
Frequently Asked Questions About California Bike Laws
Injured Cyclists, You Can Take Action!
Here’s the bottom line: Cyclists and motorists alike are responsible for knowing the law and following it. Nobody is allowed to just negligently crash into someone else and hurt them.
Did a motorist hurt you while you were out riding your bike? Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help. Most of us are cyclists ourselves, and we truly care about protecting cyclists’ rights. Call (415) 413-0033 or get a FREE online case evaluation now.
California’s bike laws protect you and allow you to seek valuable compensation for your damages. Let’s put the law to work for you and show motorists they don’t own the roads!
We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus on Your Life
After a personal injury, contact the attorneys at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. We handle many areas of the law, including bicycle injuries. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering while we handle the legal details. We truly care about the people of California. Contact us today for a free online case evaluation.
