$36.0M
Recovery for a pedestrian who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle.
Personal Injury
California Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Were you hurt riding your bike because a driver wasn’t paying attention? At Wilshire Law Firm — an award-winning, nationally recognized team — our attorneys help injured cyclists across California pursue full compensation. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review with a legal professional — there are no fees unless you get paid.
- $3B+RECOVERED
- 7X"BEST LAW FIRM" AWARDS
- 24/7AVAILABILITY & SUPPORT
- 500+LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Understanding Your Bicycle Accident Case
Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.
Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning, nationally recognized team that has represented thousands of injured Californians. Our attorneys investigate how your crash happened, handle every conversation with the insurance companies, and build your case for maximum recovery — all with clear communication and personalized attention. There are no fees unless you get paid.
Most bicycle crashes trace back to preventable driver negligence. The leading causes we see include distracted or impaired driving, drivers failing to yield at intersections, unsafe lane changes, "dooring," and poor road conditions. Even a low-speed collision can leave a cyclist with broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries, so establishing which party was negligent is central to your claim.
Injured cyclists in California can generally recover both economic and non-economic damages. These commonly include medical expenses and rehabilitation (current and future), lost wages and lost earning capacity, property damage to your bicycle and gear, and pain and suffering. Because every case is unique, a legal professional can review your specific losses during a free case review.
Take five steps to protect your health and your claim: (1) seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor; (2) call the police and report the crash; (3) photograph the scene, vehicles, your bicycle, and your injuries; (4) exchange information and gather witness contacts; and (5) speak with a bicycle accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurer.
In most California bicycle accident cases you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1), and generally three years for property damage. Claims against a government entity — for example, over a dangerous roadway — have much shorter deadlines, often six months. Because missing a deadline can end your case, it's best to speak with a legal professional early.
Meet Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Nationally-Recognized Powerhouse, Fighting for the Justice You Deserve
Our award-winning attorneys have recovered billions for clients while taking on insurance companies and major corporations.
Colin M. Jones, Esq.Senior Partner and Senior Trial Attorney, Chair of the Personal Injury Litigation Department
Jennifer P. Burkes, Esq.Senior Partner & Strategic Advisor, Personal Injury Litigation Department
Mary Lee Caruso, Esq.Senior Partner
Ryan Casey, Esq.Senior Partner and Trial Attorney
Tae-Yoon Kim, Esq.Senior Partner
Alivia E. Abreu, Esq.Partner
Shervin G. Ghanoongooi, Esq.Partner
Christopher Goodroe, Esq.Partner
Nathan A. Guest, Esq.Partner and Trial Attorney
Brian M. Jacobson, Esq.Partner
Ariella Perry, Esq.Partner$28.5M
Recovery for victims of a rear-end collision involving a commercial truck.
$14.5M
Recovery for a victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury due to unsafe property conditions.
$14.0M
Recovery for a victim injured in a motorcycle accident.
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Recovery for victims injured in a collision involving a commercial truck.
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Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own facts.
How Do I Know If I Have a Bicycle Accident Claim in California?
Three factors determine whether you have a valid bicycle accident claim — fault, damages, and proof. Fault means another party's negligence, such as a distracted driver or a dangerous road condition, caused the crash. Damages are your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and a damaged bicycle. Proof includes police reports, photos, and witness statements. California's statute of limitations applies, so contact Wilshire Law Firm's bicycle accident attorneys for a free case evaluation.
Start Your Free Bicycle Accident Case Review
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Record breaking results
Winners of #1 Settlements in California
Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars, including some of the biggest settlements in California.
17#1 Settlements in California, 2022–2024*
TopVerdict #1TopVerdict.com #1 settlements
1–1 of 17
#1 Truck v. Pedestrian Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Multi-Vehicle Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Equipment Malfunction Settlement
2024
#1 Car v. Stationary Object Collision Settlement
2024
#1 Bus v. Passenger Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Whistleblower Retaliation Settlement
2023
#1 Underinsured Motorist Settlement
2023
#1 Slip & Fall Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Negligent Security Settlement
2023
#1 Ladder Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Hotel Premises Liability Settlement
2023
#1 Car v. Car Collision Settlement
2023
#1 Bicycle Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Age/Disability Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Wrongful Termination Settlement
2022
#1 Meal & Rest Breaks Settlement
2022
*#1 settlements in California have been awarded by TopVerdict.com. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.
In California, bicyclists generally have most of the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles, and motorists must share the road and pass at a safe distance. When a driver violates those duties and injures a cyclist, the cyclist can usually pursue a personal injury claim. The specific Vehicle Code sections governing cyclist rights should be confirmed by an attorney for your situation.
California law only requires helmets for riders under 18, so an adult cyclist is not automatically barred from recovering simply because they were not wearing one. Because California follows pure comparative negligence, a defendant might argue a helmet would have reduced head injuries, but that argument affects the amount of recovery rather than eliminating the claim. An attorney can confirm how the helmet rules apply to your case.
Most California bicycle injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1, and property-damage claims within three years under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338. Deadlines have important exceptions — for example, claims against a government entity are much shorter — so confirm yours promptly with an attorney.
You may still be able to recover through the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy, which can apply to cyclists injured by an at-fault or hit-and-run driver. California's UM/UIM framework is governed by Cal. Ins. Code § 11580.2. An attorney can review your coverage and identify every available source of compensation.
Yes. Under California's pure comparative negligence rule from Li v. Yellow Cab Co., an injured cyclist can recover even when partially at fault, with the award reduced by their percentage of responsibility rather than barred entirely. This matters in bike cases where drivers often try to shift blame to the rider. If your crash involved a motor vehicle, our guide on hiring a car accident attorney explains what to look for.