San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer

San Diego is bike-friendly and has an extensive public transportation network to accommodate cyclists. However, San Diego also sees over 35 million visitors a year and has a lot of traffic congestion. It's little to no surprise that auto accidents are common in San Diego, including bike crashes. In 2019, there were 5,578 total persons killed and injured in San Diego traffic accidents. Of this total, 356 accounted for bicyclists. There were 436 hit-and-run accidents in 2019 and 1,519 DUI arrests in San Diego.

Due to the high number of serious injuries and fatalities caused by auto accidents each year, San Diego is working to implement Vision Zero by 2025. Vision Zero is a road safety project that aims to help eliminate deaths and serious injuries caused by traffic accidents.

Page Update: 03/22/24

Bicycle accidents are hazardous as cyclists don't have protection comparable to motor vehicles.

Typical bicycle accident injuries suffered in cycling accidents include the following:

• Fractures and broken bones
• Road rash
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries, including concussions and skull fractures
• Paralysis
• Neck injuries
• Soft-tissue damage
• Amputation
• Chronic pain
• Wrongful death

Additionally, cyclists involved in accidents often experience internal injuries, which can go undetected initially but have long-term health consequences. Call us now if a negligent driver causes your traumatic brain injury or any of the other serious injuries mentioned above.

In San Diego, bike accidents stem from various causes that jeopardize the safety of cyclists, who lack the protective enclosure that motor vehicles provide.

Common causes of San Diego bicycle accidents include:

Speeding

When motorists speed, it reduces the time required to slow down and make decisions on the road. High-speed crashes are more likely to cause bicycle accident fatalities. However, low-speed collisions can also cause severe injuries to bike riders.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents involving bicyclists. Drivers who fail to see cyclists because they are preoccupied with their phones, GPS, or radio can cause serious bicycle accidents. Motor vehicle drivers who fail to check their blind spots and bike lanes increase the risk of causing a bicycle accident. Cyclists should check for traffic before entering the left-turn lane, look over their shoulder, and extend their left arm out to signal a left turn.

Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving is a leading cause of auto accidents in the United States. In 2020, 11,654 people died in motor vehicle collisions involving at least one alcohol-impaired driver. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can impact driving ability, reducing the motorist's cognition and decision-making.

Right-Turn Accidents

Right-turn accidents usually occur when a motorist turns right and collides with a cyclist while turning. The driver is generally liable in this scenario. However, in some bicycle accident cases, a cyclist could be at fault for the collision. Motorists must check their blind spots, bike lanes, and oncoming traffic before turning right at an intersection.

Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents can occur when a motor vehicle and cyclist approach an intersection from opposite directions, and the motorist turns left in front of the bike rider. In this scenario, the cyclist usually has the right-of-way, and the motorist should yield to the oncoming bicyclist.

Dooring

Dooring occurs when a motor vehicle door is opened or left open and accessible to oncoming traffic. A cyclist may be unable to anticipate the open door and could be knocked off their bike. According to California law, dooring is illegal and can lead to serious bicycle accidents. In bicycle accidents involving dooring, liability is placed on the person who opened the door, not the bike rider.

Failure to Provide an Adequate Buffer

Motorists driving too close to bicycle riders increase the likelihood of a serious bike accident. They are more likely to strike cyclists and cause bike accidents. In California, it is illegal to follow a bike too closely. If a motorist fails to leave enough of a buffer and hits a cyclist, they can cause catastrophic injuries.

Bicycle Equipment Failure

Defective parts or mechanical failures in bicycles can cause accidents. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you hold the bicycle manufacturer accountable for damages sustained in the accident.

After experiencing a bicycle accident, taking proactive steps can significantly impact the outcome of your bike accident case and your recovery process.

Call the Police

Remain at the scene of the bicycle accident and call the police. If you have injuries or property damage, let the authorities know. Ensure you get a police report.

Get the Driver's Information

Swap information with the persons involved in the accident, including full name, address, phone number, insurance policy number, insurance company, driver's license, driver's license plate number, and the vehicle's color, make, and model (s) involved.

Speak to Witnesses

Talk to witnesses, get their contact information, and ask if they will explain how the accident happened.

Seek Medical Care Immediately

Even if you don't think you are injured, seeking medical care immediately after a bicycle accident is vital. An adrenaline rush can mask the symptoms of your injuries. Seeing a doctor and collecting medical records is essential to your bicycle accident claim.

Take Photos and Gather Evidence

Take photos at the scene of the bicycle accident. Ensure you get scene images from different angles, including property damage, car parts, and skid marks. Also, take photos of your injuries. Gather evidence like pay stubs, medical records, medical expenses, and other costs related to the San Diego bicycle accident.

Contact a San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Schedule a free case evaluation to consult a San Diego bicycle accident attorney who can assess your case and let you know your legal options. A bicycle accident attorney can help you calculate the extent of your losses and pursue just compensation. A skilled personal injury lawyer will help you collect evidence and build a strong bicycle accident case for your personal injury claim.

• Check your equipment to ensure your bike is operating correctly.
• Check that your tires are inflated adequately and your seat is appropriately sized.
• Ensure you wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.
• Wear bright and fluorescent colors, especially at night.
• Wear reflective clothing and use lights and flashlights at night.
• Always remain alert and look out for hazards, including open doors.
• Become familiar with California traffic laws.
• Use hand signals when turning and merging.