What to Do After a San Diego Bicycle Accident

March 4, 2020
Post Updated:May 12, 2023

Are you a cyclist who has recently been injured on the road due to driver negligence? You may deserve compensation.

Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are not few and far between. According to a report by the California Department of Public Health, there were over 84,000 non-fatal bicycle injuries involved with a motor vehicle in California between 2007-2013. About 7% of those happened in San Diego alone.

Accidents happen. But when negligence is involved, protect yourself by hiring a skilled lawyer from a firm like Elia Law Firm, APC.

Road accidents involving cyclists and motor vehicles are often due to driver negligence. Blatant disregard of traffic signs and bicycle lanes, or erratic behavior like speeding, can result in serious injury, or even death. Alcohol involvement can also increase the risk for accidents. So what do you do if this happens to you?

You can fight back by knowing your rights.

First, it’s important to know the law, and to understand your rights as a cyclist on the road. Remember to stay to the right side of the road, and always ride with the flow of traffic. If there is a designated bike lane, you should always try to stay in that lane. This is especially helpful if a negligent driver suddenly decides to side-swipe you while you’re following the rules of the road. However, you do have the right to move into a different lane. For example, if you are making a left-hand turn, passing another cyclist, or avoiding hazardous road conditions. Californian cyclists are allowed to ride as close to the left side of the road as possible, ONLY if there are two or more lanes on a one-way street.

California’s “Three Feet For Safety Act” provides even greater security by requiring motorists to give at least three feet of clearance while passing a cyclist.

Remember that you should wear the required equipment while cycling on the road to protect yourself and others. Such equipment includes: a helmet if you are under the age of 18, a white light at the front of the bike while riding at night, plus a red reflector at the back of the bike, or a white or yellow reflector strategically positioned on either side of the bike. Try not to use headphones, earbuds, or talk on the phone while you are riding.

Unfortunately, following the rules doesn’t always make you safer.

So you’ve been a victim of negligent driving — now what?

Getting injured in a motor accident can be upsetting, jaunting, and down-right scary. It makes sense to file a personal injury claim after a major accident, especially to compensate for the emotional and physical toll on yourself as the victim. Medical expenses can be through the roof these days, and sometimes a simple salary is not enough to cover the costs of an accident caused by a negligent driver.

As soon as you receive medical attention, you should contact a skilled bicycle accident attorney like those here at the Elia Law Firm, APC in San Diego to guide you through the process. Phone consultations with us are 100% free.

We will work diligently to fight for your rights, negotiate with the negligent party, and potentially earn you compensation to cover unexpected costs like physical therapy or medical expenses.

So don’t wait to consult with us. The sooner you do it, the better you will feel.

Call 619-444-2244 today or submit the case review form on this page.

*Bicyclist rules, laws and acts sources: dmv.ca.gov and leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

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Steven Elia

Founder at Elia Law Firm in San Diego

Mr. Elia has extensive litigation experience having appeared at more than 1,000 civil hearings including jury and bench trials, over 500 depositions, and hundreds of mediations. Some of his cases have made national headlines. He specializes in personal injury, business law and civil litigation in and around San Diego.