Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Protecting the Rights of Injured Cyclists
Dedicated Legal Representation for Injured Cyclists
Bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. When a collision occurs between a bicycle and a motor vehicle, the cyclist almost always suffers the most severe injuries. At Frank Penney Injury Law, we understand the unique challenges cyclists face and are committed to protecting their rights.
California law gives bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. When drivers fail to share the road safely, they must be held accountable. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys fight to ensure injured cyclists receive full compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Why Clients Choose Us
- Over $1 Billion Recovered for Clients
- No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
- 30+ Years of Personal Injury Experience
- 6 Convenient Office Locations
- Free, No-Obligation Consultations
What Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Get an instant, no-obligation estimate of your accident case value, then call (888) 888-0566 for a free, personalized review.
Disclaimer: The estimate provided by this calculator is based on general statistical data and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Case values vary significantly based on individual facts and circumstances. This tool does not create an attorney-client relationship. For a personalized assessment, call us at (888) 888-0566 or submit a free consultation request.
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Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle
Our experienced attorneys handle all types of bicycle accident cases, from minor incidents to catastrophic collisions.
Dooring Accidents
Injuries caused when a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist's path.
Right-Hook Collisions
When a vehicle turns right and cuts off a cyclist traveling straight.
Left-Turn Accidents
Crashes caused by drivers turning left in front of oncoming cyclists.
Rear-End Collisions
When a vehicle strikes a cyclist from behind, often at high speed.
Intersection Accidents
Collisions at intersections where drivers fail to yield to cyclists.
Road Hazard Accidents
Injuries from potholes, debris, or poorly maintained roads.
Hit and Run
Pursuing compensation when a driver flees after striking a cyclist.
Distracted Driver Accidents
Crashes caused by texting, phone use, or driver inattention.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection for cyclists. Our attorneys have experience handling cases involving all types of injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions, skull fractures, and severe brain trauma that can lead to long-term cognitive impairment and disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact of a collision can damage the spine, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis and requiring lifelong medical care.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Arm, leg, hip, and rib fractures are common in bicycle accidents and may require surgery, hardware implantation, and extensive rehabilitation.
Road Rash & Soft Tissue
Severe abrasions can penetrate multiple skin layers, causing infections, scarring, and nerve damage that may require skin grafts.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Facial & Dental Injuries
Impact with vehicles, pavement, or other objects can cause facial fractures, lost teeth, and permanent disfigurement.
Why Choose Frank Penney Injury Law
When you're injured in a bicycle accident, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for you.
Proven Track Record
With over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have the experience and results to back up our reputation. We've helped countless bicycle accident victims get the compensation they deserve.
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs and only get paid when you receive compensation.
Understanding Cyclist Rights
We know California bicycle laws inside and out. We fight against bias that unfairly blames cyclists and ensure your rights as a road user are fully protected.
Thorough Investigation
We work with accident reconstruction experts, gather surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Aggressive Negotiation
Insurance companies know we're willing to take cases to trial. This leverage helps us negotiate maximum settlements for our clients without unnecessary delays.
Personalized Attention
Unlike large firms that treat clients like numbers, we provide personalized attention to every case. You'll work directly with experienced attorneys who know your situation.
How Often Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in California?
California consistently reports some of the highest numbers of bicycle crashes in the nation, driven by year-round riding weather and dense urban traffic. Collisions cluster around high-volume corridors — downtown grids, school zones, and arterials near freeway ramps — and at intersections where turning vehicles fail to yield.
Whether your crash happened in a protected lane in Midtown Sacramento, along El Camino Real, or on a rural shoulder in Placer or Yolo County, California law gives bicyclists the same rights and duties as drivers (Cal. Veh. Code §21200).
Can Bicyclists Be Held Liable for Accidents?
California uses a pure comparative negligence model — even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Here are factors insurers commonly raise:
Position in the Roadway
California generally requires cyclists to ride as close as practicable to the right, except when it's unsafe, when passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, or when the lane is too narrow to share safely (CVC §21202). On streets with a bike lane, riders typically must use it unless a listed exception applies (CVC §21208).
Signal and Lighting Compliance
Night riding requires a white front light, red rear reflector or light, pedal/ankle reflectors, and side reflectors (CVC §21201). Non-compliance doesn't automatically bar recovery but may factor into fault allocation.
Helmet Use
Helmets are required for riders under 18 (CVC §21212). While a lack of a helmet for adults does not bar a claim, the defense may argue it affected head-injury severity. Medical experts can address this directly, but it can impact compensation.
Traffic Obedience
Cyclists must obey signals and signs (CVC §21200), and any alleged rolling stops or red-light violations may impact compensation. However, it requires proof such as video and witness statements — insurance adjusters may still try to use these assumptions against you.
Types of Recoverable Compensation
Depending on your facts and injuries, recoverable damages in a California bicycle case may include a mix of economic and non-economic damages.
Medical Expenses
ER care, surgery, hospitalization, prescriptions, assistive devices, counseling, and anticipated future treatment costs.
Lost Earnings
Time away from work, missed contracts or gigs, reduced hours, and long-term occupational impact validated by medical and vocational experts.
Property Damage
Bicycle, helmet, clothing, electronics, and gear damaged or destroyed in the crash.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain and the emotional impact of losing the ability to ride, work out, or commute by bike.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Particularly common with facial trauma and road rash from bicycle accidents.
Wrongful Death Damages
Funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship in fatal crashes.
California Bicycle Accident Law: What You Need to Know
California gives cyclists strong protections on the road. Here is what matters most after a crash.
Two-Year Filing Deadline
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (as little as six months if a government entity is involved).
Cyclists' Rights & Rules
Under California Vehicle Code § 21200, cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers. Drivers must give at least three feet when passing (Vehicle Code § 21760), and riders under 18 must wear a helmet (Vehicle Code § 21212).
Comparative Negligence & Coverage
California's pure comparative negligence rule lets you recover even if you were partly at fault. The at-fault driver's auto insurance usually pays, and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can apply if they were uninsured.
Not sure what your claim could be worth? Try our case value calculator, read the latest California accident news, or explore our injury law blog. We serve cyclists in Sacramento, Roseville, Oakland, and across Northern California.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in California?
In California you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If a government vehicle or agency is involved, you may have as little as six months to file a claim, so it is important to speak with an attorney quickly.
Do cyclists have the same rights as drivers in California?
Yes. Under California Vehicle Code § 21200, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Drivers must also give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing under the Three Feet for Safety Act.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
You may still be covered. The uninsured/underinsured motorist portion of your own auto policy can apply to a bicycle crash, even though you were not in a car at the time. We can help identify every available source of coverage.
How much does it cost to hire Frank Penney Injury Law for a bicycle accident case?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is always free.
Frank Penney Injury Lawyers Is Here to Help
When a bike crash happens, speed matters — every day wasted is a day that can potentially affect how much you can financially recover. Our team of injury attorneys have decades of experience and are committed to fighting for your rights.
Free Consultation — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
Over $1 Billion Recovered | 30+ Years of Experience