What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in California (2026 Guide)

By Cynthia A. Craig, Founding Partner & Senior Trial Attorney, Kubota & Craig

Being hit by a car while riding your bike is terrifying. In an instant, you can find yourself on the ground with serious injuries, a destroyed bicycle, and overwhelming confusion about what to do next.

California sees thousands of bicycle injuries every year, with cyclists facing unique vulnerabilities on the road compared to drivers in protective vehicles. In Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim, and throughout Orange County, bicycle accidents remain a serious public health concern, requiring immediate action and careful documentation to protect both your physical recovery and your legal rights.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, the steps you take in the hours and days afterward can significantly impact both your recovery and your ability to receive fair compensation from the at-fault party. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a bicycle accident in California to protect your health, your rights, and your potential legal claim.

Quick Answer: The 8 Critical Steps

After a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, follow these steps in order:

1. Move to safety (if you can).
2. Call 911.
3. Seek immediate medical attention.
4. Document the accident scene thoroughly.
5. Do not admit fault.
6. Preserve your bike and gear as evidence.
7. Be cautious with insurance companies.
8. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer before settling.

Step 1: Move to Safety (If You Can)

Your first priority is your immediate safety. If you are able to move without causing further injury, get yourself and your bicycle out of the roadway to a sidewalk or shoulder. This prevents additional vehicles from striking you and allows you to assess your situation safely.

Critical exception: If you suspect a spinal injury, neck injury, or feel unable to move, stay still and wait for emergency responders. Moving with a spinal injury can cause permanent neurological damage. Lie still and instruct bystanders to call 911 immediately.

Step 2: Call 911 After Every Motor Vehicle Collision

Always call 911 after a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, even if your injuries seem minor at the moment. This serves two critical purposes:

Medical Assessment: Paramedics can evaluate you for injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Many serious injuries (traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, spinal cord damage) do not show obvious symptoms in the first minutes after an accident.

Police Documentation: A police report creates an official record of the accident, documents the scene, identifies the parties involved, and often includes the officer’s preliminary assessment of fault or violations committed. This report is crucial evidence for your insurance claim and any potential legal case.

Under California law, you are required to report any accident involving injury or death to law enforcement.

Step 3: Get Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine

This is one of the most critical steps, and too many cyclists skip it.

Adrenaline is a powerful masker of pain. You may feel “okay” at the accident scene only to discover hours or days later that you have sustained serious injuries. Additionally, delaying medical treatment gives insurance adjusters ammunition to argue that your injuries are not severe or are unrelated to the accident.

Common bicycle accident injuries that may not show immediate symptoms:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions: Even without loss of consciousness, head trauma can cause bleeding, swelling, or diffuse axonal injury that emerges over hours or days. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, or personality changes.
• Internal bleeding: Blunt-force trauma to the abdomen or chest can cause internal bleeding that does not produce external signs initially.
• Soft tissue injuries (whiplash, sprains, strains): These injuries often worsen over the first 24-48 hours as inflammation increases.
• Hairline fractures: Some fractures are not visible on initial X-rays and only appear days later as swelling occurs.
• Spinal cord injuries: Even without paralysis, spinal injuries can cause chronic pain and disability if not properly diagnosed and treated.

Go to the emergency room or see a doctor immediately. Your medical records serve a dual purpose: they ensure you receive proper care and create critical documentation linking your injuries to the accident—essential evidence for any insurance claim or legal case.

Step 4: Document Everything at the Scene (Detailed Checklist)

If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the accident scene. Insurance companies and defense attorneys will look for reasons to minimize your injuries or shift blame to you. Comprehensive scene documentation protects you.

Photos & Video

• Your visible injuries (cuts, bruises, blood)
• Your damaged bicycle (frame damage, bent wheels, shattered components)
• The vehicle that hit you (paint transfer, dents, broken glass on its grille)
• The full accident scene (intersection layout, traffic signals, lane markings)
• Skid marks on the pavement
• Road conditions (potholes, debris, poor visibility, weather)
• Traffic signals and signage
• The position of both vehicles
• Lighting conditions (was it dusk? Were street lights on?)

Driver & Vehicle Information

• Driver’s full name, phone number, and address
• Driver’s license number and state of issuance
• Vehicle license plate number
• Vehicle make, model, color, and year
• Driver’s insurance company name and policy number
• Driver’s insurance agent contact information
• If the driver is a business employee or rideshare driver, note the company name

Witness Information

• Names, phone numbers, and addresses of anyone who saw the accident
• Detailed written or recorded statements of what they observed
• Note their position relative to the accident (were they in a nearby store? In a parked car? Across the street?)

Scene Documentation Notes

• Exact time of the accident
• Weather conditions (clear, rain, fog, extreme heat)
• Traffic flow at that location
• Estimated speed of the vehicle
• Description of exactly how the collision occurred
• Your bicycle route (were you in a bike lane? On the shoulder? In the roadway?)
• Any safety devices or flags you were using

Check for Video Surveillance

• Look for security cameras on nearby buildings, storefronts, or traffic signals
• Note the addresses of businesses with cameras in the area
• If safe, ask property owners for permission to access footage (and get their contact information)
• Footage is often deleted after 7-14 days, so preservation is urgent

Step 5: Do Not Admit Fault or Apologize

In the confusion and shock after an accident, it is natural to say “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you.” Resist this urge completely.

Any statement you make can and will be used against you by insurance companies to reduce your compensation, even if you were not actually at fault. This is especially true in bicycle cases, where adjusters often hold cyclists to unrealistic standards of visibility and road positioning.

When talking to the at-fault driver and police, stick to factual, neutral language:

• “The vehicle struck my bicycle on the passenger side.”
• “I was riding in the bike lane when the car turned left across my path.”
• “I did not see the car before impact.”

Do not say:

• “I’m sorry.”
• “I wasn’t paying attention.”
• “I should have seen the car.”
• “I was going too fast.”
• “I was riding without lights.”

These statements are admissions that can severely damage your claim, even if you were actually not at fault.

Step 6: Preserve Your Bicycle and Gear as Evidence

Do not repair or dispose of your damaged bicycle, helmet, or other gear.

These items are physical evidence of the accident and the severity of the collision. Your cracked or shattered helmet proves you suffered significant impact to the head and validates claims for traumatic brain injury. Damage to your bicycle frame, wheels, and components helps accident reconstruction experts determine the speed of the vehicle and the angle of impact.

Store your bike and gear in a safe place (garage, shed, storage unit) where they will not deteriorate or be tampered with. Take photos of the damage from multiple angles before storing. This evidence may be crucial if your case goes to trial.

Step 7: Be Cautious with Insurance Companies

The at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you within hours of the accident. They may seem friendly, helpful, and eager to resolve your claim quickly. Be extremely cautious.

The insurance adjuster’s job is to minimize the company’s financial exposure, not to help you. Early settlement offers are typically far below the true value of your claim.

Do not:

• Give a recorded statement without legal advice
• Accept an early settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries
• Sign any documents or releases without having an attorney review them first
• Discuss the accident in detail on social media or with anyone except your lawyer

You have the right to decline recorded statements and to have your attorney represent you in all communications with the insurance company. Once you sign a settlement agreement and release, you cannot go back for additional compensation—even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially diagnosed.

Step 8: Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Before Settling

Bicycle accident cases are more complex than they may initially appear. Multiple layers of insurance, comparative fault analysis, and specialized damage calculations are involved.

A qualified bicycle accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly, including obtaining surveillance footage and police records
• Identify all potentially liable parties (the driver, the vehicle owner, the city/county if a road defect contributed)
• Calculate the full value of your damages, including future medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Negotiate with insurance companies from a position of legal strength
• File a lawsuit if necessary to obtain fair compensation

Consult an attorney before you accept any settlement offer. Many bicycle accident victims accept the first offer and later realize they should have received significantly more.

The Special Danger of “Dooring” Accidents

One of the most serious—and legally clear-cut—types of bicycle accidents is a “dooring” accident, where a parked vehicle’s door is opened directly into the path of a cyclist.

Under California Vehicle Code §22517, drivers and passengers have a strict legal duty to ensure it is reasonably safe to open a door before doing so. They must look for approaching bicycles and pedestrians. Violating this law is negligence per se, meaning the driver is automatically liable if a dooring accident occurs.

Common dooring injuries include:

• Striking the open door and suffering blunt-force trauma
• Getting thrown over the handlebars and striking the road
• Swerving to avoid the door and crashing into traffic
• Fractures, road rash, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury

Dooring accidents are particularly dangerous in busy urban areas like Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, and downtown Irvine, where parked cars line bike lanes. If you have been injured in a dooring accident, the at-fault driver’s liability is strong, but you still need prompt legal representation to maximize your recovery.

E-Bikes: New 2026 Visibility Requirements and Special Rules

California’s use of electric bicycles has exploded, with thousands of e-bike riders now sharing the roads. Several new laws took effect on January 1, 2026, that affect e-bike safety and liability.

Assembly Bill 544: Mandatory Rear Visibility

Effective January 1, 2026, all electric bicycles must be equipped with a red rear reflector or a red rear light with a built-in reflector, visible from at least 500 feet when illuminated by a vehicle’s headlights.

Crucially, this requirement applies at all times of day—not just at night. Even during daytime riding, your e-bike must have rear visibility equipment.

This law applies to:

• New e-bikes sold in California
• Used e-bikes being ridden on public roads
• Class 1 (pedal-assist), Class 2 (throttle-assist), and Class 3 (high-speed pedal-assist) e-bikes

Note: If you are injured in an e-bike accident and your bike did not have the required rear visibility equipment, the insurance company may attempt to use this violation to argue comparative fault against you. Ensure your e-bike complies with AB 544 to avoid this defense.

E-Bike Classification and Helmet Laws

California law recognizes three classes of e-bikes:

• Class 1: Motor assists only while pedaling; stops assisting at 20 mph
• Class 2: Has a throttle; stops assisting at 20 mph
• Class 3: Motor assists while pedaling up to 28 mph (high-speed)

Helmet requirements differ by class:

• Class 1 & 2: Helmets required for minors under 18; recommended for adults
• Class 3: Helmets required for all riders, regardless of age, due to higher speeds

If you were injured while riding a Class 3 e-bike without a helmet, you may face comparative fault arguments. Always wear a properly fitting helmet when riding an e-bike.

Safety Course Option for Minors

Under the new law, minors who receive a citation for a helmet or visibility violation involving an e-bike can satisfy the requirement by completing the CHP-developed online electric bicycle safety course instead of paying a fine. This is an important option for parents and young riders.

Your Rights as a Cyclist Under California Law

Under California Vehicle Code §21200, bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles when traveling on public roads. You are legally entitled to use the roadway, and drivers owe you a duty of care.

However, you also have specific obligations:

• Ride as far right as practicable (CVC §21202), except when passing, turning left, avoiding hazards, or riding in a narrow lane
• Use a bicycle lane if one is available (CVC §21207)
• Obey traffic signals and stop signs (CVC §21200)
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (CVC §21954)
• Be equipped with lights and reflectors at night (CVC §21201(d))
• Have working brakes (CVC §21201(a))

If a driver violates traffic laws while hitting you—running a red light, failing to yield, speeding—this is negligence per se and strengthens your claim for compensation.

Understanding Your Own Auto Insurance: Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Cyclists

Here is a fact many cyclists do not know: your personal auto insurance policy likely covers you as a bicycle accident victim.

If you own a car and carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, that coverage often applies to you as a pedestrian or cyclist hit by another vehicle—even if you were not in your own car at the time of the accident.

How this works:

1. You are hit by a car while cycling
2. The at-fault driver carries only minimal liability insurance (e.g., $30,000/$60,000)
3. Your injuries total $150,000
4. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays the $30,000 limit
5. You then claim against your own UM/UIM policy for the remaining $120,000 (up to your UM/UIM limit)

Check your personal auto insurance declaration page immediately. Ensure you have high UM/UIM limits—at least $100,000/$300,000 or higher. This is especially important if you frequently cycle in traffic.

Common Bicycle Accident Scenarios

Liability and available insurance vary depending on how the accident occurred.

Scenario A: Right-Hook Accident

A vehicle turns right across your path while you are riding straight through an intersection or in a bike lane. Under CVC §21717, vehicles turning across a bike lane must yield to cyclists already in the lane. The turning driver is liable for negligence.

Scenario B: Left-Turn Accident

An oncoming vehicle turns left across your path, causing a collision. This is one of the most common bicycle accident types. The turning driver is liable for failing to yield to oncoming traffic (which includes bicycles). Similar dynamics occur in car accident cases involving left-turn collisions.

Scenario C: Dooring

A parked vehicle’s door opens into your path. Under CVC §22517, the driver is automatically liable. You have strong legal standing and should recover substantial damages.

Scenario D: Hit-and-Run

The at-fault vehicle leaves the scene. If you can identify the driver or vehicle, you can pursue a claim against their insurance. If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident and the vehicle is unidentified, your own UM/UIM coverage (for uninsured motorists) may apply, depending on your policy.

Scenario E: Road Defect (City/County Liability)

You crash due to a dangerous road condition—a deep pothole, missing manhole cover, poor signage, or malfunctioning traffic signal. You may have a claim against the city or county, but you must file a government claim within 6 months of the accident under the California Government Claims Act. This is a strict deadline that cannot be extended.

Scenario F: Pedestrian Struck by Cyclist

If you are riding your bicycle and strike a pedestrian, you can be held liable under California negligence law. Cyclists have the same duty of care toward pedestrians as drivers do. Similar principles apply in pedestrian accident cases when drivers strike people on foot. Ensure you have adequate liability coverage on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

Scenario G: Fatal Bicycle Accident

In the most tragic cases, bicycle accidents result in death. Families who have lost a loved one in a fatal bicycle collision may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. These cases involve additional complexities around who has standing to sue and what damages are recoverable under California law.

Traumatic Brain Injuries: A Hidden Risk in Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) because they lack the protective metal frame and airbags that vehicle drivers have. Even a moderate impact to the head can cause serious brain damage.

Symptoms of TBI that may appear hours or days after the accident:

• Persistent headache or migraine
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Mood changes (irritability, depression, anxiety)
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty with coordination or fine motor skills

TBI can result in permanent cognitive deficits, chronic pain, and loss of earning capacity. If you struck your head during the accident—regardless of whether you lost consciousness—seek immediate neurological evaluation and follow up with imaging (CT scan or MRI) to rule out brain injury.

Damages for traumatic brain injuries are among the highest in personal injury cases. If you have sustained a TBI, consult with the Orange County brain injury lawyers at Kubota & Craig to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for current and future medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1.

Important exception: If a government entity (city, county, state agency) is partially at fault—for example, due to a dangerous road condition—you must file a written government claim within 6 months of the accident. This 6-month deadline is strictly enforced and cannot be extended. Missing this deadline will bar your claim against the government entity permanently.

Do not wait to consult with an attorney. The sooner you retain legal representation, the sooner we can preserve evidence, file any necessary government claims, and begin negotiating with insurance companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after being hit by a car while cycling?

Move to safety if possible, call 911, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, and document the scene thoroughly with photos and witness information. Do not admit fault or apologize, and do not give recorded statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney first.

Does my car insurance cover me if I’m hit while riding my bicycle?

Yes, in many cases. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your auto policy, it often applies when you’re injured as a cyclist or pedestrian—not just when you’re in your car. Check your policy declarations page for your UM/UIM limits.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in California?

You generally have two years from the date of the accident under CCP §335.1. However, if a government entity is liable (e.g., due to a dangerous road condition), you must file a government claim within 6 months—a strict deadline that cannot be extended.

What is a “dooring” accident and who is liable?

A dooring accident occurs when a parked vehicle’s door is opened into the path of a cyclist. Under California Vehicle Code §22517, drivers have a strict duty to check for approaching cyclists before opening their door. Violating this law makes the driver automatically liable (negligence per se).

What are California’s new e-bike laws for 2026?

Assembly Bill 544, effective January 1, 2026, requires all e-bikes to have a red rear reflector or red rear light visible from 500 feet—at all times, not just at night. Class 3 e-bike riders (up to 28 mph) must wear helmets regardless of age. Minors cited for violations can complete a CHP safety course instead of paying fines.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

No. Initial settlement offers are almost always far below the true value of your claim. Once you accept and sign a release, you cannot go back for more money—even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected. Consult a bicycle accident attorney before accepting any offer.

Contact the Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Kubota & Craig

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you need an experienced attorney who understands both the unique vulnerabilities cyclists face and the complex insurance and liability issues involved.

At Kubota & Craig, our California bicycle accident attorneys specialize in helping injured cyclists obtain fair compensation for their injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. We have recovered millions of dollars for bicycle accident victims across Orange County, including those who sustained traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal injuries.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Call us today at (949) 218-5676 for a free consultation.

About the Author – Cynthia A. Craig

This article is authored by Cynthia A. Craig, Founding Partner and Senior Trial Attorney at Kubota & Craig, a personal injury law firm based in Irvine, California. Cynthia is a California-licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar of California (Bar #226318).

Cynthia has extensive experience handling bicycle accident cases, including dooring accidents, hit-and-run claims, and cases involving catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage. She is recognized by:

• Best Lawyers in America (2020–2026)
• Super Lawyers (2006–2026)
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
• Past President, Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
• Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) Member

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and reflects California law as of January 2026, including California Vehicle Code §§21200, 21202, 21207, 21760, 22517, and CCP §335.1, as well as the recently enacted Assembly Bill 544 regarding e-bike visibility.

Laws and legal standards can change, and how these rules apply depends on the specific facts of each case. Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship with Kubota & Craig or any of its lawyers.

You should not act or refrain from acting based solely on the information in this article. Every bicycle accident is unique, and you may have rights and defenses that require personalized legal analysis. For legal advice about your specific situation, consult directly with a qualified California bicycle accident attorney.

Last Updated: January 2026