California Bicycle Accident Lawyer
California Bicycle Accident Lawyers Who Ride for Our Clients
California has more cyclists on the road than any other state and also leads the country in cyclist fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration consistently reports that California accounts for the largest share of U.S. bicyclist deaths, and the CHP SWITRS database catalogs thousands of cyclist injury collisions across the state every year — concentrated on the same arterial roads, the same intersections, and the same “right hook” and “left cross” fact patterns that drive most cyclist cases.
Compass Law Group, LLP handles California bicycle cases from seven offices — Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, and Bell Gardens. Our firm has recovered $250,000,000+ total for California injury victims.
Cyclists Have the Same Rights as Drivers — California Vehicle Code § 21200
Vehicle Code § 21200 is the statute cyclists always want to be quoted by the investigating officer: “A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle.” That one sentence means that cyclists can take the lane when necessary, can use all of the same signals and traffic-control rules as drivers, and are protected by all of the same rights-of-way. Section 21202 then spells out the “stay as close as practicable to the right-hand curb” rule along with its many exceptions — including when the lane is too narrow to share with a motor vehicle, when passing a vehicle, when preparing for a left turn, and when avoiding hazards. Defense attorneys always argue that a cyclist was “out of the bike lane” or “in the middle of the lane.” Almost always, the exceptions in 21202 mean the cyclist was exactly where the law allows them to be.
Who Pays When a California Cyclist Is Hit
As with pedestrian cases, the insurance math usually matters more than the identity of the driver:
- The at-fault driver’s auto policy — often just the state minimum of $15,000/$30,000
- The cyclist’s own auto UM/UIM policy — typically follows you onto the bike
- An employer’s commercial policy — when the driver was on duty
- A rideshare $1M policy — see our Uber accident attorneys when the driver was on an active trip
- A commercial truck or bus defendant
- A government entity — for defective pavement, missing bike lane markings, dangerous drainage grates, broken signal timing — strict 6-month government claim deadline
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries We See in California
Cyclist injuries are severe because there is almost nothing between the cyclist and the road. Our typical client presents with traumatic brain injury (even with a helmet), spinal cord injury, multiple long-bone fractures, facial and dental trauma, severe road rash, clavicle fractures from bracing the handlebars at impact, torn rotator cuffs, wrist and hand injuries from trying to catch the fall, and in the worst cases wrongful death. When the at-fault driver was impaired, punitive damages become available through our drunk driving accident attorneys. When a motorcycle or car was involved, the broader traffic framework applies, and if the cyclist was hit after dismounting and walking, our pedestrian accident rules kick in.
How We Value a California Bicycle Accident Case
Cyclist cases follow the same valuation rules as other serious injury cases: liability, injury severity, permanence, economic losses, and available insurance. What pushes a bike case toward the top of its range:
- Clear liability — dashcam, surveillance video, independent witnesses, bike-lane paint
- Catastrophic injury — TBI, SCI, amputation, multiple surgeries, permanent impairment
- Strong economic losses — lost wages, future medical, home modification
- Egregious driver conduct — DUI, texting, fleeing the scene, prior violations
- Multiple layers of coverage — commercial, rideshare, umbrella, stacked UM/UIM
We only take California bicycle cases we are prepared to try. The defense playbook on bike cases is always “the cyclist came out of nowhere” or “should have been in the bike lane” — and we beat it with Vehicle Code § 21202, independent witnesses, and biomechanical reconstruction. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
California Deadlines You Cannot Miss
California gives injured cyclists two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit under CCP § 335.1. Wrongful death claims follow the two-year rule under CCP § 377.60. If a government vehicle or defective roadway was involved, you have only six months to file a written government claim under California Government Code § 911.2. Because so many cyclist injuries involve defective road surfaces, missing bike lane markings, dangerous grates, or broken signals, the government-claim deadline is critical.
Where California Bicycle Crashes Happen
The highest-risk corridors in LA County include the beach-adjacent roads through Beverly Hills and Westwood, the downtown Los Angeles grid where painted bike lanes do not separate riders from traffic, and the Ocean Boulevard and PCH corridors serving Long Beach. In the Bay Area, the Wiggle and Market Street in San Francisco, the Telegraph and Broadway corridors in Oakland, and the J and P Street routes into downtown Sacramento account for the bulk of serious cyclist cases. In Bell Gardens, the Eastern Avenue and Florence Avenue arterial intersections are chronic hot spots.
First 48 Hours After a California Bike Crash
Accept the ambulance. Get imaging — MRI or CT if the doctors recommend it. Photograph the bike, the crash scene, the pavement, the driver’s vehicle, and your gear (especially your helmet, which is critical evidence). Obtain the police report number. Preserve your bike without repairs. Collect witness contact info. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster. Do not post on social media. Do not sign anything from the driver’s carrier. Call a California bicycle accident lawyer who can preserve surveillance video from nearby businesses before it is overwritten.
Meet the Attorneys Leading Your Case
Your case at Compass Law Group is led by one of our two managing partners. Together they bring decades of California personal injury trial experience, hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, and a courtroom record that forces defense carriers to take the case seriously from day one.
Joseph Shirazi — Managing Partner, CA Bar #265403. A Loyola Law School graduate named to the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and holder of an Avvo 10.0 “Superb” rating. His results include a $14,500,000 truck accident verdict and a $13,000,000 trial verdict. He is a member of Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and the American Association for Justice. Read Joseph Shirazi’s full bio →
Simon Esfandi — Managing Partner, CA Bar #275307. A Southwestern Law School graduate recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. He led the firm’s $9,870,000 motorcycle accident settlement and a $2,250,000 rideshare recovery, and focuses his practice on catastrophic personal injury trials. Read Simon Esfandi’s full bio →
Both partners are admitted to practice in every California state trial court and in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Compass Law Group was founded in 2015, maintains a 5.0/5.0 rating on Google across 193+ verified client reviews, and has recovered more than $250,000,000 for injury victims across the state. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
Why Compass Law Group
- $250,000,000+ recovered for California injury victims
- 5.0 stars on Google, 193+ verified client reviews
- Seven California offices — Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, Bell Gardens
- No win, no fee — we advance every case cost and only get paid when you do
- Free consultations in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean — 24/7 at (213) 320-1001
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average bicycle accident settlement in California?
No average. Cases range from five figures for minor soft-tissue injuries to eight figures for catastrophic or fatal injuries. Serious cyclist cases with TBI or orthopedic surgery commonly fall in the six to seven-figure range depending on coverage. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. California does not require adults to wear bicycle helmets (children under 18 are required under Vehicle Code § 21212). The absence of a helmet does not bar recovery but can be used by the defense to argue that some portion of head injuries would have been prevented by a helmet. California’s pure comparative-fault rule still allows recovery.
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?
Right-hook crashes (driver turning right across a cyclist going straight), left-cross crashes (driver turning left across an oncoming cyclist), dooring (a parked car’s door opened into a cyclist’s path), rear-end impacts, and distracted or impaired drivers failing to see the cyclist.
Who is at fault in a bicycle vs. car accident?
Fault depends on who violated the rules of the road. Under Vehicle Code § 21200, cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers, so the same rules for right-of-way, signaling, and obedience to traffic controls apply. Defense arguments that the cyclist “came out of nowhere” rarely hold up when the physical evidence is properly analyzed.
What should I do after a bicycle accident?
Get medical care, photograph the scene and your equipment, obtain the police report number, preserve your bike and helmet as evidence, collect witness contact info, and call a bicycle accident attorney before giving recorded statements.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in California?
Two years from the crash date under CCP § 335.1. Six months for a government claim under Government Code § 911.2 when a government vehicle or defective roadway was involved.
Talk to a California Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured on a bike anywhere in California, call Compass Law Group, LLP at (213) 320-1001 for a free case review. No-win no-fee representation, 24/7 availability in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean.
Do I have a case?
Contact us today for a free consultation.
California's
Gold Standard
Injury Law Firm
With Joseph Shirazi and Simon Esfandi at the helm, our firm is a trusted name in accident law in California.
Meet Our Managing Partners
National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Avvo 10.0 Superb. Loyola Law School graduate. Recognized for his $14,500,000 truck accident verdict and a $13,000,000 trial verdict.
Read Full Bio →
Super Lawyers Rising Star. Southwestern Law School graduate. Led the firm’s $9,870,000 motorcycle accident settlement and a $2,250,000 rideshare recovery.
Read Full Bio →- ★ National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- ★ Super Lawyers Rising Star
- ★ Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating
- ★ Top 40 Under 40
- ★ Consumer Attorneys of California · CAALA · AAJ
Countless Real Client Reviews Verified by Google
Jerry
After 10 accidents and 9 attorneys, the client met Simon, who stood out for his honesty and clear communication. Years later, after another accident, the client called Simon and was impressed by his professionalism and follow-through. Simon explained everything, connected him with top doctors, and kept every promise. It was the first time the client felt truly supported—highly recommending Simon and Joseph for their integrity and dedication.
Jacob
Jacob was rear-ended by a big rig and left nearly paralyzed for a year. He found Cooper Law Group, and Joseph and Simon personally helped him through the legal process. Over two years, they ensured he got the medical care and surgeries he needed, helped repair his car, and secured the compensation he deserved. He highly recommends them for truly fighting for their clients.
Blandine
During the early days of COVID, Blandine was hit by a car while biking to work. Alone and unsure of what to do, they found Compass Law Group. Joseph was the first to respond with care and clarity. Throughout the case, the team—Joseph, Simon, and Julie—provided support, regular check-ins, and made the client feel safe and cared for. They now consider the firm like family and highly recommend them for their compassion and competence.
Understanding Your Rights:
Frequently Asked
Questions
#1 Do I have a case?
Understanding whether a claim exists is one of the challenges of personal injury law. This is why we offer free initial consultations to help you make this determination and allow you an avenue to vindicate your rights.
We’re committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout Southern California, and, unlike other California personal injury attorneys, we will take on any case if we can help, no matter how big or small.
#2 What is personal injury?
Personal injury involves harm to an individual’s body or property caused by someone else’s negligence. It can range from minor to significant injuries, often requiring legal action to recover damages. We specialize in representing and securing fair settlements for such victims.
#3 Why hire Compass Law Group?
Our client-focused approach ensures personalized attention, detailed case building, and compelling evidence presentation. We’re skilled in negotiating settlements and prepared for trial with aggressive strategies. Our firm maintains transparent communication, involves clients in the process, and utilizes a wide network of expert witnesses and resources to strengthen cases. Choosing us means trusting a team dedicated to your success and justice.
#4What if I didn't go to the hospital?
No matter the injury size, you have rights that need defending. Many injuries seem minor at first but can worsen over time. Ignoring treatment or legal advice risks your health and compensation. Seek immediate medical and legal help after any accident to ensure proper diagnosis and strengthen your compensation claim.