A bicycle and car accident can lead to life-altering injuries, especially when a cyclist is involved. Without the protection that vehicles offer, cyclists face much greater risks—from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often come with long recoveries and mounting medical costs. At SSD Law Firm PC: Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm, founding attorney Sarwinder Dhanjan provides clear legal guidance to help injured individuals understand their rights and explore their options with confidence.

Common Causes of Bicycle and Car Accidents in California

Bicyclists and pedestrians are more vulnerable on the road than vehicle occupants, lacking protections like seat belts and airbags. In 2022, California recorded 1,158 pedestrian fatalities (a 1.8% decrease from 2021) and 177 bicyclist fatalities (a 32.1% increase). To improve safety, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is adopting the Safe System approach, focusing on proactive, inclusive education and outreach for high-risk and underserved populations, including youth and older adults. 

The most common causes of these tragic outcomes include:

• Drivers distracted by smartphones
• Failure to yield at intersections
• “Dooring” incidents from parked vehicles
• Speeding in neighborhoods and urban centers
• Driving while impaired
• Unsafe passing or sudden lane shifts

Who Is at Fault in a Bicycle and Car Accident?

Liability depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Fault may be shared between the cyclist and the driver depending on who acted negligently. For instance, a driver might have been speeding while the cyclist failed to signal before changing lanes.

Legal and financial responsibility often hinges on facts like whether the driver followed road safety laws or the cyclist obeyed traffic signals. Even seemingly minor details can shape the outcome.

These situations often involve complex fact patterns. Maybe the cyclist was in a designated bike lane, but a driver veered into it. Or perhaps a car turned right without checking for a cyclist approaching on their right. Every detail matters, and evidence such as traffic cam footage, witness statements, and police reports becomes essential when determining fault.

What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle and Car Accident

Taking the right steps after an accident can strengthen your claim and protect your health. If you’re physically able to, here’s what to prioritize:

• Call 911. Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
• Stay at the scene and gather information: names, phone numbers, driver’s license details, license plate numbers, and insurance info.
• Take photos of the scene, your bicycle, the car involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions.
• Talk to witnesses and collect their contact information.
• Request a police report. This official document can be a crucial piece of evidence later.
• Avoid making any statements about fault to the driver or their insurer.

In California, drivers must file an SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days of a collision if anyone is injured, killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000. This report is required even if a police or insurance report has already been filed. 

We understand how overwhelming those moments can be, especially when you’re in pain. But the earlier these steps are taken, the stronger your personal injury case becomes.

How a Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help After a Bicycle and Car Accident

A collision between a bicycle and a car doesn’t just result in scrapes and bruises. These crashes can lead to broken bones, spinal damage, and even brain injuries that may require extensive recovery time. In some cases, the impact changes a person’s life permanently.

A Fresno bicycle accident lawyer will help you understand how challenging this process can be—physically, emotionally, and financially. Our role goes beyond completing forms. We help assess the impact of the injury, gather supporting documentation, and calculate damages that include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Damage to your bicycle or other personal property

Working with a bicycle and car accident lawyer allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal aspects

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Fresno Injury Attorney Today

A bicycle and car accident can change your life in a moment. Whether you’re still recovering in the hospital or trying to figure out how to pay your bills, you don’t have to face it alone. Attorney Sarwinder Dhanjan, a skilled Fresno personal injury attorney leading SSD Law Firm PC: Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm, is here to help injured cyclists hold negligent drivers accountable. Contact us at (559) 342-2000 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your next steps.