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What Happens If You Hit a Cyclist with Your Car in California?

If you live in California, you must know that cycling is a popular and environmentally friendly means of transportation in California. It is very good for health, but because of this, drivers have to be very careful. Can you say that the problem is with drivers? In fact, the number of accidents increases due to cycling and driving on the same road. Moreover, the amount of damage caused to cyclists is often higher due to the lack of safety for cyclists.


If you hit a cyclist while driving, the situation will get worse in an instant. Because cyclists have the same rights as cars on California roads. In such a situation, many times a driver is confused about what to do after an accident. Again, the driver cannot understand what the circumstances of the accident are, who is at fault, the extent of the damage, and whether or when to go to the lawyer's office.

In our article today, we will discuss what happens if you hit a cyclist with your car in California to help drivers. We hope that through this discussion, you will understand what to do in such a critical situation and how to handle it. So let's start the discussion.

What Should You Do Immediately After Hitting a Cyclist?

The first few moments are very important in any car accident. So, if you know what to do at that time and what steps to take in an emergency, you can avoid many big dangers. To break it down further, let's say you had an accident, in which case it was not your fault. If the cyclist was at fault, you got into big trouble because you did not take quick action. Moreover, if you can take the right steps at the right time, it turns out that the safety of the rider is ensured, and you also save yourself from big complex or legal troubles.

Below we have discussed some things that you should do immediately after the accident. Depending on your situation, you can proceed like this. 

For example:

1. Stop the car immediately:

Never leave the car and run away immediately after the accident. Because it will be considered a hit and run. Which is never a good situation, and it is considered a punishment in California. So stop the car quickly and judge the situation.

2. Assess the injured person's condition

Check carefully how badly the cyclist is injured. If the injury is serious, do not move him. Consider the situation and arrange for treatment. Also, ensure his safety until emergency medical assistance reaches him.

3. Call 911 as soon as possible

If someone is injured or there is damage to property, call 911 as soon as possible. The sooner the police and medical help arrive, the sooner an official report will be made and there will be evidence of the accident.

4. Share your information with the cyclist

Share your name, contact information, and vehicle registration information with the cyclist. Also, collect the cyclist's information.

5. Collect as much evidence as possible

Take pictures of the accident scene if possible. Collect evidence by taking pictures of the road conditions, vehicle damage, bicycle damage, and visible damage. This will help avoid further complications. Also, collect the contact information of witnesses if there are any.

6. Avoid blaming or arguing

Avoid directly blaming or assigning blame for the accident. The real cause of the incident will be determined based on the evidence.

7. Contact your insurance company

Report the accident to the insurance company as soon as possible, but it is better to seek legal advice before making any formal statement.

Staying calm and composed after the accident and taking action according to the situation can save you from many major complications. So then keep yourself calm and take action according to the situation.


California Laws Regarding Bicycle Accidents

Generally, in California, cyclists have the same right to use the road as drivers of cars. Here, bicycles are also considered a state vehicle. And cars or motorbikes must always take special precautions when it comes to bicycles.

If you look at California's laws, you will see that according to the "Three Feet for Safety Act", a driver of a car has to maintain a distance of 3 feet when overtaking a cyclist. In addition, extra caution must be taken in all lanes such as bicycle lanes, intersections and residential areas. If an accident occurs, it is legally mandatory to stop the car immediately, collect the necessary information and call for help for the injured person. If you violate these laws, you can face fines, penalties and serious legal troubles.

Who Is Liable in a Bicycle Accident?

Determining liability in an accident is not an easy task. Investigators usually look at which party's carelessness or negligence caused the accident. If it is found that the driver here has disobeyed the traffic signal. Or has driven excessively fast or has not given way to the cyclist. Or if he has lost attention while using a mobile phone, then he is considered at fault.

However, it is seen that the driver is not at fault in all cases. If the cyclist suddenly changes lanes, ignores the red light or does not follow the rules of the road, then he will also be considered partially liable.

Generally, California follows the "Pure Comparative Negligence" policy. Which means that even if a cyclist is partially at fault, he can claim damages. However, the amount of his compensation will be reduced according to the percentage of his fault.

Common Causes of Car vs. Bicycle Accidents

Driver inattention is one of the most common causes of collisions between cars and bicycles. Nowadays, bicycle accidents occur due to mobile phone use, GPS use and various carelessness of the driver.

Apart from this, many accidents occur due to not giving way to cyclists, changing lanes quickly, exceeding the speed limit and making wrong decisions at intersections or junctions. "Dooring Accidents" is very common in urban areas. In this case, the driver of a parked car suddenly opens the door and the cyclist collides with the car. Another cause of accidents is also driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Injuries Cyclists Commonly Suffer

Generally, there is no separate system for the protection of cyclists. Due to which they are directly injured. Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious injuries in cycle accidents. If there is no helmet, the situation is even more serious.


Broken arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones are also common. Many accidents also result in spinal cord injuries, deep lacerations, road rash, and internal bleeding. Severe injuries can lead to long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and loss of function, significantly impacting the victim's life.

What penalties can drivers face?

If a driver is involved in a bicycle accident in California, there are a variety of penalties that can be imposed depending on the circumstances. For example,

  • First, there will be a ticket or fine for violating traffic laws, such as careless driving or making a wrong lane change.

  • Again, if the accident is serious and the injured cyclist suffers major damage, then a civil lawsuit or personal injury lawsuit may be filed against the driver. For this, the injured person may be able to claim compensation.

  • If it is more serious, such as fleeing the scene of the accident, meaning a hit and run, then a criminal lawsuit may be filed, where there is a risk of jail time or a large fine.


How does insurance work after a bicycle accident?

In most cases, car liability insurance covers compensation for this type of accident. This insurance includes compensation for the injured cyclist's medical expenses, property damage, and in some cases, lost income.

If your insurance coverage is not adequate, you may be held personally liable for any additional damages. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims. So, it is important to provide accurate information and documentation.


Can a cyclist sue a driver?

Of course, a cyclist can sue. But only if he can prove that the driver caused him damage or injury. In this case, he can keep his claim.

Usually, they resolve the matter out of court through a settlement, but if the situation is serious and cannot be resolved, then you have to go to court.


What compensation is available in a bicycle accident in California?

Bicycle accidents cause many types of damage to the cyclist and therefore he can claim compensation. In this case, there are various types of property or personal damages. Cyclists can generally claim different types of compensation, such as:

  • Medical bills

  • Future medical expenses

  • Lost income or loss of work

  • Pain and suffering

  • Damage to property (bicycle or personal belongings)

However, before determining compensation, it must be verified that the amount and circumstances of the damage are.


What evidence can affect the outcome of a claim or case?

Evidence plays a very important role in an accident, because it determines who is at fault, who is injured, how much damage is done, and how much compensation should be paid. Accurate evidence plays a very important role in an accident case. This includes:

  • Police reports

  • Medical records

  • Photos and videos of the accident scene

  • Eyewitness statements

  • CCTV or dashcam footage

This evidence helps determine liability or a claim and ensure compensation.


When should you contact a California bicycle accident lawyer?

If the accident resulted in serious injuries, there is a dispute about liability, or the insurance company is not paying fair compensation. Then I think you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.

A lawyer is a skilled person, so he or she can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and try to ensure maximum compensation.


A final word

A car accident with a bicycle is not just a traffic incident. It is also a very important matter from a legal, financial and human perspective. Therefore, it is very important for drivers to be careful, obey traffic laws and take the right steps. Staying calm and taking the right steps after an accident can save you from major problems.

We have tried to provide as much information as possible in our article What Happens If You Hit a Cyclist with Your Car in California? - We hope that the article will help you take the right steps in the event of a car accident.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the driver always at fault when hitting a cyclist?

No, the driver is not always at fault. In this case, the cyclist may also be partially or completely at fault.

Can I get compensation if I don't wear a helmet?

Even if I don't wear a helmet, I can get compensation, but the amount of compensation may be reduced.

What can happen if I don't have insurance?

In fact, having insurance is very important because if you don't have it, you may have to pay personal compensation.

How quickly can I file a lawsuit after an accident?

In California, there is usually a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. So the sooner the case is filed, the better.