Road safety in California is reaching a critical point, especially for cyclists. While the authorities continue to promote cycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly, and efficient form of transport, accident statistics reveal a concerning rise in injuries among bike riders. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 145 cyclists lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2023.
Being involved in a bicycle crash can change your life in an instant. Every year, thousands of cyclists suffer serious injuries in collisions with cars or trucks, affecting their health, mobility, and overall well-being. For many, these accidents have lasting consequences.
As a result, cyclists are now asking important questions: Why are so many accidents happening? Are certain areas more dangerous? What steps can you take to stay safe? And when is it necessary to contact a lawyer after a bicycle accident?
In this blog, we share recent data on the severity of bicycle wrecks in California, identify the most dangerous areas, present real cases and settlements handled by Adamson Ahdoot, and offer practical legal advice to help you stay safe while cycling.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact a bike accident attorney today for free guidance on handling your case with confidence. Call us at (866) 645-4992 or submit your inquiry online.
The Most Dangerous Cities for Cyclists in California
California, with its extensive roads and bike-friendly areas, ranks as the fourth most bicycle-friendly state, according to the League of American Bicyclists. This is unsurprising, given the numerous infrastructure improvements and campaigns by local governments to promote cycling. While initiatives such as the Complete Streets Act and the Three Feet for Safety Act have encouraged more people to ride, they have also coincided with an increase in accident-related injuries.
California is ideal for cyclists thanks to its climate, road safety laws, and commitment to sustainable mobility. Cities like Davis and San Francisco lead the way with advanced cycling infrastructure, while others, such as Fresno and Chico, continue to invest in improving rider safety, according to PeopleForBikes. Meanwhile, Stanford also ranks among the top cycling cities in the nation, with an impressive 60% of daily commutes made by bike.
However, not all cities are equally safe. A 2023 ConsumerAffairs study identified the two most dangerous cities for bicycle riders in California:
- Stockton: With a death rate six times higher than the national average, Stockton has the lowest safety ranking for bicyclists in the state. Bicycle fatalities account for 20% of all traffic deaths in the city, compared with 2.9% nationally.
- Sacramento: The city records 1.5 cyclist deaths per 100,000 residents, which is four times the national average. Studies also identify Sacramento as a city that causes high levels of stress for cyclists.
The Least Cyclist-Friendly Cities
While the cities above top the danger list, other areas are less cyclist-friendly. Tower Electric Bikes and PeoplePoweredMovement identify the following as particularly challenging:
- Los Angeles: Only 1.3% of residents commute to work by bicycle, with a mortality rate of 15.6 per 10,000 residents.
- San Bernardino: Around 0.4% of residents commute by bicycle, with a death rate of 1.4 per 10,000 residents.
- Santa Ana: Approximately 0.8% of residents commute daily by bicycle. Its fatality rate is 2.2 per 10,000 residents.
High-Risk Streets and Areas for California Riders
Our team believes that access to information can save lives. In addition to highlighting dangerous cities, residents who bike should know which streets and intersections pose the highest risk. Being aware of these areas allows riders to take extra precautions and reduce the likelihood of an accident.
According to NHTSA data, combined with studies from Dangerous Roads and Vision Zero, some of the areas in California where riding a bicycle is most dangerous include:
- Los Angeles:
- Imperial Highway, between Athens Way and Vermont Avenue.
- Intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road, one of the region’s most dangerous intersections.
- San Francisco:
- Polk Street in the Tenderloin district.
- Octavia and Market Streets, as well as the surrounding intersections, are areas where illegal turns often cause bicycle accidents.
- San Jose:
- Intersection of McLaughlin Avenue and Story Road.
- Sacramento:
- Marysville Boulevard, between North Avenue and Arcade Boulevard.
Your Safety is Our Priority
If you have been in a bicycle crash on these streets or anywhere in California, it is not too late to protect your rights. Seeking legal advice from the beginning is crucial to achieving favorable outcomes in bicycle accident claims.
At Adamson Ahdoot, our experienced attorneys assist injured cyclists across the state. As one of California’s most respected personal injury firms, we provide guidance in any city to help you navigate the legal process.
With our proven track record and deep knowledge of state laws, we are dedicated to protecting victims’ rights and helping you secure the financial compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents Every California Cyclist Should Know
According to the previously mentioned ConsumerAffairs report, approximately 8,000 cyclists and pedestrians are killed, and an additional 102,000 are injured in vehicle collisions each year. But why are these numbers so high?
The truth is that bike crashes are most common when drivers fail to respect cyclists. Ignoring California bike laws can result in fines or penalties for the offender, but more importantly, it can have serious consequences for the cyclist. Speeding, distracted driving, congested streets, and general disregard for traffic rules greatly increase the risk of a bike being hit by a car.
Understanding why these incidents occur and recognizing the most common types of accidents can help reduce the likelihood of injury. These accidents often include:
- Intersection Collisions: A cyclist crosses an intersection correctly, but a vehicle runs a stop sign or red light and hits the bike.
- Car Door Crashes (Dooring): When a cyclist collides with a car door that opens suddenly.
- Side Impacts: A vehicle changes lanes and unintentionally strikes a cyclist in its path.
- Turning Accidents: This occurs when drivers turn or change lanes without noticing someone riding in the bike lane.
Now that you understand the most common types of bicycle accidents, let’s look at some real-life cases settled by Adamson Ahdoot to see how we help injured cyclists in California.
Real California Bike Accident Settlements from Adamson Ahdoot
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team works tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for clients and provide the peace of mind they deserve.
Case 1 – Cyclist Struck by Semi-Truck: $600K for Wrongful Death
A family filed a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal accident in Pomona. The cyclist was riding legally under California bicycle laws when they were struck by a truck. With the help of our experienced bicycle and car accident lawyers, the family received a $600,000 settlement for the devastating impact of the collision.
Case 2 – Bicycle Hit by Distracted Driver: $200K for Injuries to Arms and Legs
In Mountain View, a young bike rider wearing a helmet in accordance with California’s bicycle laws was hit by a distracted car driver. The bicycle collision caused serious arm and leg injuries.
As a result, the Adamson Ahdoot bicycle accident team secured $200,000 in compensation.
Lawyer-Approved Tips to Stay Safe While Cycling in California
As you have seen throughout this blog, riding a bike in California can be either very safe or extremely dangerous, depending on the city and area. Although much of the state has relatively good infrastructure for cyclists, accidents still occur, even in cities that are considered safe. These incidents can range from minor bike accidents resulting in small injuries to serious bike collisions with cars. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions, especially when traveling with children or on long journeys.
Our legal team helps victims of bicycle accidents get the compensation they deserve and works to prevent future incidents. Following the recommendations of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), our injury attorneys have compiled the following safety tips:
- Maintain Control of Your Bike. Use a bike that is the right size and properly adjusted. A poorly fitted bike increases the risk of a collision with a car.
- Always Wear a Helmet and Protective Gear. Following the California law, wearing a helmet while riding your bicycle can prevent serious head and joint injuries during bike crashes or falls.
- Obey Traffic Signs and Rules. Many accidents occur when cyclists or motorists fail to follow traffic rules.
- Be Visible. Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing and equip your bike with lights to reduce the risk of an incident.
- Anticipate Risks and Stay Alert. Avoid vehicle blind spots, maintain distance from other cars, and familiarize yourself with the streets in advance.
- Keep a Phone Handy. In the event of a bike accident, even for small injuries, contacting authorities and medical services promptly is crucial.
How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Protect You After a Crash
Being hit by a car while riding a bike can be disorienting. In the immediate aftermath, your first instinct might be to go home. However, it’s crucial to consider the legal implications from the start in order to protect your rights.
Bicycle accident victims face not only physical injuries but also legal decisions that can affect their financial and personal future. That’s why contacting an experienced California bicycle accident lawyer is important to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
A skilled attorney will make sure your bike case receives the proper attention and that every step is handled correctly. Here’s how quality legal representation, like that provided by Adamson Ahdoot, can help:
- Evaluate Your Case: Analyze your injuries and damages, and determine the potential compensation for your losses.
- Provide Resources and Support: Assist with medical resources and guidance so you can focus on recovery, not legal paperwork.
- Explain the Process: Walk you through each step of your bicycle accident claim so you understand your options and case progress.
- Gather and Preserve Evidence: Work with expert witnesses to strengthen your case and document your accident thoroughly.
- Negotiate and Advocate: Handle insurance negotiations to achieve a fair settlement and, if necessary, represent you in court to protect your rights.
Expert Legal Tip From Adamson Ahdoot
Even the most careful bicyclist can be involved in an unexpected accident. If this happens, follow our advice: document all relevant details about the bike crash and any injuries, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your potential bicycle accident lawsuit.
Filing your injury claim promptly greatly increases your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Have you been in a bicycle crash and aren’t sure if you’re eligible for compensation? We understand how confusing and frustrating that can be. Injuries from bike accidents can be painful, costly, and even life-threatening.
Having an experienced bicycle accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in your legal and financial recovery. At Adamson Ahdoot, we will listen to your story, thoroughly investigate your case, and fight to secure every dollar of compensation you deserve.
Don’t let insurance companies make decisions for you. Call us today for a free case review.
Call (866) 645-4992 or submit your inquiry through our online form. The sooner you file your claim, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
