The Hulburt Law Firm represents catastrophically injured San Diego cyclists and the families of those killed in fatal bicycle crashes. Our attorneys have recovered more than $150 million for personal injury clients, including numerous multi-million dollar results for cyclists in cases involving negligent drivers, commercial vehicles, and dangerous road conditions.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a San Diego bicycle crash, our team provides dedicated legal guidance to ensure you receive the justice you deserve. Contact us for a free, no-obligation case review.
Injured in a San Diego bicycle accident? Get help today.

In San Diego County, hundreds of cyclists are struck by motor vehicles every year. The injuries that follow are often life-altering: severe head trauma, spinal injuries, multiple fractures, and long-term mobility loss are common in serious bicycle collisions.
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for catastrophically injured San Diego cyclists and for the families of those killed in fatal bicycle crashes. We represent riders against negligent drivers, rideshare and delivery companies, defective vehicle and bicycle component manufacturers, and the public agencies responsible for safe road conditions.
Bicycle accidents in San Diego often occur in bike lanes or on roadway shoulders, where Vehicle Code §21202 directs cyclists riding slower than traffic to ride. When a driver drifts into a marked bike lane or violates the Three Feet for Safety Act (Vehicle Code §21760), the resulting injuries can be severe: pelvic fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage are common in high-speed impacts. Holding the driver accountable often requires reconstructing the collision and preserving critical evidence, such as dash-cam footage, traffic-camera video, and witness statements.
Cyclists in San Diego face two of the most preventable crash types at and near intersections. Dooring (governed by Vehicle Code §22517) happens when a parked driver opens a door into a rider's path without checking. Right-hook collisions occur when a driver turns right across an active bike lane in violation of Vehicle Code §21717's requirement to merge into the bike lane before turning. Left-cross collisions occur when an oncoming driver fails to yield when turning left across a cyclist's path. Each of these scenarios involves a clear traffic-law violation, which can support a finding of negligence per se under California Evidence Code §669.
Speeding, distracted, and impaired drivers pose the gravest danger to San Diego cyclists, and these are also the cases where punitive damages may be available under Civil Code §3294 if the driver acted with extreme recklessness or was driving under the influence. Phone records, vehicle event-data recorders ("black boxes"), surveillance footage, and toxicology reports are often critical evidence, and securing them quickly is essential. The Hulburt Law Firm pursues every available source of compensation, including the driver's personal policy, the employer's policy if the driver was working at the time, and any uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on the cyclist's own auto policy.
Electric bicycle (e-bike) crashes have surged in San Diego, particularly among teenage riders. California recognizes three e-bike classes under Vehicle Code §312.5: Class 1 (pedal-assist up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assisted up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph, riders 16+ only, helmet required). The classification can affect liability allocation, the applicable safety standards, and which insurance policies respond. Defective batteries, brakes, and motor controllers are also frequent issues in e-bike crashes, which can support a product liability claim against the manufacturer in addition to any negligence claim against an at-fault driver.
Collisions involving rideshare and delivery drivers (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Amazon Flex, and similar services) can produce catastrophic injuries and unusually complex insurance issues. Under California's Transportation Network Company (TNC) regulations at Public Utilities Code §5430 et seq., rideshare companies must carry at least $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is en route to a passenger or has one on board. Coverage drops significantly when the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride. Establishing exactly which phase of the trip the driver was in at the moment of the crash is often a key piece of the case, and it usually requires subpoenaed records from the rideshare platform.
Bicycle accidents caused by potholes, defective bike lanes, missing or faulty signage, and construction-zone hazards can give rise to claims against the City of San Diego, San Diego County, Caltrans, or contractors hired to maintain safe road conditions. Claims against public agencies are governed by California's Government Claims Act, which requires the injured cyclist to file a formal claim with the responsible agency within six months of the crash under Government Code §911.2. Missing that deadline can permanently bar your case, even when the agency's negligence is otherwise clear, which is why these claims need to be evaluated quickly.
Beyond active hazards like potholes and construction zones, certain streets in San Diego County have documented patterns of bicycle-vehicle collisions caused by underlying road design. Narrow or poorly maintained bike lanes, missing bicycle markings, intersections without protected turning phases, and bike-lane "gaps" near freeway on-ramps and bridges all create elevated crash risk. When a public agency had notice of a recurring hazard and failed to fix it, the agency itself can be held liable for the resulting injuries under California Government Code §835, which creates liability for a "dangerous condition of public property."
Conor and Leslie Hulburt, founders of the Hulburt Law Firm, are dedicated San Diego bicycle accident lawyers with extensive experience helping clients recover maximum compensation after serious or catastrophic injuries. They understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges victims face following bicycle accidents, and are committed to guiding clients through every step of the legal process.
Known for their genuine care, dedication, and strategic advocacy, Conor and Leslie have built a reputation as trusted personal injury attorneys in San Diego, providing top-tier representation for bike accident victims and ensuring justice is served.

Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of achieving extraordinary results in bike accident cases.
Jury verdict against Caltrans for a 13-year-old boy who was hit by a car while using a dangerous crosswalk.
A sudden tire failure caused an SUV to fishtail and crash into a tree on the side of a San Diego County highway, killing a beloved husband and father.
A massive, improperly installed gate collapsed on a subcontracted worker who was asked by the general contractor to paint it, causing his tragic death.
A negligent driver rear-ended a cyclist in Carlsbad who was lawfully using the bike lane, causing a severe spine injury.
A commercial truck driver drifted off the road and struck and killed a San Diego bicyclist lawfully riding on the shoulder.
A negligent driver swerved across multiple lanes and struck a North San Diego County cyclist from behind, causing a serious head and brain injury.
During your free case review, we listen to how the crash happened, how your injuries are affecting your life, and what questions you have. We review any photos, police reports, or insurance letters you already have and give an honest assessment of the strengths, challenges, and next steps in your potential bicycle accident case.
Once you decide to move forward and the scope of work is signed, our team begins a focused investigation. In bicycle cases, that can include examining the crash scene, inspecting your bike and safety gear, reviewing police and traffic collision reports, obtaining dash-cam or traffic-camera footage when available, and interviewing witnesses. We work to secure key evidence early, before it’s lost or overwritten.
To fully explain what happened and how it has affected you, we collaborate with carefully selected experts. Depending on the case, that may include accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, life-care planners, and economists. They help us analyze how the collision occurred, document the nature and extent of your injuries, and calculate the financial impact on you and your family.
Using the facts and expert input, we develop a tailored legal strategy for your bicycle accident claim. That includes identifying all potentially liable parties (such as drivers, employers, or public entities), understanding the applicable insurance coverages, and carefully assessing your medical bills, lost income, and non-economic harms. Our goal is to present a clear, evidence-based picture of what you’ve been through.
We handle communications and negotiations with the insurance companies and defense lawyers so you don’t have to. During this stage, we present the evidence we’ve gathered, respond to attempts to shift blame onto you as a cyclist, and push back against efforts to undervalue your injuries. Throughout negotiations, we keep you informed, explain any offers, and advise you on your options.
If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have experience presenting bicycle accident cases to judges and juries, including addressing common misconceptions about cyclists. At trial, we tell your story through your testimony, witnesses, experts, and carefully prepared exhibits so the decision-makers understand the full impact of the crash on your life.
Bicycle accident cases in California can be more complicated than a typical car crash. Riders must follow certain rules of the road, but drivers, cities, and others also have legal duties to help keep cyclists safe. Understanding how fault, liability, insurance, and deadlines work after a bike crash in or around San Diego can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Under California law, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. California Vehicle Code §21200 places cyclists under the same traffic laws as motorists: they have the right to use public roads, but must also obey the rules of the road.
While Vehicle Code §21202 generally requires cyclists riding slower than traffic to stay as close to the right edge of the road as practicable, that rule has important exceptions. Riders are allowed to "take the lane" when passing other vehicles, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, or when the lane is too narrow to safely share with a car. In these situations, taking the full lane is not just legal; it is what the law expects.
Drivers, in turn, must exercise reasonable care around cyclists. California's Three Feet for Safety Act (Vehicle Code §21760) requires motorists to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. When three feet is not possible because of road conditions, drivers must slow to a safe speed and only pass when oncoming traffic does not create a danger to the cyclist.
Other key duties on drivers include:
When a driver violates one of these duties and causes a crash, that violation can be powerful evidence of negligence, and in some cases qualifies as negligence per se under California Evidence Code §669.
Explore more bicycle laws and regulations in San Diego.
California uses an at-fault system for traffic collisions. That means the person or entity whose negligence caused the bicycle accident is generally responsible for the resulting harm. Negligence can include speeding, distracted driving, running a red light, opening a car door into a rider’s path, or failing to maintain a reasonably safe roadway.
California also follows a form of comparative fault. If more than one person or entity contributed to the crash—for example, a driver, a public agency responsible for road maintenance, and even the cyclist—each can be assigned a percentage of responsibility. Any compensation may be reduced by the cyclist’s share of fault, but being partly at fault does not necessarily prevent an injured rider from seeking recovery.
California's comparative fault rule comes from the California Supreme Court's 1975 decision in Li v. Yellow Cab Co., which replaced the older "all-or-nothing" contributory negligence rule. Today, even a cyclist found 50% responsible for a crash can still recover 50% of their damages, although insurance companies routinely try to inflate the cyclist's share of blame. Anchoring the comparative fault analysis with strong evidence early in the case is critical.
Because insurance companies often rely on these rules to minimize what they pay, it is important to understand how fault may be allocated in your particular case.
Learn more about driver negligence as a cause of bicycle crashes.
Responsibility for a bicycle accident is not always limited to the driver who made contact with the rider. Depending on the facts, potentially liable parties can include:
Identifying every potentially responsible person or entity is an important step in a serious bicycle accident case, especially when injuries are significant and multiple insurance policies may apply.
Uncover more potential defendants after a bike crash.
The types of compensation available after a bicycle accident depend on the injuries, how the crash happened, and the insurance coverage involved. In many California cases, injured cyclists may be able to seek damages for:
In fatal bicycle accidents, certain family members may also have the right to bring a wrongful death claim under California law. The specific categories and amounts in any case are very fact-dependent.
In a small but important category of cases (for example, where a driver was drunk, fled the scene, or drove with extreme recklessness), California Civil Code §3294 permits punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Punitive damages are separate from compensation for medical bills or lost wages, and can substantially increase the value of a serious bicycle accident case.
Read more about bicycle accident damages.
After a bicycle crash, there may be more than one source of insurance coverage. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance is often the first place to look. But cyclists may also have important protections under their own auto policies, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, even though they were on a bike rather than in a car.
If a rideshare, commercial vehicle, or delivery driver was involved, there may be additional layers of coverage through the company’s policies. When a dangerous road or public vehicle contributed to the crash, a claim may need to be made against a city, county, or other public agency and its insurers.
Understanding which policies apply, how to make claims, and the order in which they should be pursued can be complex, especially when multiple insurers are involved.
California law sets strict deadlines, called statutes of limitations, for filing bicycle accident claims. Missing the deadline almost always means losing the right to recover compensation, no matter how strong the underlying case.
Because these deadlines are strict and the rules are full of exceptions, it is critical to speak with a San Diego bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash to preserve your rights.
Learn more about your time limit to sue after a bike crash.
Forget surface-level research and mediocre inquiries. We dive deep to conduct extensive investigations and gather evidence in order to build your strongest case.
We use technology to your advantage. By using video and photography, scene recreations, and graphics, we tell your story in a visually-compelling way that other law firms cannot match.
Defense attorneys and insurance companies know us and respect us. We assess the full extent of your damages and pursue all responsible parties in order to maximize the compensation you deserve.
Catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases are rarely simple. We have taken on the largest corporations, insurance companies, and defense firms in the country and won.
We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk. From providing regular case updates to achieving life-changing results, we genuinely care about each and every one of our clients.
Your health and safety come first. After a crash, call 911 if anyone is injured and accept medical care at the scene. Even if you feel “okay,” consider seeing a doctor soon after—some serious injuries, including head and internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away.
If you can do so safely, take photos of the vehicles, your bicycle, the roadway, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of the driver, passengers, and any witnesses, and request the incident or report number from law enforcement. Avoid arguing about fault at the scene or posting about the crash on social media.
Before speaking in detail with an insurance company or signing paperwork, it may be helpful to talk with a bicycle accident lawyer about your rights and options.
Read more about what to do after a San Diego bicycle accident.
Every bicycle accident claim is different, but the value of a case generally comes down to four factors: the severity of your injuries, how the crash happened and who is responsible, the income and life impact you are facing, and the insurance coverage available. Cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, multiple fractures, or surgery typically resolve for significantly more than minor-injury claims, because the medical costs and long-term care needs are substantial.
Compensation usually falls into two main categories. Economic damages cover medical bills, lost wages, future care, and equipment replacement. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In a smaller set of catastrophic cases, punitive damages may also be available if the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness or was driving under the influence.
Insurance policy limits also play a major role. A single auto policy may cap the recovery available from one defendant, which is why a skilled bicycle accident attorney will identify every potentially liable party (careless drivers, their employers, public agencies responsible for dangerous roads, and manufacturers of defective bicycle or vehicle parts) and pursue every available source of coverage.
Conor Hulburt has obtained multimillion-dollar recoveries for catastrophically injured cyclists in San Diego.
Read more about bicycle accident settlements in San Diego.
California bicycle laws set out where cyclists can ride, how they may use lanes, and how drivers must share the road with bikes. Examples include when cyclists can “take the lane,” rules for riding in bike lanes, and requirements for drivers to pass at a safe distance.
These laws can play an important role in a bicycle accident claim. If a driver violates the rules—by failing to yield, passing too closely, or opening a door into a rider’s path—that conduct may be evidence of negligence. At the same time, insurance companies sometimes point to alleged violations by cyclists to argue that the rider was at fault.
A lawyer familiar with California’s bicycle laws can help interpret how they apply to the facts of your crash and respond to arguments the insurance company may make about fault.
Our Hulburt Law legal team can help evaluate the specifics of your situation and determine the viability of your case.
Yes, in many cases you can. California generally follows comparative fault rules, which allow an injured person to seek compensation even if they share some responsibility for the crash. Any recovery may be reduced by the person’s percentage of fault, but being partially at fault does not automatically bar a claim.
For example, a driver may have been speeding or distracted while a cyclist may have rolled through a stop sign. An insurance company might argue that the rider bears most of the blame, but that is not the final word.
A bicycle accident lawyer can review the evidence, explain how comparative fault may apply in your case, and advocate for a fair assessment of responsibility.
Many cyclists worry that not wearing a helmet means they cannot bring a claim. In California, that is not necessarily the case. The key question is usually whether the driver or another party was negligent and caused the crash. The absence of a helmet may become an issue only in connection with certain head injuries and how damages are evaluated.
Insurance companies sometimes argue that a rider’s injuries would have been less severe with a helmet and that compensation should be reduced. Courts and juries consider many factors, including the nature of the injuries, the age of the rider, and the circumstances of the crash.
Even if you were not wearing a helmet, it is important to discuss your situation with an attorney before assuming you do not have a case.
Learn more about compensation for bike accident victims.
Immediately after a bicycle accident, your medical care is usually billed to you or your health insurance, just as it would be for any other injury. If you have MedPay coverage under your own auto policy, that coverage may help pay some medical expenses regardless of fault, even though you were riding a bike.
In the longer term, part of a bicycle accident claim may involve seeking reimbursement for medical expenses from the at-fault driver’s insurance company or other responsible parties. When a case resolves through settlement or verdict, past and reasonably anticipated future medical costs are typically an important component of the damages.
Understanding how health insurance, MedPay, and liability insurance interact—and how medical liens work—is an important part of making sure your bills are handled appropriately.
Hit-and-run and uninsured driver crashes are unfortunately common in bicycle cases. If the driver cannot be identified or does not have enough insurance, your own auto policy may provide critical protection through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, even though you were on a bike at the time of the crash.
These claims can involve strict notice requirements and careful documentation of what happened. It can be especially important to report the crash to law enforcement, seek prompt medical care, and contact your insurer as soon as reasonably possible.
An attorney can help you understand what coverage you may have and guide you through making an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim.
Explore more options when the driver is uninsured or underinsured.
San Diego County has several corridors with a documented history of bicycle-vehicle collisions. According to crash data tracked by SANDAG and bicycle advocacy organizations like BikeSD and Calbike, the highest-frequency areas include:
Most serious crashes share a handful of common factors: high vehicle speeds, narrow or absent bike lanes, intersection geometry that creates "right-hook" conflicts when drivers turn across a bike lane, and door-zone risk on streets with parallel parking. Construction zones and pothole-related hazards are also significant contributors, and crashes caused by these conditions can give rise to claims against the city, county, or Caltrans under California's Government Claims Act.
Knowing these patterns matters for two reasons. For cyclists, riding defensively in known-dangerous corridors helps prevent crashes. For injured cyclists pursuing a claim, documented crash patterns at the same location can strengthen arguments that a public agency had notice of a dangerous condition and failed to fix it, a key element of any claim against a government defendant.
Explore road hazards and bicycle accidents in San Diego.
The deadline to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in California depends on the facts and who is involved. Most personal injury cases must be filed within two years from the date of the crash under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Missing that deadline almost always prevents you from pursuing your claim in court.
When a city, county, Caltrans, or other public entity is involved (for example, if a dangerous road condition contributed to your crash), Government Code §911.2 requires you to file a formal claim with the entity within six months of the incident. That six-month window is far shorter than most people expect, and missing it can permanently bar your case.
Different rules can apply to minors and in certain other circumstances, including when injuries are not immediately discovered or when fraud is involved. Because these time limits are strict and the exceptions are narrow, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a bicycle crash.
Read more about the bicycle accident statute of limitations in San Diego.
Key evidence includes:
Dig deeper into gathering critical evidence for bicycle accidents in San Diego.
The timeline for resolving a bicycle accident case varies widely. Factors include how serious your injuries are, how long it takes you to reach a stable point in your medical recovery, whether fault is disputed, and whether a lawsuit and trial ultimately become necessary.
Some claims can be resolved through settlement discussions once your injuries and future needs are better understood. Others require extensive investigation, expert analysis, and litigation, which can extend the process.
A lawyer can give you a more tailored estimate after learning the details of your case and will keep you updated as your claim progresses.
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but many injured cyclists choose to, especially in cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or multiple insurance companies. Bicycle accidents can raise unique issues, including bias against cyclists, questions about road design, and complex insurance coverage.
A lawyer can investigate the crash, gather records and witness statements, work with appropriate experts, and handle communications and negotiations with insurers. This allows you to focus on your medical recovery while someone with experience in these cases works to protect your interests.
If you are unsure whether you need representation, a free consultation can help you understand your options before you decide how to proceed.
Explore the role of a bike accident attorney.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and no legal fees unless we win your case. This arrangement ensures that you can access high-quality legal representation without financial strain.
Dig deeper into what to look for in a bicycle accident lawyer.
To make the most of an initial consultation, it can be helpful to bring any documents or information you already have about the crash. This may include the police report or incident number, photos or video from the scene, contact information for witnesses, medical records or bills, and your health and auto insurance information.
You should also be prepared to describe how the crash has affected your day-to-day life—your pain levels, limitations at work, and any activities you can no longer do or now do with difficulty.
If you don’t have all of this information yet, that is okay. A consultation is an opportunity to ask questions, understand your rights, and learn how an attorney might assist you going forward.
Most bicycle accident claims in San Diego follow a similar path, even though every rider’s situation is unique. After an initial consultation, your lawyer will investigate the crash, gather records, and stay in touch as you receive medical treatment. This often includes obtaining police reports, photos of the scene and your bike, any available video (such as helmet-cam or dash-cam footage), witness statements, and your medical records and bills.
Once your injuries and future medical needs are better understood, your attorney will usually prepare a demand package for the insurance company explaining how the crash happened, why the driver or other parties are at fault, and how the injuries have affected your work and daily life. Many bicycle accident cases resolve at this stage through negotiation or, in some situations, mediation.
If the insurance company will not make a fair offer, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. Litigation in California typically involves written discovery, depositions, expert analysis (such as crash reconstruction or biomechanics), and preparation for trial. Throughout the process, you should expect your attorney to keep you informed, explain your options in plain language, and help you evaluate any settlement offers so you can make decisions that are right for you.
Learn more about the legal process for bike accident claims in San Diego.
Most bicycle accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may advise taking the case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.
Read more about bicycle accident settlements.
Many bicycle crashes are caused or made worse by roadway hazards such as potholes, broken pavement, loose gravel, missing signs, poorly marked construction zones, or defective bike lanes. In some situations, the public entities or contractors responsible for designing, building, or maintaining the road may be held accountable.
Claims involving dangerous road conditions are different from typical car-versus-bike crashes. They often involve special notice requirements, shorter deadlines, and complex questions about design standards and maintenance practices.
If you believe a roadway defect contributed to your crash, it is especially important to document the scene with photos and to speak with an attorney familiar with these types of cases as soon as possible.
Learn more about road hazards and bicycle accidents in San Diego.
Losing a family member in a bicycle accident is devastating. In addition to grief and shock, families are often left with medical bills, funeral expenses, and the sudden loss of income and support. Under California law, certain relatives may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim and related claims on behalf of the estate.
These claims can help hold negligent parties accountable and seek compensation for losses such as funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and the loss of love, companionship, and guidance. Just as importantly, they can help families get answers about what happened and why.
A lawyer experienced in fatal crash cases can explain who may be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim, what the process involves, and what deadlines apply.
Visit our wrongful death page for more information.
Common causes of bicycle accidents in California include:
Delve deeper into the common causes of San Diego bike accidents.
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe or even fatal. Common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:
For more information, see common injuries in bicycle accidents.
Hulburt Law Firm proudly serves bicycle accident victims throughout San Diego County, providing experienced legal guidance, compassionate support, and aggressive advocacy to help clients recover maximum compensation for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term impacts.

Simply fill out the form or call 619.821.0500 to receive a free case review. We’ll evaluate what happened, your injuries, and potential defendants to determine how we can best help you.