Types of Bicycle Accidents in San Diego

Bicycle accidents can result in life-changing injuries. Recognizing the most common types of bicycle accidents can help cyclists stay vigilant and understand their options if they’re injured.

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Vehicle Collisions

Vehicle collisions are one of the most severe and common types of bicycle accidents in San Diego. Each year, there are over 700 bicycle collisions involving motor vehicles in San Diego County. These often occur at intersections, or when drivers don’t yield to cyclists. Given the limited protection cyclists have, these collisions can lead to head and brain injuries, fractures, spinal injuries, and other life-altering consequences.

Causes of Vehicle Collisions with Bicycles:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who text, talk, or use GPS are often less likely to notice cyclists.
• Failure to Yield: This is a common issue at intersections or when drivers turn across bike lanes.
• Speeding: Collisions at high speeds increase the severity of injuries.

‍Left and Right-Turn Accidents

Left and right-turn accidents occur when a driver makes a turn across a cyclist’s path without yielding. Left-turn accidents typically happen at intersections when a driver turns left without noticing an oncoming cyclist, while right-turn accidents occur when a driver turns right across a bike lane or shoulder.

Causes of Left and Right-Turn Accidents:

• Failure to Check Blind Spots: Many drivers overlook cyclists coming up from behind.
• Rush to Turn: Drivers may try to “beat” a cyclist through an intersection, assuming they can turn quickly enough.

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Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions with bicycles often happen because a driver doesn’t see a cyclist in time to stop or misjudges their following distance. These accidents are particularly hazardous for cyclists, as the forward impact can lead to severe injuries.

Causes of Rear-End Collisions:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers looking at their phones or other distractions may not notice cyclists.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment slow reaction times and make collisions more likely.
• Low Visibility: Nighttime or poorly lit roads make cyclists harder to see.

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Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents, where a driver flees the scene after hitting a cyclist, do happen in San Diego. These cases can be particularly devastating because the driver’s identity may be unknown, making it harder for the victim to receive compensation.

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Dooring Incidents

Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens a door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. San Diego’s narrow streets and limited bike lanes often require cyclists to ride close to parked vehicles, making dooring a common accident risk.

Causes of Dooring Incidents:

• Lack of Awareness: Vehicle occupants may forget to check for cyclists before opening their doors.
• Bike Lane Proximity: Bike lanes positioned too close to parked cars heighten the risk of dooring.

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Legal Options for Victims

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights. In California, cyclists have the right to use the road just as much as motor vehicles, and drivers owe them a duty of care. Here’s an overview of legal options for victims of bicycle accidents:

• Filing a Personal Injury Claim: Victims injured by a negligent driver can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Proving fault is essential, which can involve gathering evidence like photos, eyewitness statements, police reports, and any available camera footage.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: In hit-and-run cases or if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may help cover expenses related to medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. This coverage is included in many auto insurance policies.
• Claims Against Government Entities: If your accident was caused by hazardous road conditions or poorly designed bike lanes, it may be possible to file a claim against a government entity responsible for maintaining the area. These claims have specific filing deadlines, so it’s critical to act promptly.
• Wrongful Death Claims: If a bicycle accident leads to the death of a loved one, family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial relief for the emotional and financial toll of their loss.

Navigating the complexities of personal injury law can be challenging, especially when dealing with injuries. Consulting with an experienced attorney familiar with California’s bicycle laws can make a significant difference in understanding the best course of action.

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Protecting Your Rights, Securing Your Future

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in San Diego, you don’t have to navigate the path to justice alone. At the Hulburt Law Firm, our attorneys Conor and Leslie Hulburt are dedicated to representing victims with compassion, skill, and determination. We understand the unique challenges cyclists face on San Diego’s streets, and we’re here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. 

Visit our San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorney webpage for more information, or contact us for a free consultation. The Truth Demands Justice, and we’re here to make sure you receive it.

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Related Content:

• Bicycle Accident Statistics in San Diego
• Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

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