Top Bicycle Crash Types in San Diego & Your Legal Rights
San Diego County sees more than 700 bicycle collisions each year—many resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Since 2018, more than 5,500 bicycle crashes have occurred across the region, with nearly 90% leading to injuries and at least 71 lives lost. These numbers highlight the serious risks cyclists face on San Diego’s busy roads.
Understanding the most common types of bicycle collisions can help riders avoid danger. And when an accident does happen, it’s critical to understand your legal rights.
At Hulburt Law Firm, we’ve helped injured cyclists take on uncooperative insurance companies, hit-and-run drivers, and complex liability cases. If you've been hurt, here’s what you need to know about the most frequent crash types—and your legal options for seeking justice and compensation.
Most Common Types of Bicycle Crashes in San Diego
1. Vehicle Collisions (Broadside/T-bone Crashes)
These are the most common and often most severe crashes—typically at intersections or when a driver fails to yield while turning or merging. They account for around 34% of local bicycle crashes.
Causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS use)
- Failure to yield when turning or merging
- Speeding, which increases both impact force and injury severity
Injuries may include traumatic brain injury, fractures, spinal cord trauma, or internal injuries.
"We’ve seen too many cyclists suffer life-altering injuries because a driver looked at their phone instead of the road. Our job is to hold those drivers accountable—and make sure the truth is heard."—Conor Hulburt
2. Left and Right-Turn Accidents
These occur when drivers turn across a cyclist’s path without yielding.
- Left-turn accidents typically happen when a driver underestimates a cyclist’s speed or visibility.
- Right-turn accidents often happen when a driver cuts across a bike lane without looking.
Primary causes:
- Blind spots and poor mirror use
- Drivers rushing to beat oncoming cyclists
- Lack of bike lane awareness
3. Rear-End Collisions
When drivers follow too closely or aren’t paying attention, they can strike a cyclist from behind—especially dangerous for unprotected riders. These collisions often result in neck, back, and head injuries, even at lower speeds.
Typical factors:
- Cell phone use
- Impaired or drowsy driving
- Low-visibility conditions (poor lighting or weather)
4. Hit-and-Run Accidents
Sadly, some drivers flee after striking a cyclist. These hit-and-run cases present unique legal and financial challenges—especially when the driver’s identity remains unknown.
Legal Tip: You may still be able to recover compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, even if you were riding a bike.
5. Dooring Incidents
Dooring happens when someone in a parked car opens their door into the path of a cyclist. With many of San Diego’s bike lanes running adjacent to parked vehicles, dooring is a common and preventable hazard.
Common causes:
- Vehicle occupants failing to look before opening
- Bike lanes placed too close to curbside parking
- Narrow urban street design
6. Infrastructure-Related Accidents (Potholes, Road Hazards, Unsafe Design)
Not all bicycle accidents involve another vehicle. In San Diego, many crashes are caused by poorly maintained roads, dangerous bike lane designs, or missing signage—especially in older or less trafficked areas.
Common hazards include:
- Potholes, cracks, or uneven pavement
- Inadequate lighting or visibility near intersections
- Abrupt or poorly marked bike lane terminations
- Debris or overgrown vegetation in bike paths
- Storm grates and utility covers placed in cyclist paths
These crashes can lead to sudden loss of control, ejection, and serious injuries—especially when riders are traveling at speed or swerving to avoid an obstacle.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Bicycle Accident?
If you’ve been injured while cycling, it’s critical to understand your legal rights. California law protects cyclists—and holds drivers accountable for negligence.
1. Personal Injury Claims
You can pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future rehabilitation
Evidence like witness statements, police reports, medical records, and video footage can help establish fault.
2. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
If the at-fault driver has no insurance—or in hit-and-run cases—your own auto insurance may cover damages through UM coverage.
3. Claims Against Government Entities
If unsafe road conditions or poorly maintained bike lanes contributed to your accident, you may have a claim against the city or state. These cases have short filing deadlines, so don’t wait.
4. Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one is killed in a bicycle accident, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek accountability and financial support.
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Why Choose Hulburt Law Firm?
Attorneys Conor and Leslie Hulburt are seasoned trial lawyers who understand the unique dangers cyclists face. We’ve helped clients recover millions after devastating bike accidents—including cases where insurers tried to minimize or deny legitimate claims.
"Insurance companies often try to minimize the impact of bike crashes. But we know the stakes, and we’re relentless in proving exactly how a driver’s negligence changed our client’s life."—Leslie Hulburt
Protecting Cyclists, Pursuing Justice
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. The Truth Demands Justice—and at Hulburt Law Firm, we’re ready to fight for yours.
Visit our San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorney page to learn more, or contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQ: Bicycle Accidents in San Diego
Q: What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
A: Prioritize safety—move out of traffic if you can, call 911, and seek medical attention. Document the scene, get witness info, and contact a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Q: Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
A: Yes. While not wearing a helmet may impact your case, it does not bar you from recovering damages, especially if the driver was primarily at fault.
Q: What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
A: You may still be eligible for compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. An attorney can help you pursue a claim even if the driver is never identified.
Q: Can I sue the city if poor road conditions caused my crash?
A: Yes, but claims against government entities have strict deadlines—often as short as six months. You’ll need to prove negligence in road design or maintenance.
Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a bike accident in California?
A: Generally, two years from the date of the accident. But deadlines can be shorter for claims involving public agencies.
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The Hulburt Law Firm specializes in catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases in San Diego, California.
