The Inland Empire—home to vibrant communities across Riverside, San Bernardino, and surrounding areas—is seeing a notable rise in bicyclists on the road. Whether it's for commuting, recreation, or environmental sustainability, more residents are turning to bikes as a preferred mode of transportation. Local governments have responded with expanded bike lanes and cycling initiatives, but the region's infrastructure is still catching up with this growing trend.
Despite the benefits of biking, safety remains a serious concern. The Inland Empire is known for its expansive roadways, heavy commuter traffic, and fast-moving vehicles—factors that pose a heightened risk to cyclists. Accidents can happen in an instant, and when they do, the results can be devastating. Even a seemingly minor collision can cause severe injuries to an unprotected rider.
Too often, drivers fail to yield to cyclists, don’t check their blind spots, or are distracted behind the wheel. In more tragic cases, hit-and-run accidents leave victims without immediate assistance or accountability. The need for legal protection and knowledgeable advocacy has never been greater.
Far too many accidents are caused by drivers who simply aren't paying attention. Distracted driving—whether from texting, adjusting the radio, or using navigation—reduces a driver’s ability to see and respond to cyclists. Others may fail to yield the right-of-way or pass too closely, creating dangerous conditions that can result in serious collisions. Under California law, drivers are required to share the road and exercise caution around cyclists, but these laws are frequently ignored.
In many areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, roads are not adequately maintained or designed with cyclists in mind. Potholes, debris, and faded or missing bike lane markings pose significant hazards. Municipalities have a responsibility to maintain safe roadways, and in some cases, they may be held liable if poor road conditions contributed to your accident.
One of the most common yet overlooked dangers for cyclists is “dooring”—when a parked car’s door is suddenly opened into a cyclist’s path. This is especially prevalent in downtown areas or near college campuses. Dooring can cause severe injuries, and the driver or passenger who opened the door can be held legally responsible.
Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are especially devastating. When a driver flees the scene, it not only delays medical aid but also complicates the legal process of seeking compensation. However, with proper legal guidance, victims may still be able to recover damages through uninsured motorist coverage or legal investigation.
Intersections are frequent sites of bicycle accidents, often due to confusion about right-of-way or a driver’s failure to spot a cyclist during a turn. Whether it’s a T-junction or a busy intersection in downtown Riverside or San Bernardino, these areas demand heightened awareness. When drivers fail to respect cyclists’ space, serious injuries can result.
As a bicycle accident victim, you are entitled to file a personal injury claim against the party responsible for the collision—whether it's a negligent driver, a property owner, or even a government agency responsible for dangerous road conditions. A successful claim allows you to seek financial compensation, hold the wrongdoer accountable, and gain a measure of closure and justice.
Filing a personal injury claim is not just about money—it's about making sure you’re not left bearing the costs of someone else’s carelessness.
This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, mobility aids, and future medical treatment related to your injuries. Even minor injuries can lead to substantial long-term care needs, which should be fully covered by your settlement or award.
If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to recover the income you’ve lost. If you can no longer perform your job due to long-term injuries, you can also seek damages for diminished earning capacity.
Beyond physical injuries, victims often suffer anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and post-traumatic stress. California law allows compensation for these very real emotional and psychological injuries—often called “non-economic damages.”
This includes the cost to repair or replace your damaged bicycle, helmet, clothing, and any other personal property affected in the crash. High-quality bikes can be expensive, and you shouldn’t be stuck paying out of pocket for someone else’s mistake.
If you were struck by a driver who fled the scene—a disturbingly common occurrence in Southern California—you may still have options. California drivers are required to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can provide financial relief even when the at-fault driver is unidentified or lacks sufficient insurance.
Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 25% at fault (e.g., for failing to use a bike light at night), your compensation would be reduced to $75,000.
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel "okay" after the crash, adrenaline can mask serious injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, or fractures. Getting checked by a medical professional creates a critical record of your injuries that can support your personal injury claim later. Follow all recommended treatments and attend follow-up appointments—this not only aids recovery but also demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries to insurers and the court.
Always contact local law enforcement to report the accident. A police report is a vital piece of evidence that documents what happened, identifies involved parties, and records witness statements. In hit-and-run cases, filing a report right away can increase the chances of identifying the fleeing driver and preserve your eligibility for certain types of insurance claims.
If possible, request a copy of the police report for your records, or obtain the report number so your attorney can request it on your behalf.
If you're physically able, take photos and videos of the scene, including:
Speak with witnesses and collect their names and contact information. Their statements may be crucial in proving fault, especially if the driver denies responsibility or if there's no surveillance footage.
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident, hoping you'll make a statement or accept a low settlement offer. Do not speak to the other party’s insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Their job is to minimize payouts—not to help you. Even innocent comments can be used against you later.
Instead, refer them to your legal representative. An experienced personal injury attorney will communicate on your behalf to protect your claim.
Bicycle accident cases involve unique legal and insurance challenges. Working with a law firm that understands these complexities is essential to getting the compensation you deserve. At Tim Wright Law, we bring personalized, aggressive advocacy to every case we handle—especially for injured cyclists navigating the aftermath of a crash.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident anywhere in the Inland Empire—whether in Riverside, San Bernardino, or a nearby community—you are not alone. You have legal rights, and you deserve to understand and exercise them. From medical expenses to lost income and emotional trauma, you should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence.
Insurance companies often move quickly to limit their liability, and without legal representation, you may be pressured into settling for far less than your case is worth. Don’t let that happen.
At Tim Wright Law, we stand with injured cyclists. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, results-driven legal support for victims throughout Southern California. We handle every case personally and fight to make sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Information:
📍 Tim Wright Law – Personal Injury Office
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 (323) 379-9995
📧 firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 www.timwrightlaw.com
