It’s a sunny day in the Inland Empire. You’re out for a ride—maybe commuting to work in Riverside, training along the streets of San Bernardino, or simply enjoying time on two wheels. Then, in a split second, everything changes. A car turns without looking. A door swings open into your path. A distracted driver swerves too close. Suddenly, you’re on the pavement, injured, frightened, and overwhelmed.
Bicycle accidents can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. On top of the pain and medical bills, you’re now facing a legal process you never expected. The good news? You don’t have to go through it alone.
Under California law, bicyclists are considered equal users of the road. This means that drivers must respect a cyclist’s right to occupy a lane, yield when appropriate, and provide a safe passing distance—just as they would with any other vehicle. When a driver fails to do this and causes an accident, they can be held legally responsible for the cyclist’s injuries and damages.
California Vehicle Code § 21200 reinforces this principle by stating that cyclists are subject to the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. So whether you were hit while riding in a designated bike lane or while following traffic rules on a shared road, you have the legal right to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% at fault for the collision (perhaps for failing to use a hand signal), you would still receive $80,000. This system ensures that injured cyclists aren’t denied compensation just because of shared responsibility.
At Tim Wright Law, we understand how insurers may try to shift blame onto cyclists to reduce payouts. We build strong, evidence-backed cases that clearly establish fault and fight to minimize any unfair liability placed on our clients.
Your safety is the top priority. Call 911 immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be obvious right away. A medical evaluation not only ensures proper treatment but also creates a documented record of your injuries—an essential part of any personal injury claim.
If you’re able to do so safely:
Always ask for a responding officer to create an official police report. This report will include important details like statements from involved parties, the officer’s observations, and a diagram of the scene. Request a copy of the report once it’s available—it will be a key document in your claim.
Don’t throw away or repair your bicycle, helmet, or clothing. These items may help show the severity of the impact. Take detailed photographs and store the damaged gear safely. It can later be used as evidence to support your claim for property damage and injury severity.
Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the accident, sometimes sounding sympathetic and eager to “help.” Be careful. Anything you say could be used to undermine your claim. Politely decline to give a statement or sign anything until you’ve consulted with a personal injury attorney.
At Tim Wright Law, we’ll handle all communications with insurers on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected and that you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
If the driver who hit you is identified, their auto insurance policy is usually the first source of compensation. You or your attorney will notify the at-fault driver’s insurer and begin the claim process.
If the driver was uninsured, fled the scene (hit-and-run), or doesn’t have enough coverage, you may need to file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy—if you have one. Either way, the insurance companies are not on your side, which is why legal representation is crucial.
Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts. By hiring an attorney—especially one who understands the unique challenges of bicycle accidents in Riverside, San Bernardino, and surrounding Inland Empire cities—you level the playing field.
At Tim Wright Law, we handle every detail of the claim so you can focus on recovery. We gather evidence, assess your case value, and push for full and fair compensation.
A strong claim begins with a thorough investigation. Our team will:
Once we understand the full scope of your damages, we prepare and send a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter outlines:
Most bicycle accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations, but not all insurance companies are willing to pay fairly. If necessary, we will file a personal injury lawsuit and prepare to take your case to trial.
At every stage, Tim Wright Law is committed to maximizing your recovery and ensuring you’re not left paying out of pocket for someone else’s negligence.
You can seek compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident, including:
If your injuries require ongoing or future treatment, your claim can also include anticipated medical costs, supported by expert testimony or medical evaluations.
If your injuries forced you to miss work, you can claim lost wages. If your injuries affect your ability to earn a living in the future—whether due to physical limitations, reduced hours, or a change in career path—you may also be entitled to compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Not all injuries are visible. California law allows victims to recover compensation for pain and suffering, which refers to the physical discomfort and limitations caused by the accident. The more severe or long-lasting your injuries, the higher this portion of your claim may be.
A bicycle accident often results in more than just bodily injury—it can also destroy your bike and personal belongings. You can include repair or replacement costs for:
Many accident victims experience lasting psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD—especially after a traumatic event like being struck by a vehicle. These emotional harms are also compensable under California law and should be factored into your claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in the Inland Empire, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. These cases often involve complex liability issues and aggressive insurance companies—but you don’t have to face them alone.
At Tim Wright Law, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and explore your options. Whether your crash happened in Riverside, San Bernardino, or another part of Southern California, we’re here to help. And with no upfront fees, you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Let our experienced team guide you through every step of your bicycle accident claim—so you can focus on healing while we focus on justice.
📍 Burbank Office
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 (323) 379-9995
📍 Van Nuys Office
16555 Sherman Way, Suite B2
Van Nuys, CA 91406
📞 (818) 428-1080
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
