In the scenic and fast-paced streets of San Gabriel, CA, bicycles are a popular mode of transportation for commuting, exercising, and enjoying the Southern California lifestyle. But with more traffic and distracted drivers on the road, bicycle vs. car accidents are becoming alarmingly common—often resulting in devastating injuries for cyclists who have little protection against the impact of a vehicle.
While San Gabriel promotes bike-friendliness through designated lanes and signage, the rising number of vehicles, combined with congestion and driver negligence, has put more cyclists at risk than ever before. From narrow roads to high-traffic intersections like Las Tunas Drive and San Gabriel Boulevard, one careless moment behind the wheel can leave a bicyclist with life-altering injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident involving a car, it’s crucial to know you have legal rights—and experienced legal help is available. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or place blame on the cyclist, but with the right attorney on your side, you can pursue full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Navigating California’s personal injury laws—especially when liability is disputed—can be complex. That’s why having a dedicated bicycle injury lawyer who understands both local road conditions and the unique dynamics of bike-car collisions can make all the difference in your recovery process.
Under California Vehicle Code §21200, bicyclists are granted the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means cyclists have the legal right to ride on most public roads, occupy a lane when necessary for safety, and expect vehicles to yield and pass with caution. When drivers violate these rules—by failing to yield, driving distracted, or making unsafe turns—they can be held liable for the harm they cause.
If you're hit while following the rules of the road, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries, including:
California follows a “comparative fault” system (Civil Code §1431.2), which means that even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still recover damages. For example, if it’s determined that you were 20% at fault and the driver was 80% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your total damages.
Because insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce their payouts, it's crucial to have a knowledgeable attorney who can push back against unfair fault claims. Tim D. Wright has experience building strong cases even in complex situations involving shared fault or unclear liability.
One of the most powerful tools you have after a bike-car accident is evidence. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be. Here's what to prioritize:
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s critical to call emergency services right away. Internal injuries and concussions may not show symptoms immediately, and having an official medical record is essential for any legal claim. Let paramedics examine you and accept transportation to a hospital if needed.
Before anyone leaves the scene, gather the following:
Witnesses can provide objective accounts that support your claim—especially in hit-and-run or disputed-fault cases.
Use your phone (or ask someone to help) to take clear photos of:
Don’t repair or throw away your bike or damaged gear—they may serve as critical evidence later.
Always file a police report, even if the other party insists it's unnecessary. The report creates an official record of the incident, which is invaluable when negotiating with insurance companies or preparing a legal case. Request a copy of the report once it's available.
Insurance companies often contact victims shortly after an accident and may pressure you into giving a recorded statement or accepting a lowball settlement. Politely decline to speak with them until you’ve consulted with a lawyer. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.
Every accident is different. That’s why we start with a free, one-on-one consultation to fully understand your experience, injuries, and goals. We build a personalized legal plan based on your specific circumstances—not a cookie-cutter approach.
From minor crashes to catastrophic injuries, we ensure every legal step is aligned with your best interests.
We don’t just rely on the police report—we go deeper. Our legal team investigates:
Insurance companies often try to downplay the seriousness of bicycle injuries or shift blame onto the rider. We push back hard against these tactics. Tim D. Wright has years of experience negotiating with insurers for maximum compensation, ensuring you don’t settle for less than what you truly need.
If the insurer refuses to be fair, we’re ready to escalate your case.
Some cases require going to court to secure justice. If negotiations stall, we are fully prepared to litigate your case in a California court. Tim D. Wright has a proven record of taking on tough cases and winning—because we don’t back down when your future is at stake.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to justice. That’s why we handle bicycle injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing out of pocket, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.
This includes:
If your injuries have forced you to miss work—or if you can’t return to your previous job due to disability—you may be compensated for:
We work with financial and vocational experts to estimate the true economic toll your accident has caused.
These are non-economic damages meant to account for the physical pain, limitations, and suffering caused by your injuries. California law recognizes that not all harm can be measured in dollars, and we ensure your personal experience is valued properly.
You may be reimbursed for damage to your:
Accidents involving vehicles can cause deep psychological trauma, including:
Some bicycle accident injuries result in life-altering consequences like:
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle vs. car accident in San Gabriel, time is critical. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and insurance companies may already be working to minimize your claim. The sooner you take legal action, the better your chances of securing the full compensation you deserve.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—with compassion, commitment, and a proven record of results. Whether you're dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, or uncertainty about your future, we’re ready to help you take control of your recovery and your rights.
Personal Injury Office:
📍 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
✉️ Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: https://www.timwrightlaw.com
