Cycling continues to grow in popularity as a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to driving, especially in Southern California cities like San Bernardino County. Unfortunately, this rise in ridership has been met with increased risks. According to the CDC, over 130,000 cyclists are injured and nearly 1,000 lose their lives each year in crashes across the United States. Cyclists, with limited physical protection, are especially vulnerable to serious injuries in collisions with motor vehicles.

What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Bernardino County?

San Bernardino County’s roads see heavy commuter and recreational bike traffic. Despite this, many drivers still fail to respect cyclists’ rights to the road. Bicycle accidents are often caused by a combination of driver negligence and hazardous road conditions. Common contributing factors include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting or using navigation apps.
• Unsafe turns, particularly left-hand turns in front of oncoming cyclists.
• “Dooring” accidents, when a parked car’s door opens into a passing cyclist.
• Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks.
• Driving too close to bike lanes or sideswiping cyclists when passing.
• Cyclists riding against traffic, which can confuse or surprise drivers.
• Speeding, especially in areas with poor visibility or pedestrian traffic.

In addition to driver behavior, environmental conditions such as potholes, broken streetlights, unmarked hazards, or missing signage may contribute to a crash. In such cases, a government entity responsible for road design or maintenance may share liability.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident?

Most bicycle accidents involve a negligent motorist, but fault isn’t always limited to just the driver. Liability depends on the facts of the case and can extend to multiple parties. In California, a party is liable for a bike crash if their negligence directly contributed to the incident. Common liable parties include:

• Negligent drivers, especially those who speed, run red lights, or fail to yield.
• Government agencies, if poor road design, broken signals, or lack of maintenance played a role.
• Rideshare or delivery services, if their contracted driver was involved in the crash.
• Vehicle or bicycle manufacturers, in cases involving a defective component or brake failure.
• Property owners, if hazardous conditions on private property (like obstructed sidewalks or unmarked curbs) contributed to the incident.

Determining fault often requires a detailed investigation. An experienced San Bernardino County bicycle accident attorney can help identify all responsible parties and ensure the proper claims are filed.

What Compensation Is Available After a Bicycle Accident?

If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages:

• Economic damages cover financial losses, including:
  • Emergency medical care and long-term treatment.
  • Lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
  • Bicycle and personal property repair or replacement.

• Non-economic damages compensate for:
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Emotional distress or anxiety.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life or ability to engage in hobbies.

If the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or recklessness, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, though these are less common and subject to stricter standards in California.

What If I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partly responsible for the accident—such as not wearing reflective gear at night or riding against traffic—you can still recover compensation. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 30% responsible for the crash and your total damages are $100,000, you could still recover $70,000.

What Evidence Helps Prove Fault in Bicycle Accidents?

Strong evidence can make or break a personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash, gathering the following evidence can significantly improve your ability to prove liability:

• Police report, including the officer’s observations and any citations issued.
• Photographs or video from the crash scene, including damage to your bicycle and the vehicle involved.
• Witness statements from nearby pedestrians, drivers, or cyclists.
• Medical records showing the severity and cause of your injuries.
• Surveillance footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses, if available.
• Cell phone records, if distracted driving is suspected.
• Accident reconstruction expert testimony, in complex or disputed cases.
• Preserved equipment, including your damaged bike and helmet (do not repair or discard these items).

An attorney can help secure this evidence and use it to build a compelling case on your behalf.

San Bernardino County Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel Seek Justice for Injured Cyclists

Cyclists have the same legal rights as other road users, but often suffer the most when a crash occurs. If you or a loved one was hurt while cycling, the experienced San Bernardino County bicycle accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel can help. Call 909-889-1131 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. With offices in Ontario and Victorville, California, we represent clients throughout San Bernardino County, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County.