On October 20, 2025, three cyclists were struck by a vehicle in Huntington Beach, with one fatality. This tragic incident shows an important reality: bicycle accidents involve unique legal considerations that differ from standard car accidents. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Huntington Beach, DJA Injury Attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Learn and understand bicycle accident vs car accident in Huntington Beach with our lawyers.
Why Choose DJA Injury Attorneys for Your Bicycle Accident Case
DJA Injury Attorneys brings valuable experience to bicycle accident claims. Founder and principal attorney Jeff Schwalbach spent years as an insurance defense attorney. This background gives him knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate and defend claims. He anticipates insurer tactics and counters them effectively.
Schwalbach holds recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019-2024). He brings 10 years of litigation experience. This includes 4 years representing injured clients in personal injury cases and 6 years in insurance and healthcare defense. He handles every case personally. You receive direct attention from an attorney who understands your situation. The firm operates on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front. DJA Injury Attorneys only recovers a fee if you win your case.
Schwalbach also maintains an excellent rating on Avvo, reflecting his commitment to client satisfaction and legal excellence. Available 24/7 with offices in Huntington Beach and Santa Ana, DJA Injury Attorneys serves Orange County and Southern California. The firm’s commitment to accessibility and personal service matters to clients.
Understanding Liability in Bicycle vs. Car Accidents
California’s comparative negligence law applies to both bicycle and car accidents. Both parties can share responsibility for an incident. However, the factors that determine liability differ substantially.
In car accidents, liability typically hinges on traffic violations. These include speeding, running red lights, or distracted driving. Bicycle accidents introduce additional considerations. California Vehicle Code §21760 requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of distance when passing cyclists. Bicyclists must also follow traffic laws, use designated bike lanes when available, and comply with traffic signals.
The key difference: bicyclists have fewer legal protections despite being far more vulnerable to injury. A car hitting a bicycle at even modest speeds can cause catastrophic harm. Yet the legal framework treats both vehicles similarly in many respects. This imbalance makes legal representation essential for bicycle accident victims. Understanding how to prove negligence in a personal injury case is critical in bicycle accident claims.
Damages and Compensation Differences
Both bicycle and car accident victims can recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. However, bicycle accidents often result in more severe injuries despite lower-speed impacts.
A cyclist struck by a vehicle faces exposure to the road, pavement, and the vehicle itself. Common injuries include broken bones, road rash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
Insurance companies often undervalue bicycle accident claims. They assume lower speeds mean lower damages. This assumption is dangerously wrong. DJA Injury Attorneys has recovered settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to over $1 million in personal injury cases. Thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy yield results that reflect true injury severity. Our case results demonstrate our commitment to maximizing compensation.
Insurance Coverage and Claims Process
Car accidents typically involve motorist liability insurance that covers damages to other parties. Bicycle accidents present a more complex insurance landscape.
When a motorist hits a cyclist, you can pursue the driver’s liability insurance. However, many bicycle accidents involve hit-and-run drivers or uninsured motorists. In these situations, you may need to access your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if you carry it. Understanding what to do after a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver is essential for protecting your rights.
California requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. Despite this requirement, many motorists drive uninsured. Additionally, insurance companies frequently deny or minimize bicycle accident claims. They argue that the cyclist was partially at fault or that injuries couldn’t have resulted from the impact.
An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these obstacles. We gather evidence and pressure insurers to offer fair settlements rather than lowball initial offers. This is particularly important in denied or disputed insurance claims.
Key Legal Differences You Should Know
Several legal distinctions between bicycle and car accidents affect how claims proceed.
- Statute of Limitations: California allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies equally to bicycle and car accidents. The clock starts immediately. Delays in seeking legal representation can jeopardize your case. For more information, see our guide on understanding the statute of limitations for a personal injury case in California.
- Burden of Proof: Both require demonstrating that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries. However, bicycle accidents often have fewer witnesses than car accidents. Evidence collection becomes more critical. Understanding what evidence you need for a slip and fall claim applies similarly to bicycle accident evidence gathering.
- Bicycle-Specific Laws: Cyclists must follow traffic laws. They also have specific protections. The three-foot passing rule requires drivers to maintain a safe distance. Helmet requirements vary by age. Lane positioning rules govern where cyclists can ride.
- Motorist Duties: Drivers have a legal duty to avoid hitting cyclists. This applies even if the cyclist is partially at fault. This duty extends to checking blind spots, maintaining safe speeds, and avoiding distracted driving. This is similar to duties in pedestrian accidents.
- Evidence Collection: Bicycle accident investigations require thorough documentation. Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and witness statements all matter. Medical records establishing injury causation are essential. An attorney can ensure nothing is overlooked. Learn more about understanding the personal injury lawsuit process in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bicyclist be found at fault in an accident with a car?
Yes. California’s comparative negligence law allows both parties to share fault. For example, a cyclist running a red light while a driver was speeding could result in shared liability. The important point: California’s pure comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages regardless of your percentage of fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. You are never completely barred from compensation. This is explained in detail in our article on understanding partial fault in personal injury accidents in California.
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
First, seek medical attention. Even injuries that seem minor can worsen. Second, document the scene with photos and video if possible. Get contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report. Finally, contact DJA Injury Attorneys for a free consultation before speaking with insurance adjusters. For comprehensive guidance, see our article on what to do after an injury: protecting your rights and maximizing compensation.
How much is my bicycle accident case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and liability strength. DJA Injury Attorneys has recovered settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions in personal injury cases. A free case evaluation can provide insight into your specific situation. Learn more about how personal injury compensation is calculated in California.
Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim?
Insurance companies often undervalue bicycle accident claims. Attorney representation typically results in significantly higher settlements. Since DJA Injury Attorneys works on contingency, there’s no financial risk in consulting an experienced advocate. See our guide on how to choose the right personal injury lawyer for your case.
How long does a bicycle accident case take?
Timeline varies. Simple cases with clear liability may resolve in three to six months. Complex cases involving disputed liability or severe injuries can take one to two years. DJA Injury Attorneys prepares every case for trial. This creates settlement leverage and ensures you’re protected if litigation becomes necessary. For more details, see our article on understanding the personal injury lawsuit process in California.
Contact DJA Injury Attorneys Today
Bicycle accident injuries can be life-altering. You deserve compensation that reflects the true impact on your health, finances, and future. DJA Injury Attorneys fights for bicycle accident victims throughout Orange County and Southern California with our experience in handling these cases.
Call (949) 229-7228 for a free consultation. Available 24/7. No upfront fees. Let our firm help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Related Posts
- How to File a Bicycle Accident Injury Claim in California
- Understanding Personal Injury Claims in California
- How to Prove Negligence in a Personal Injury Case
- What to Do After an Injury: Protecting Your Rights and Maximizing Compensation
- Understanding the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process in California