Meet GJEL Accident Attorneys
Rated by Best Lawyers and US News & World Report as a top bicycle accident law firm
As a leading California bike crash firm, our attorneys know the ins and outs of bicycle injury-related settlements.
We handle the most complex and serious accident cases, helping our clients recover the maximum settlement, while holding every responsible entity accountable.
With a success rate of over 99%, we’ve recovered more than $950 million for clients involved in serious accidents.
No fee until we win your case
If a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a bike crash, don’t hesitate to reach out to our award-winning California bicycle accident attorneys for a free no-obligation case evaluation.
Call us at 1-866-292-9907 now before the evidence decays or the statute of limitations expires.
In most California bicycle accident cases, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If your claim involves a city, county, or other public entity due to roadway design, maintenance, signage, or construction, much shorter deadlines and special notice requirements may apply.
Learn how we helped a client get a $730,000+ settlement after a bike accident.
GJEL is a California bicycle accident and serious injury law firm that specializes in helping bicycle riders & victims who have been injured in bike accidents across the state.
We have one goal at our firm and that’s to help you get better and maximize the value of your case. We often get higher settlements than other firms.
Talk to a Bike Accident Lawyer Now – Get a Free Case Review
At GJEL, our bicycle attorneys advocate for your bicycling rights and safety, whether you are riding for pleasure, sport, or transportation.
We are armed with the state’s up-to-date bike laws to stand up for our clients.
GJEL is An Award-Winning Personal Injury Law Firm
We have recovered over 980 million dollars with a 99% success rate for victims injured in bicycle accidents. Our firm is ranked among the top national injury firms and is proudly known by our clients to assist with not just their trials, but medical, rental, and bicycle repair bills, too.
If you are concerned about paying for medical treatment after a bicycle accident, options may be available to help you continue care while your case is pending. Accident-related medical expenses can often be documented and addressed as part of a claim, allowing you to focus on recovery without delaying necessary treatment.
GJEL Accident Attorneys was just rated a top California bike accident law firm by Best Lawyers for 2021 – 2024. You can trust that we’re equipped with the best tools and mastery of the bicycle laws in California to protect you and your rights. Our bicycle accident attorney stands up for client rights and makes sure your claims are heard.
Our team will fight the insurance companies and help you with the most experienced representation in California.
Most bicycle accident cases resolve through settlement, but some require litigation to reach fair compensation. You always control whether to accept a settlement, and no settlement is finalized without your approval.
Bike accident injuries such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, and fatalities are possible. Hiring the best personal injury lawyers who have extensive experience helping bicycle accident victims will help you get the best outcome for your case.
Our bicycle accident attorneys are standing by, ready to answer any questions you may have after your bike accident.
In Case You’re Involved in a Bike Crash in California
Having a California bicycle accident lawyer handle your case offers you the best chance of getting the money you deserve after an accident.
Most cyclists are aware of the dangers of bike travel and take precautions to prevent accidents. Still, nobody expects to be involved in a serious bicycle accident.
Even accidents that seem minor at first can result in lasting pain, missed work, and unexpected medical expenses. A short case review can help determine whether pursuing a claim makes sense based on your injuries and their long-term impact.
An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you navigate the road to recovery after a bike accident. An attorney can help negotiate a claim with the driver’s insurance company on your behalf. He or she can also evaluate your case based on California bike law to determine whether legal action may be necessary.
If you are able after a bicycle accident, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. Seek medical care immediately, even if you feel okay, because some bicycle injuries do not show symptoms right away. Call the police and make sure an official report is created. If possible, take photographs of the scene, the roadway, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries, and gather witness contact information. Preserve evidence by keeping your helmet, clothing, and damaged bicycle in their post-accident condition. Avoid giving recorded statements to the driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer, as early statements are often used to reduce or deny valid claims.
Why You Should Contact Us After Your Accident If You’re Injured
If you’ve been involved in a cycling incident, reaching out to a specialized bicycle accident law firm is a critical step towards protecting your rights. GJEL Accident Attorneys are at the forefront as a trusted bicycle accident lawyer near you. We are dedicated to serving cyclists with a tailored approach that addresses the unique nuances of bicycle accidents. Our bicycle accident attorneys near you are not only well-versed in local laws but also deeply empathetic to the physical and emotional toll such accidents can have on individuals.
As your bicycle accidents lawyer, we understand that every second counts following an incident. That’s why we provide immediate support to ensure that your case is handled with the urgency and attention it deserves. Your bicycle accident injury attorney at GJEL will meticulously investigate every aspect of your case, from the dynamics of the crash to the long-term impact on your life. Furthermore, our auto accident lawyers, with a focused expertise in bike-related incidents, are poised to defend your interests both in and out of court.
At GJEL, we pride ourselves as a bike accident lawyer in California with a reputation for excellence. We navigate the complex interplay between cyclists and motorists, ensuring that your voice is heard and your recovery is paramount. When you choose us as your bicycle accident attorney in California, you’re not just getting a legal representative – you’re gaining an ally who will fight relentlessly for the compensation you need to move forward. Our bicycle accident law firms are committed to championing for cyclists and safeguarding your future. Should you find yourself the victim of a bicycle crash, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side every pedal of the way.
Here are just a few of the awards GJEL Accident Attorneys have won
Why are California Bike Accidents so Common?
Cyclists face unique dangers on California’s busy roadways. Drivers of passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and buses often fail to see cyclists when they are riding in a designated bike lane or sharing a traffic lane.
In fact, in Alameda County alone there were over 638 collisions involving bicycle accidents in 2016.
While motor vehicle occupants are well protected by seat belts, airbags, and thousands of pounds of metal, cyclists typically rely on little more than a helmet to protect themselves in the event of a bike accident.
It’s no surprise that bicycle-related injuries lead to nearly 500,000 emergency room visits per year and hundreds of bike accident deaths. Most of these are severe injuries or catastrophic injuries.
More than 120 cyclists died in California in 2014 alone.
A Typical Bike Accident Case Result in California
A woman was hit while training for a triathlon on her bicycle in Martinez when she was cut off by a vehicle making a turn across her lane of travel. She and her bicycle collided with the motor vehicle and then collapsed onto the pavement. As a result of the bicycle-car accident, she suffered a compression fracture in her lumbar vertebra, as well as elbow, wrist, and knee injuries.
Due to these injuries, she was severely limited in continuing to work effectively in her position as a physical therapist. She suffered significant wage loss during her healing period. Additionally, her back pain became extremely uncomfortable during her subsequent pregnancy.
GJEL advocated for this woman using California bike laws to help her receive a $250,000 settlement to compensate for her wage losses and continuing medical expenses resulting from the bike accident. Because she hired a bicycle accident lawyer, she was able to offset the impacts of the accident on her personal and professional lives.
Bicycle Laws California 2022
Bicycle riding isn’t a new way of getting around by any means. The new part of bike riding is that it is becoming increasingly popular as people search for eco-friendly, healthy transportation methods. Across the state of California, bike lanes are being built, and bike-share platforms are popping up, allowing riders to rent bicycles on a minute-to-minute basis. With the rise of accessibility has come a slight uptick in car accidents with bicycles.
In response, the State of California has passed a series of regulations altering biking laws in California to handle where biking is permitted and how cars should interact with bikers. These laws dictate the responsibilities of bikers and drivers to protect bicycle riders in cases of accidents. You can find these laws under California’s Vehicle Code.
Electric bicycles are increasingly common on California roads and bike paths. If you were injured while riding an e-bike, you may still have the right to pursue compensation when a negligent driver, unsafe roadway condition, or other responsible party caused the crash.
Bicycle injury lawyers can assist people dealing with the aftermath of bike accidents. Having a breadth of knowledge of California bike laws allows us to protect and serve the bicycle community.
Northern California Biking Laws
Section 21200 of the California Vehicle Code provides that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. This means that anyone riding a bicycle is subject to laws on driving under the influence, giving pedestrians the right-of-way, and traffic signals just as if they were driving a car.
There are a few special rules that apply to motorists’ interactions with cyclists on the road in bike law. Since 2014, California has required that all drivers give cyclists at least three feet of space when driving alongside or passing them. In addition, no one may obstruct a designated bicycle path by stopping in the path or parking a car or bicycle in it.
CYCLISTS CAN TAKE THE LANE! WHAT DOES IT MEAN?!
One of the cycling laws in California that many drivers don’t understand is that cyclists have the right to “Take the Lane” even if they are moving slower than traffic in the following circumstances:
- When passing,
- When preparing for a left turn,
- When avoiding hazards in the roadway,
- When a lane is too narrow to share, and
- When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
WHAT CYCLISTS SHOULD KNOW
According to bicycle laws in California, cyclists also be familiar with a few other “rules of the road.” California law requires that all cyclists ride with the flow of vehicle traffic unless passing, making a legal left turn, riding on a one-way street, riding on a road that is too narrow, or when the right side of the road is closed due to road construction.
Also, on any California road with a designated bike lane, cyclists traveling slower than the flow of vehicle traffic must use the bike lane unless they are making a left turn, passing, avoiding hazards, or approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
HIT-AND-RUN IS A CRIME!
Hit and runs are when a driver hits a cyclist or a pedestrian and flees the scene. This is illegal, but unfortunately, it happens frequently because motorists feel they can get away quickly without getting caught.
There are ways to locate hit-and-run drivers even if you didn’t catch their license plate numbers, and bike accident lawyers can help. Nearby witnesses, such as other drivers, pedestrians, or shop owners, sometimes notice helpful details. Security camera footage from nearby posts or along the driver’s route can pick up license plate numbers or even catch the entire collision on camera.
Who is Liable for a Bicycle Accident Injuries in California?
If you were seriously injured in a bicycle accident, you probably want to know who is legally responsible (or “liable”) for your injuries. Sometimes, drivers in California are cited with only a minor infraction after a bicycle accident.
In more serious bicycle accidents, drivers can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense such as reckless driving, failure to properly stop at a stop sign or crosswalk, hit and run, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Although it serves the interest of justice for drivers who injure cyclists to face criminal charges as a result of their conduct, criminal charges do little to help cyclists who are left with medical bills or cannot work after an accident. This is where civil courts come into play.
California follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the bicycle accident. Any recovery is generally reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from compensation solely because you share some responsibility. This is especially important in bicycle accident cases, where insurers often attempt to place unfair blame on cyclists.
HOW A BICYCLE INJURY LAWYER CAN HELP RECOVER FINANCIAL DAMAGES
If you were hurt after a bicycle accident as a result of a driver’s carelessness, California law allows you to sue the driver in court to recover monetary damages for your injuries. This type of bicycle accident lawsuit is frequently referred to as a “personal injury lawsuit”.
Most personal injury lawsuits include a legal claim for negligence. Negligence is defined as the failure by someone to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same or similar circumstances.
If you can establish that a driver’s negligence caused your injuries and other losses, such as time away from work, you can secure a court order that requires the driver to pay you an appropriate amount of money to compensate you for the financial and personal harm you have suffered. An experienced bike crash lawyer who has a good command of the law can help you go through this process easier.
IDENTIFYING EVIDENCE OF NEGLIGENCE
Negligence is defined as the failure by someone to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same or similar circumstances.
If the driver who hurt you in a bicycle accident was issued a traffic ticket or charged with a criminal offense in connection with the accident, this can be critical evidence of negligence. Under a legal theory called “negligence per se,” you do not need to prove that the driver should have acted differently under the circumstances.
Police reports and citations are important, but they are not always complete or accurate. If fault is disputed or the report places blame on the cyclist, additional evidence such as witness statements, photographs, video footage, roadway conditions, and expert analysis may be used to clarify what actually happened. Correcting fault issues early can significantly affect the value of a bicycle accident claim.
California courts view a violation of any law meant to protect public safety, including the majority of traffic laws, as automatically negligent. This makes it much easier for injured people to establish legal fault for their injuries. Read more about how fault is determined in a bicycle vs car accident here.
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What Cyclists Should Do to Prevent Bike Accidents
On the roads, some things are out of our personal control. However, bicycle riders can take precautions to protect themselves and their rights.
Understanding cycling rules and regulations before taking to the roads are essential. If you find yourself in a bike accident, we recommend calling the police at the scene immediately. Many bicycle accidents result in doctor visits, physical therapy, or surgery. Some injuries take weeks or months to become noticeable – get checked out after the accident, even if you feel okay.
Delayed symptoms are common in bicycle accidents, and insurers may argue that injuries appearing later are unrelated or pre-existing. Early medical evaluation, follow-up care, and proper documentation help establish the connection between the crash and your injuries.
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from a California bicycle accident attorney. With extensive experience representing injured cyclists in personal injury cases, the attorneys at GJEL understand how devastating a bicycle accident can be.
If you are a cyclist in the Bay Area, our bike accident lawyers strongly encourage you to take the following steps to prevent accidents.
- Wear a helmet. All children under the age of 18 in California must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. While helmets are not required by law for adults in most California cities, they can prevent serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Always wear a bicycle helmet. Read more about what can happen in case of bike accidents without a helmet here.
- Equip your bike. California bike laws require bikes to be visible at night. Install lights and reflectors if you plan to ride after dark. Cyclists should also purchase mirrors to assist with safe lane changes. Find out about the up-and-coming bicycle safety technologies here.
- Wear bright gear. Cyclists should always wear brightly colored or fluorescent gear to make themselves more visible to drivers. Cyclists who ride at night should add reflective tape to their helmets or wear reflective arm or ankle bands.
- Know the rules of the road. Cyclists should familiarize themselves with the laws that apply to bicyclists in the areas where they ride. The California cycling laws discussed above are uniform in all California cities and counties. However, individual cities are free to determine whether or not cyclists are allowed to ride on the sidewalk.
- Ride in the Same Direction as the Traffic. Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic when riding on the road. If you find yourself going the wrong way, carefully walk your bike to the sidewalk out of traffic. Going against traffic may seem safer because you can see oncoming traffic, but it puts riders and drivers at risk. California does not have a state-wide ban on sidewalk cycling. Some local governments prohibit cyclers from riding on the sidewalk because it is unsafe for pedestrians. Bikes travel at speeds that put walkers at risk, so bicycle lawyers recommend biking on the road or in bike lanes.
- Signal when turning or braking. Cyclists should always use proper hand signals to indicate when they will make a right turn, make a left turn (or overtake a lane of traffic), or brake.
- Do Not Stop on Crosswalks. Cyclists and pedestrians have different statuses on the roads. Crosswalks are meant for pedestrians, so they have the right-of-way there. Bicycle injury law experts recommend cyclists stop behind crosswalks, not in them. You want to avoid blocking pedestrians and getting in the way of cars turning right.
- Always stay alert. Cyclists should never wear earphones or talk on a cell phone while riding. California biking laws specifically prohibit wearing earphones that cover both ears. Cyclists should stay alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and pay attention to any vehicles (parked or in motion) and pedestrians around them in all directions. Also, keep an eye out for erratic driving which may be a sign of a drunk driver.
If you are in a bike accident you should call the police and call an ambulance right away if you’re injured. Bicycle accidents may require a doctor visit, surgery, rehabilitation, and therapy before you are back to normal.
A bicycle accident can be a frustrating and painful experience, especially if it was caused by a negligent driver. If you’ve been hit by a vehicle while on your bike, please contact us now.
Should You Contact a Specialist or a Generalist?
Navigating through the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. If you find yourself injured in such an incident, it’s crucial to reach out to a “bike accident attorney near me”. The expertise of a seasoned legal professional, such as a Roselle bicycle accident attorney, can provide vital help and guidance during this challenging time. They can assist with various legal proceedings and ensure you are adequately compensated for your injuries and damages.
Taking the next steps after a bicycle accident doesn’t just involve legal considerations. It’s equally important to get medical help. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s always safer to seek medical attention to rule out any hidden injuries. Remember, your health and well-being are the priority, and a good “accident lawyer near me” or the “best car accident lawyer near me” will emphasize this point. They can also help you document your injuries properly, which can be crucial for your case, especially if you end up dealing with car accident victims or involved in a serious car accident.
Bicycle accidents in busy cities like Los Angeles can be particularly complicated. In such cases, working with specialized “bicycle accident attorneys Los Angeles” can prove invaluable. They have a deep understanding of the specific local laws and regulations, and they can help you navigate the complexities of your case. Whether your incident involves a car crash or a collision with a pedestrian, a “car accident lawyer” or a “personal injury lawyer” can offer the legal support you need to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Remember, dealing with the aftermath of a serious car accident is not something you have to do alone, and professional legal help is available.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin is a founding partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has practiced personal injury law in California state and federal courts since 1970. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School and co-founded GJEL in 1972. Over the course of his career, Andy has helped hundreds of injured plaintiffs recover compensation, including multiple seven-figure settlements and verdicts. He specializes in serious injury and wrongful death cases and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, with recognition from Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.
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