Experience You Can Trust

Bicycle & E-Bike Incident Lawyer

You deserve safety on the road. We are here to help when that safety has been taken from you.

Whether you bike for health, sustainability, cost savings, or pure enjoyment, you deserve the same respect and protection as anyone else on the road. Unfortunately, many California drivers fail to watch for cyclists, pass too closely, or even act with open aggression. Bicyclists need safe and reliable pathways to travel, and unmaintained roadways, hazards left by other people, or poor property management can cause a serious incident in an instant.

At Abronson Law Offices, we represent injured cyclists and hold drivers and property owners accountable. If you’ve been hit, cut off, doored, forced off the road, or suffered injuries due to an unsafe condition, you already know how quickly things can go from normal to catastrophic. We have seen it all and are here to help.

There are strict legal timeframes to file a claim in California. For most incidents, you have two years from the date of the incident but when a non-federal government agency is involved, that window could be as short as six months. Don’t wait and risk your recovery. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation.

Why Bicycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

Cyclist’s injuries are incredibly vulnerable in any incident. With no airbags, steel frame, or seat belts for protection, even a low-speed collision can cause devastating injuries. Head trauma, spinal damage, fractures, internal injuries, and road rash are common and many incidents come with life-altering consequences.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 1,000 bicyclists are killed each year in the U.S., and more than 130,000 are injured. California consistently ranks among the top states for fatal bike crashes.

E-Bike Crashes

Whether you ride a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike, electric bicycles are fast, convenient, and increasingly common but they come with unique risks. Because e-bikes can reach speeds of 20 to 28 mph, collisions often result in more severe injuries than traditional bike crashes. E-bike riders are still vulnerable to the same driver negligence, but face additional hazards like battery fires, mechanical failures, and mixed-use path conflicts with pedestrians and vehicles.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California

Many bicycle crashes are caused by preventable driver behaviors, including:
   · Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting controls)
   · Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, or fatigue)
   · Speeding or aggressive driving
   · Failing to yield or running stop signs
   · Unsafe lane changes or passing too closely
   · “Dooring” a cyclist while exiting a parked vehicle
   · Backing out of driveways or parking spaces without checking for bikes

Hazards unrelated to driver behavior can also cause serious crashes, such as:
   · Poorly maintained roads or bike lanes (potholes, debris)
   · Inadequate signage or lighting
   · Off-leash dogs or sudden animal interference
   · Dangerous intersections with limited visibility

Why Choose Abronson Law Offices?

Bicycling and e-bike incidents can be complex personal injury cases with a lifetime of impact. We work closely with your physicians, care coordinators, and life planners to build a case that accounts for your entire future, not just the bills you have now.

What sets us apart:
   · Proven results in bicycle and e-bike incident cases
   · Proven results in complex injury cases
   · Access to top medical experts for evaluation and testimony
   · Aggressive negotiations backed by trial experience
   · Transparent communication, every step of the way
   · You don’t pay unless we win your case

We have recovered compensation for clients suffering from:
   · Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries (with or without helmet use)
   · Spinal cord injuries resulting in chronic nerve damage or paraplegia
   · Broken collarbones, wrists, arms, ribs, and pelvis from high-impact falls
   · Internal bleeding and organ damage after blunt-force collisions
   · Facial fractures and dental injuries from impact with pavement or vehicles
   · Road rash, lacerations, and soft tissue damage requiring skin grafts or surgery
   · Crush injuries involving the lower limbs or hands (often in right-hook or dooring crashes)
   · Ejection injuries resulting in multi-system trauma after being thrown from the bike
   · PTSD and psychological trauma from violent crashes or hit-and-run incidents
   · Loss of mobility, independence, or long-term use of affected limbs

What Compensation Can I Recover?

If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be eligible for:
   · Medical expenses (past and future)
   · Lost income and reduced earning potential
   · Pain and suffering
   · Rehabilitation and long-term care
   · Emotional distress
   · Any other damages unique to your case

We work with medical experts, financial analysts, and crash investigators to build a strong case and address all the impacts this incident has had on your life. Our goal is to make sure your compensation reflects the true cost of how any incident has affected your life, not just what the insurance company is willing to pay.

Common Questions About Bicycle Incident Injury Cases

Who is Responsible if a Car Hits Me on My Bike?

A: In most cases, the driver who caused the collision is liable. However, responsibility can also fall on a property owner (for a dangerous condition), a business (if the driver was working), or even a product manufacturer (in cases involving defective bike components or e-bike batteries).

Are E-Bike Accidents Handled Differently than Regular Bike Crashes?

A: Sometimes, yes. E-bikes can raise unique legal questions, especially if the insurer tries to classify your e-bike as a “motorized vehicle.” The class of your e-bike (Class 1, 2, or 3) and how the crash happened both matter.

Who Determines Fault in an Incident?

A: Any decision made by an insurance adjustor is not final. We independently investigate every crash and work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. If a case does not settle only the jury or judge gets to decide who is at fault.

What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

A: You don’t need to. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover money for you.

Can I Sue Even if the Person Responsible wasn’t Criminally Charged?

A: Yes. Civil liability is separate from criminal charges. We can pursue compensation regardless of whether the responsible party was arrested or convicted.

Can I Recover Damages Even if I was Partially at Fault?

A: Yes. California follows comparative negligence. Your compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover for the portion not caused by your actions.

Do I Still have a Claim if I Heal Fully?

A: Yes. Even if you fully heal you are still entitled to the time lost, pain endured, and costs incurred still matter. You’re entitled to compensation for what you went through.

What if I had Delayed Treatment?

A: A delay does not destroy your case, but it may give the insurance company a reason to challenge the seriousness or cause of your injuries. We work with your doctors to clearly connect your treatment to the incident and counter any attempts to downplay your injuries.

Do I Need to Wait Until Treatment is Complete?

A: Sometimes. When possible it is usually best to wait until treatment is complete before settling your claim. Because you can only settle your claim one time you want to know the full extent of your injuries before doing so. Where there is permanent injury, we work with your doctors and life care planners to estimate the full scope of future treatment so your case reflects long-term needs.

Will a Settlement Cover a Lifetime of Care?

A: It can. We build claims that include future medical costs, equipment replacement, caregiver expenses, and lost income through retirement age.

Is Emotional Trauma Considered Part of the Claim?

A: Absolutely. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces are all compensable in civil claims and often a major part of recovery.

Are Scars Considered “Compensable”?

A: Absolutely. Permanent scars can be a major part of claims, especially in children or victims who require further treatment to reduce scarring.

Do I Need Surgery to have a Strong Case?

A: No. Many cases involve long-term physical therapy or non-surgical treatment. However, if surgery is required, we make sure it’s factored into the claim value.

What if I Already had Arthritis or Degeneration?

A: Pre-existing conditions don’t disqualify you. If the accident made your condition worse or accelerated the need for treatment, you’re still entitled to compensation under California law.

What if I Already have a Preexisting Condition?

A: Pre-existing conditions do not disqualify you. If the accident caused an injury that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred or exacerbated a preexisting condition, you still have a valid claim.

Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Made Me an Offer?

A: Always speak to a lawyer first. Early settlement offers are often far below the long-term cost of your recovery and once you accept, you can’t ask for more later.

Will I Have to go to Trial?

A: Most cases settle but we prepare every case as if it might go to trial. Our trial readiness helps us negotiate from a position of strength.

Can I Sue if My Injury Happened at Work?

A: Yes. While workers’ comp may cover medical care, you may also have a separate third-party claim if another entity (equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, etc.) caused your injury.

Get a Free, No-Pressure Consultation

You do not have to do this alone. Our team is here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and move forward with confidence. We offer fully remote services and free consultations by phone or video. If you’re recovering at home or in the hospital, we’ll meet you where you are.

Settlement

$100,000

Bicycle Incident Case

Contact Us

If You or a Loved One Have Been Injured in an Accident, Speak with Our Legal team Today!

Office Locations

Main Office
332 North 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95112

San Francisco Office
1390 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, California 94102

Contact Us

Phone: (408) 687-9155

Fax: (408) 352-5595