Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in San Diego: What Cyclists Need to Know

San Diego’s Beautiful—and Risky—Biking Culture

San Diego is a cyclist’s paradise. But sharing the road with vehicles and navigating poorly maintained infrastructure can turn that dream into a nightmare. Bicycle accidents are a growing concern in our region, and the injuries can be catastrophic.

When a rider is hit by a car, thrown from their bike, or crashes due to unsafe roads, the damage goes far beyond the bike. As personal injury attorneys dedicated to uncovering the truth and securing justice, we see firsthand how devastating these crashes can be. This guide walks you through the most common injuries suffered in San Diego bicycle accidents—and what legal options you have for recovery.

‍

Head Injuries: A Leading Cause of Death and Disability Among Cyclists

Head injuries are some of the most severe outcomes in bicycle accidents and often occur even when cyclists wear helmets. The force of a crash can cause the brain to jolt within the skull, leading to traumatic brain injuries (or TBIs), which range in severity and impact. Common types of head injuries include:

Concussions

A mild form of TBI, concussions cause symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and confusion. While some concussions resolve with rest, severe concussions can lead to long-term cognitive issues.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A significant blow to the head can lead to severe TBIs, which may result in memory loss, impaired motor skills, personality changes, or even permanent disability. These injuries often require ongoing therapy and medical treatment.‍

Skull Fractures

When the skull is fractured, it poses a high risk for further brain damage and may require emergency surgery.

Head injuries can have long-lasting effects that impact every aspect of a person’s life, from daily routines to career and personal relationships. Because of the high cost of treatment and rehabilitation, these injuries frequently demand legal intervention to secure adequate compensation.

Legal note: California's comparative fault law does not bar recovery if you weren’t wearing a helmet, though it may affect how damages are assessed. Regardless, negligent drivers can and should be held accountable.

‍

‍

Spine Injuries: A Potentially Life-Altering Consequence of Bicycle Accidents

Spine injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of a serious bicycle accident. These injuries range from minor back strains to catastrophic spinal cord damage that can lead to paralysis. Types of spine injuries commonly seen in bicycle accidents include:

Herniated Discs

The discs in the spine can slip or rupture, leading to chronic pain, numbness, and limited mobility. Treatment may require physical therapy, medication, or even surgery.

Fractured Vertebrae

The vertebrae may fracture in a high-impact accident, which can lead to intense pain, nerve damage, or in severe cases, spinal instability.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The most serious spinal injury, a spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis. Injuries to the upper spine often lead to quadriplegia (paralysis in all four limbs), while lower spine injuries may result in paraplegia (paralysis of the legs).

Spine injuries require extensive medical care and, in severe cases, lifelong assistance. Victims often face high medical bills, lost income, and a dramatically altered quality of life. Seeking experienced legal representation is critical for ensuring that a cyclist receives the compensation needed to cover these significant expenses.

‍

Fractures: Broken Bones Are Common and Costly

Fractures are common in bicycle accidents, often occurring in the arms, legs, or shoulders when a cyclist braces for impact or is struck by a vehicle. While some fractures may heal within a few months, more severe cases can lead to complex breaks that require surgery, physical therapy, or metal hardware to stabilize the bone. Common fractures include:

Collarbone (Clavicle) Fractures

The collarbone is one of the most vulnerable bones in a fall, and fractures are often painful and may require surgical repair.

Arm Fractures

Cyclists tend to instinctively put their hands out to break a fall, which can result in forearm fractures or broken fingers. These injuries may impact everyday functions, especially if they require surgical repair.

Leg Fractures

Often occurring in the thigh bone (femur) or lower leg bones (tibia and fibula), leg fractures can be especially debilitating, often requiring surgery and extensive physical therapy.

Fractures can be life-disrupting, with long recovery periods and, in severe cases, permanent limitations on mobility or strength. Cyclists who experience fractures in an accident should seek both medical care and legal guidance to help them secure the compensation they need to cover their medical and rehabilitative costs.

Legal note: Fractures can be expensive to treat and have a lasting impact on mobility. A skilled attorney can help ensure you're not shortchanged by insurance.

‍

Road Rash: Painful Abrasions That May Lead to Infection and Scarring

Road rash occurs when a cyclist’s skin scrapes against the pavement, often causing painful abrasions. While road rash is sometimes considered a “minor” injury, it can lead to significant complications if not treated properly. Road rash injuries may include:

Superficial Abrasions

These are less severe and may only impact the top layer of skin, though they’re still painful and can leave scars if not treated.

Deep Abrasions

In severe cases, road rash can strip away multiple layers of skin, potentially exposing muscles and even bone. Such injuries may require medical cleaning, dressing changes, and possibly skin grafts.

Infection Risk

Open wounds from road rash are highly susceptible to infection. Without proper care, these wounds can become infected and lead to further complications, such as cellulitis (a serious skin infection).

While road rash may seem like a minor injury, severe cases can result in permanent scarring and nerve damage. Treatment often involves multiple medical visits and may require plastic surgery to minimize scarring.

‍

Long-Term Effects of Serious Bicycle Injuries

Even after your physical wounds heal, the effects of a bicycle crash can last a lifetime. Many of our clients face:

• Chronic pain or limited mobility
• Loss of employment or a career shift
• Need for ongoing physical or occupational therapy
• Emotional distress, PTSD, and fear of cycling again

These long-term consequences aren’t always factored into initial insurance offers—but they should be. At Hulburt Law Firm, we work with life care planners, economists, and medical experts to ensure your full future is accounted for.

‍

“Many of our clients are avid cyclists who were just out enjoying their day when everything changed. We don’t just see medical charts—we see people whose lives have been turned upside down. Our job is to tell their story, hold negligent parties accountable, and make sure they have what they need to move forward.” — Conor Hulburt, Founding Attorney

‍

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to substantial compensation under California law.

You may be eligible to recover damages for:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working—temporarily or permanently.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: For cyclists who can no longer return to their previous job or profession.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
• Disfigurement or Disability: Compensation for visible scarring, loss of function, or permanent impairment.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your bicycle, helmet, and other gear.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm.

Legal note: Determining the full value of your claim requires legal experience and access to medical, economic, and vocational experts. Insurance companies often undervalue bike crash claims—especially when the injuries are long-term or invisible. That’s why having an experienced trial attorney on your side is crucial. At Hulburt Law Firm, we fight to ensure our clients are fully compensated not just for today’s expenses—but for the full scope of their losses, including the long-term impact of catastrophic injuries.

‍

Additional Tips: What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you’re injured in a bicycle accident, taking these steps can help protect your health and your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not be immediately visible. Delayed symptoms, especially from head and spine injuries, can be dangerous if untreated.

2. Document the Accident Scene

Take photos, gather witness contact information, and keep any evidence related to the accident, including damaged property and torn clothing.

3. File a Police Report

A police report can be essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Be sure to get a copy for your records.

4. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Working with an experienced attorney ensures you have an advocate on your side who understands how to secure the compensation you deserve.

‍

‍

Why Choose Hulburt Law Firm?

At Hulburt Law Firm, we are more than lawyers—we are advocates for injured cyclists and their families. Founders Conor and Leslie Hulburt bring years of trial experience and a deep commitment to justice. We’ve handled bike injury cases involving:

• Distracted or reckless drivers
• Government road hazards
• Hit-and-run or uninsured drivers

‍

Discover Our Approach & Request Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t face the recovery process alone. Contact Hulburt Law Firm to speak with an attorney who listens, understands, and fights for you.

• Visit our San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorney page to learn more about our approach to these cases, or‍
• Schedule your free consultation now.

The Truth Demands Justice—and we’re here to help you find both.

‍

Related Content:

• Types of Bicycle Accidents in San Diego
• Common Driver Mistakes That Lead to Serious Injuries
• Bicycle Laws and Regulations in San Diego