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What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in San Diego

author

Conor Hulburt

published

August 2, 2025

Cycling in San Diego offers sunshine, scenic routes, and a healthy way to commute—but it also comes with risks. When a driver’s negligence causes a crash, the aftermath can be overwhelming. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, what you do next can make all the difference.

At Hulburt Law Firm, we’ve helped injured cyclists throughout San Diego recover physically, emotionally, and financially after serious crashes. Below are your essential steps after a bike crash.

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Steps to Protect your Rights After a Bike Crash

Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety

If you’re able to move, get to a safe location away from traffic. If you’re seriously injured, try to remain still and wait for emergency responders. Your health comes first.

Step 2: Call 911 and Report the Crash

Request police and medical assistance right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, an official report can be critical later. Ask that a San Diego Police Department officer create a written collision report. Be honest but cautious in your statements. Avoid admitting fault or speculating.

Discover the importance of a police report and how to request it.

Step 3: Gather Information at the Scene

If you're physically able, collect key evidence before it disappears:

Contact and insurance info from all involved drivers
Names and numbers of any eyewitnesses
Photos of:
- Your injuries
- Bicycle damage
- Vehicles involved
- Road conditions, signage, and debris

Step 4: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Some injuries (like concussions or internal trauma) may not show symptoms right away. A prompt medical evaluation creates a record of your injuries—and helps protect your health.

Keep copies of all medical records, bills, prescriptions, and diagnostic results. These will support your claim for damages.

Step 5: Preserve All Evidence

Save your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing. These items may be important to proving the severity of the crash or the force of impact. Don’t attempt repairs or throw anything away.

Step 6: Report the Crash to Your Insurance (If Applicable)

Even if you weren’t in a car, your auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply. Report the incident quickly—some policies require notice within 30 days.

Step 7: Don’t Talk to the Driver’s Insurance Alone

The at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out and try to get a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. Don’t agree to anything or sign any documents without talking to a lawyer first. These early offers are often far below what your case is worth.

Step 8: Contact a San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A skilled personal injury attorney can handle investigations, insurance claims, and negotiations while you focus on healing.

At Hulburt Law Firm, we know how to:

Reconstruct the crash using experts
Collect traffic or surveillance camera footage
Challenge unfair blame or lowball offers
Fight for the compensation you truly deserve

"Cyclists deserve respect on the road—and justice in the courtroom. We make sure they get both.”
— Leslie Hulburt, Trial Attorney

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Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Bicycle Accident

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps.

Avoid these common missteps:

Leaving the scene without calling police or gathering evidence
Downplaying injuries or skipping a medical exam
Throwing away or fixing your damaged bike
Giving a statement to the driver’s insurer without representation
Missing key deadlines for insurance or legal filings

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What to Do If the Driver Fled the Scene (Hit and Run)

If the driver who hit you left the scene, you can still take legal action. California law allows cyclists to file a claim under their uninsured motorist (UM) policy—even if you weren’t driving a car at the time.

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Understanding Your Insurance Options After a Crash

Many cyclists don’t realize they may have coverage even if the at-fault driver is uninsured or unidentified.

You may be covered by:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Homeowners or Renters Insurance (for bike and gear damage)
Specialized Bicycle Insurance (if applicable)

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Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

Emergency care and hospital bills
Follow-up treatment, rehab, or surgery
Lost income and future earnings
Pain and emotional distress
Property damage (bike, gear, phone)
Funeral costs in wrongful death cases

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How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in California?

Personal injury lawsuit: 2 years from the date of the accident
Claim against a government agency: 6 months
Insurance policy claim: Often 30 days or less

Act quickly. Waiting too long could result in denied claims or lost evidence.

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Why Choose Hulburt Law Firm?

At Hulburt Law Firm, we’ve built a reputation for standing up for cyclists—whether they’ve been hit by negligent drivers, injured due to unsafe infrastructure, or harmed by defective bicycle equipment.

What sets us apart:

Decades of courtroom success in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
Deep knowledge of California cycling laws and San Diego traffic conditions
Experience challenging city agencies, insurance companies, and manufacturers
A trial-first mindset: We prepare every case like it’s going to court

“We don’t just take cases—we take a stand. Because when cyclists are hurt, the truth demands justice.”
— Conor Hulburt, Founding Attorney

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Talk to a San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

You didn’t choose to be injured—but you can choose to fight back. At Hulburt Law Firm, we’re proud to represent injured cyclists across San Diego County and help them rebuild after devastating crashes.

Schedule a Free Consultation Online

The Truth Demands Justice.

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