If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike in California, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to protect your health and potential legal claim. Assess your injuries, call 911, gather information from the scene, and seek medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive compensation for your injuries.
You’re out for a ride when suddenly, you’re hit by a car. A car hits your bike, and everything happens in seconds. The shock, confusion, and fear that follow can make it hard to think clearly. You’re not alone in wondering, “I got hit by a car on my bike — what should I do?”
Getting hit by a car while riding your bicycle can change your life dramatically. The size and speed of a car can create a great force in an impact against a defenseless bicycle rider.
At The Beliz Law Firm, we’ve helped countless California cyclists who’ve been hit by negligent drivers. Knowing what steps to take immediately after a crash can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover full compensation.
The following steps may not protect you from getting hit by a car while riding a bike, but they will help protect your potential personal injury case.
Key Points
- Document the accident with a police report. Having law enforcement respond ensures an official record that can support your bicycle accident claim.
- Preserve evidence to strengthen your case. Photos of the scene, vehicle, bike damage, and witness statements can help prove fault and damages.
- Seek medical treatment and keep records. Medical documentation ties your injuries directly to the crash, which is essential for an injury claim.
- Contact a bicycle accident attorney early. An experienced lawyer can handle insurance negotiations, meet legal deadlines, and maximize potential compensation.
What to Do If You Get Hit by a Car on a Bike in California
1. Assess your body for any potential injuries
After the collision, you need to assess your body for any potential injuries. A bicycle helmet may help against a head injury however other body parts especially your limbs are vulnerable to serious injuries in a car accident.
In many instances, injuries may happen not only from the car itself but also from the impact to the ground. Therefore a bicycle rider has twice as many chances to be injured from a car crash. Assess your body for any pains and injuries.
2. Call 911
Call 911 for emergency personnel. The fire department and emergency medical technicians will arrive at the scene, in addition to law enforcement. The firefighters and EMTs will document your pains and vitals. If needed, they will take you by ambulance to the nearest emergency room for care.
Law enforcement officers like the sheriffs or the local police will gather information and statements from all parties and write a traffic collision report. Both the medical report and traffic collision report will help in your bodily injury claim against the negligent car driver.
3. Get the Driver’s Information
Treat a bicycle accident just like a car accident. Ask for the following information:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate
If the driver flees, try to remember details such as the license plate number, car color, and direction of travel, then report it to the police as a hit-and-run.
4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able, take photos of:
- The accident scene and roadway
- Damage to your bike and the car
- Any visible injuries
- Skid marks, traffic lights, or street signs nearby
Eyewitnesses can also make a big difference. Politely ask for their names and phone numbers in case your attorney needs to contact them later.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention. If your injuries are serious, you may be driven to the hospital in an ambulance. In many instances, pains and injuries are not immediately apparent at the crash site. It may take two to three day or even longer for your injuries to present. For example brain injuries and internal injuries may not present themselves immediately. Therefore, you should then promptly seek medical attention.
Let the doctor know all of your aches and pains from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.
6. Do Not Admit Fault or Apologize
It’s natural to say “I’m sorry” after a stressful accident, but this can be taken as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when talking to the driver or police. Let investigators determine who was responsible.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your auto insurance company. Even though you were hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, you may be covered for bodily injuries through your uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional insurance. Even though you are on a bicycle at the time of the incident, your uninsured motorist coverage may compensate you for your bodily injuries since the incident involved a car.
8. Contact a California Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Cycling accidents often involve serious injuries and complex liability issues. Insurance companies may try to blame you or minimize your claim.
A skilled bicycle accident attorney can:
- Investigate the accident
- Handle all communication with insurers
- Calculate your damages (medical costs, lost wages, pain & suffering)
- Fight for maximum compensation
The Beliz Law Firm has over a decade of experience helping injured cyclists throughout California recover what they deserve.
What NOT to Do After Getting Hit by a Car on a Bike
Many cyclists unintentionally hurt their case by making small mistakes after a crash. Avoid the following:
- ❌ Do not negotiate privately with the driver. Always wait for police and exchange official information.
- ❌ Don’t post about the accident on social media. Insurers can use your posts against you.
- ❌ Don’t delay medical treatment. Waiting too long to see a doctor can weaken your injury claim.
- ❌ Don’t sign anything from an insurance company without legal advice. Early settlements often undervalue your case.
Hit By a Car on Your Bike? Contact Us Today
Being hit by a car while riding your bike can turn your life upside down in seconds. But you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At The Beliz Law Firm, our California bicycle accident attorneys are here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. We’ll handle the legal side so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help after a bicycle accident anywhere in California.
FAQs
Q: What should I do immediately after being hit by a car on my bike?
Get to a safe area, call 911, and wait for the police. Collect the driver’s information, take photos, and seek medical attention right away.
Q: Who pays for my medical bills if I get hit by a car on my bike?
The at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible. If they are uninsured or flee the scene, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply.
Q: Should I call the police if the driver says we can handle it ourselves?
Yes. Always call the police to document the accident. Without a police report, it’s much harder to prove fault or file a successful claim.
Q: Do I need a lawyer after being hit by a car on my bike?
While not required, hiring a lawyer can greatly improve your chances of recovering full compensation and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly to blame. Your award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.