Who Is Liable in a Bicycle Accident With a Car in California?

 Posted on October 31, 2025 in Car Accidents

Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries, especially when a car is involved. To recover any compensation for your losses, someone else has to be at fault. Fault depends on how the accident happened and whether anyone violated traffic laws. Our experienced Los Angeles, CA car accident lawyers can help you determine who is liable and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Understanding California’s Bicycle and Traffic Laws

In California, cyclists must follow most of the same traffic rules as drivers. This includes stopping at red lights, using hand signals, and riding in the same direction as traffic. Cyclists also have the same rights as motorists, meaning drivers must share the road safely and yield when required.

State law also includes the Three Feet for Safety Act, which requires drivers to keep at least three feet of distance when passing a bicycle. If a driver violates this rule and causes an accident, it can be used as strong evidence of negligence.

When Is the Driver at Fault for a Crash With a Cyclist?

Drivers cause many bicycle accidents when they ignore traffic laws or fail to watch for cyclists. Common examples of driver behaviors that can cause accidents include:

• Failing to yield at an intersection or while making a turn

• Opening a car door without checking for an oncoming bicyclist

• Driving while distracted by a phone, GPS, or passenger

• Speeding or following too closely behind a cyclist

• Turning without checking blind spots or failing to signal before changing lanes

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which reduces awareness and reaction time

If a driver violates safety rules and hits a cyclist, they can be held liable for damages. Those losses might include medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Even small mistakes behind the wheel can have devastating consequences when a bicyclist is involved.

Can the Bicyclist Be at Fault in a Crash With a Car?

In some cases, the cyclist shares responsibility for the accident. For example, a bicyclist who ignores a stop sign, rides against traffic, or fails to use proper lighting at night may be at least partly at fault. California Vehicle Code §21201 requires working lights and reflectors when riding at night. Failing to follow this rule can reduce the cyclist’s ability to recover damages.

California uses a pure comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the crash, but your percentage of fault will reduce the amount you can recover. For example, if you are found 60 percent at fault, your total award will be reduced by that same amount.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Glendale, CA Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a bicycle crash with a car, an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and build a strong claim for recovery. Our Los Angeles, CA auto accident lawyers have decades of combined experience representing injured cyclists and drivers across Southern California. We draw on more than 30 years of experience and are committed to helping clients pursue the compensation they deserve while holding negligent parties accountable.

To determine the true value of your claim, call Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. at 818-242-8201 and schedule a free consultation today.