Bay Area Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cycling is a way of life in the San Francisco Bay Area. From recreational rides through the San Francisco Bay Trail to daily commutes, bicycles are woven into the fabric of San Mateo County culture. But as more cyclists share roads with cars, trucks, and buses, the risks have grown, and the consequences of a collision can be devastating.

At Danko Meredith, we stand with injured cyclists. Our Redwood Shores-based bicycle accident lawyers represent those who’ve been seriously hurt in bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, and defective equipment. We’ve helped people recover life-changing compensation after catastrophic crashes, and we’re not afraid to take on even the largest insurance companies, public agencies, or corporations when justice is at stake. For a free consultation with proven bicycle accident lawyers, contact our Bay Area law firm today. You can also reach our law office in Redwood City by calling (650) 453-3600.

Cycling Around Redwood City: Passion and Risk on Two Wheels

San Mateo County is home to one of California’s most active cycling communities. On any given weekend, you’ll find groups cruising up Cañada Road, solo commuters navigating Whipple Avenue, and families enjoying the Bay Trail. Cycling in the Bay Area is popular for good reason: it’s sustainable, healthy, and practical.

Redwood City and its surrounding communities offer some of the most scenic bike routes in the state. However, even these trails come with risks that cyclists need to be aware of.

Popular local routes include:

• The Bay Trail, stretching along the Peninsula with mixed-use traffic
• Crystal Springs Regional Trail, popular for weekend rides
• Cañada Road, closed to cars on select Sundays for “Bicycle Sunday”
• The Stanford Loop, frequented by students and commuters
• Edgewood Road, a scenic but narrow climb with sharp curves
• State Route 84, whether it’s along the Bayfront Expressway or Woodside Road
• Skyline Boulevard, with scenic vistas along most of State Route 35

The Dangers of Cycling in the Bay Area

But as the number of cyclists grows, so do the dangers. Northern California’s infrastructure is still catching up to demand. Many roads lack dedicated bike lanes, and existing paths are often too narrow, poorly marked, or riddled with debris. Add in impatient drivers, distracted commuters, and increasing e-bike usage, and it’s a recipe for disaster.

Even on trails, hazards persist. Some routes are shared with vehicles, pedestrians, or joggers. Blind corners, poor lighting, and intersections with minimal signage can make conditions perilous. The bottom line: The Bay is a great place to ride, but when collisions happen, cyclists pay the steepest price.

Our firm supports efforts to improve bike safety infrastructure and enforce motorist accountability. Every rider should be able to cycle safely, and every injured cyclist deserves justice when that safety is taken away.

Why Cyclists Trust Us: A $9.5 Million Jury Verdict in a Fatal Accident Case

One of our past cases involved a fatal accident involving a 62-year-old Redwood City man named Chris Chandler. Chris was struck by a car and killed while he was crossing El Camino Real. The police claimed Chris rode his bike into oncoming traffic and treated his case as a possible suicide.

In fact, eyewitnesses confirmed to us that Chris was in a marked crosswalk and walking his bike when he was killed. In uncovered state documents, we learned that this crosswalk was found unsafe because yielding vehicles could block a person’s view of oncoming traffic. It turns out that the state had refused to fix this dangerous crosswalk because not enough pedestrians or cyclists were hurt to justify the expenditure.

The state’s best settlement offer before trial was just $100,000. The jury agreed with us that the crosswalk was not safe, that Chris could not have avoided the fatal accident, and he was not to blame in any way. In a unanimous verdict, the jury awarded Chris’ family $9.5 million.

We’re Committed to Our Clients and Their Families

Cases like Chris’ are why Bay Area bicyclists and their families can trust the accident attorneys at Danko Meredith. We don’t represent hundreds of minor cases; we focus on serious injuries that demand serious attention. We’ve helped victims recover millions of dollars after life-changing accidents, and we’re known for our willingness to take cases to trial when needed.

In another past case, we secured a $2.2 million jury verdict against the state of Hawaii for a cyclist who suffered a serious brain injury. While there were no witnesses to the bike accident per se, we were able to reconstruct the accident using fibers that were on the pavement and examining the bike wreckage. Our team also tracked down multiple witnesses who identified a road design defect that endangered bicyclists just like our client.

We don’t let corporations, insurance companies, or the state push our clients aside. Our attorneys have more than 120 years of combined legal experience and access to some of the best expert witnesses in the country.

California’s Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents

Most personal injury lawsuits in California must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. However, if you’re suing a government agency (for example, for road defects or trail hazards), you must file an administrative claim within just six months.

Failing to meet these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. Don’t wait. Contact our law firm in Redwood City to speak with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer about what happened.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in the Bay Area

Bicycle accidents are rarely “accidents” at all. They’re often the direct result of negligence by drivers, property owners, product manufacturers, or public agencies. At Danko Meredith, our bicycle accident attorneys thoroughly investigate each crash to understand what went wrong and who is legally responsible.

Driver Negligence

The most frequent cause of bike crashes is driver carelessness. Motorists may fail to yield, run red lights, or drift into bike lanes. In Redwood City, where cars frequently turn across high-traffic bike corridors like Jefferson Avenue, cyclists are often struck during routine rides. Distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving remain major culprits.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Cracks, potholes, uneven pavement, obstructed views, and raised utility covers pose serious risks to cyclists. Poorly maintained roads, especially at intersections and along shoulders, can cause riders to lose control and crash. Municipal agencies are responsible for maintaining these roads and improving their safety. These authorities may be liable for injuries or deaths caused by their failure to do so.

Getting Doored by Vehicles

Doorings occur when a parked car’s door swings open into a cyclist’s path. It’s one of the most common urban crash types, and often leads to broken bones, brain injuries, or worse. California law requires drivers and passengers to check before opening doors, but many still fail to look.

Delivery and Commercial Vehicle Collisions

With the rise of delivery services like Amazon, UPS, and DoorDash, narrow city streets are often crowded with large vehicles stopping unexpectedly. Cyclists are especially vulnerable when a truck turns right across a bike lane or pulls out without checking for nearby riders.

Defective Bicycle Components

A crash may not involve another vehicle at all. Mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes, defective tires, or frame malfunctions, can send a cyclist crashing to the pavement at high speed. Helmets, when defective, may also fail to prevent severe head trauma. We pursue product liability claims against manufacturers when poor design or quality control plays a role.

Hazardous Trail or Bike Path Design

Poorly designed bike trails, inadequate signage, or dangerously placed posts and barriers can also contribute to serious injuries. When public entities neglect to maintain safe cycling infrastructure, they may be held accountable under California law.

Bicycle Accident Injuries: More Than Cuts and Bruises

Cyclists have little protection when struck by a vehicle or thrown from a bike. Even when wearing a helmet, riders face a high risk of catastrophic injury.

Some of the most common and serious bike accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions, brain bleeding, or long-term cognitive impairment.
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs): A hard fall or direct impact can result in paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Wrists, arms, clavicles, ribs, hips, and legs are frequently fractured in crashes.
• Facial and Dental Injuries: Riders who go over the handlebars often suffer broken jaws, teeth, and orbital fractures.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma may cause damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Severe lacerations, road rash, torn ligaments, and muscle damage can be painful and disabling.

The physical trauma is only part of the story. Bicycle accident victims often experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if they can no longer ride or live independently. Many face months or years of recovery, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future.

At Danko Meredith, we work with medical experts and life care planners to fully understand the long-term impact of your injuries and pursue every dollar you need to rebuild your life.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident?

Bicycle accident liability depends on how and where the crash occurred. Our job is to identify every responsible party and hold them accountable through insurance claims or lawsuits.

Negligent Drivers

If a driver caused the crash through reckless or distracted driving, they can be held responsible under standard personal injury laws. Their insurance company may cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but insurers rarely offer fair value without a legal fight.

Public Entities

If a dangerous road condition, a poorly designed bike lane, or a neglected trail caused your crash, you may have a claim against Redwood City, San Mateo County, or Caltrans. These cases require special notice under the California Tort Claims Act and have strict deadlines (often six months from the date of injury).

Employers or Delivery Companies

If the at-fault driver was on the job when the crash occurred, such as a delivery driver or contractor, their employer may share liability. This is often the case in accidents involving Amazon vans, Uber Eats drivers, or rideshare operators.

Product Manufacturers

When a defective bike frame, helmet, tire, or component causes injury, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law. These claims require detailed investigation and in-depth analysis, which we’re well-equipped to handle.

Private Property Owners

If you were injured entering or exiting a commercial parking lot, driveway, or alley, a property owner who failed to provide proper visibility, signage, or safe design may also share responsibility.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Northern California

If you’re hurt in a bicycle accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly affect both your physical recovery and your legal case. Acting quickly protects your health, preserves critical evidence, and strengthens your claim for compensation.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s essential to get evaluated by a medical professional. Some conditions, like internal bleeding, soft tissue injuries, or head trauma, may not present symptoms right away but can worsen over time. A prompt medical exam not only ensures your well-being but also links your injuries to the crash in the medical record.

Call the Police and File a Report

Always report the accident and request that a police officer respond to the scene. A formal accident report provides an official account of what happened, documents the parties involved, and may include witness statements, all of which are imperative to proving liability.

Document the Scene Thoroughly

Use your phone (or ask someone to help) to take photos and videos of:

• Your damaged bicycle and helmet
• Visible injuries
• The crash location and the surrounding area
• Road conditions, traffic signals, and signage
• The involved vehicle(s), license plates, and driver information

These images help preserve details that might later disappear or change.

Preserve Evidence

Do not repair, clean, or dispose of any of your damaged gear. Your bicycle, helmet, and even torn clothing may serve as physical evidence to support your case. Keep everything in its post-accident condition.

Don’t Speak to Insurance Adjusters Alone

Insurance representatives may contact you quickly after a crash, hoping you’ll accept a low settlement or provide a statement they can use against you. Politely decline to speak with any insurer, yours or theirs, until you’ve consulted a bicycle accident attorney from our firm.

Contact Our Bay Area Bicycle Accident Lawyers

The sooner you involve a bicycle accident attorney, the better. At Danko Meredith, we launch a thorough investigation immediately, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and protecting your rights. Early legal involvement can mean the difference between a rushed settlement and full, fair compensation. Contact our Bay Area law firm today for a free consultation with our bike accident attorneys.

What Compensation Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help You Recover?

Every bicycle accident case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the circumstances surrounding the crash. At Danko Meredith, our bicycle accident attorneys fight to recover the full spectrum of damages available under California law, which includes both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the financial losses tied directly to your injury. These typically include the cost of emergency medical care, hospital stays, surgeries, and follow-up treatment such as physical therapy and rehabilitation. Many cyclists require long-term medical attention, including medications, durable medical equipment, and specialized procedures.

We also account for lost income due to time away from work, as well as any reduction in your future earning potential if your injuries limit your ability to return to your career. Property damage is another important factor; we seek reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your bicycle, safety gear, and any other damaged equipment.

In cases involving long-term or permanent disability, our Redwood City bicycle accident attorneys pursue compensation for home modifications, accessible transportation, and other ongoing support needs.

Non-Economic Damages

In addition to those tangible losses, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages. These cover the deeply personal and emotional consequences of your injury. Physical pain and suffering are common in serious bicycle accident cases, as are emotional hardships such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Many injured cyclists experience a diminished quality of life, especially if they are no longer able to ride, work, or participate in favorite activities. Permanent disfigurement, scarring, or disability can lead to social isolation and loss of confidence. We also seek compensation for the emotional toll these injuries take on spouses and close family members, including the loss of companionship and support.

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence, such as drunk driving or willful recklessness, courts may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

At Danko Meredith, our bicycle accident lawyers in Redwood City don’t cut corners. We build every case with the goal of capturing the full picture of what you’ve lost, so you can move forward with the resources and support you need. Our attorneys use expert witnesses, forensic evidence, and detailed financial models to prove the full extent of your losses, both now and in the years to come.

Bike Accident Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?

Nothing upfront. At Danko Meredith, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. We cover all legal costs so you can focus on recovery.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of my bike accident?

You may still be eligible for compensation. While helmet use can affect liability arguments, California law does not bar recovery simply because a cyclist wasn’t wearing a helmet. You can count on our Bay Area bicycle accident attorneys to fight back against insurance companies that try to blame the victim.

Can I sue a city for a dangerous bike lane or trail?

Yes, if the city or a public agency failed to maintain safe conditions or design infrastructure negligently. These claims are subject to shorter deadlines, so it’s critical to act quickly.

Will my health insurance or auto insurance cover my medical bills?

Health insurance may help, but if another party was at fault, their insurer should ultimately pay. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your auto policy, it may also apply, even though you were on a bike.

How long do bicycle accident cases take to resolve?

Some cases settle in a few months; others may take over a year, depending on the severity of injuries, clarity of fault, and insurance negotiations. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

What if the driver fled the scene of the accident?

Hit-and-run crashes are, unfortunately, common. If the driver can’t be located, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. Our bicycle accident attorneys will investigate every available avenue for compensation.

Contact Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Redwood Shores, CA

Cycling should be safe, empowering, and life-enhancing, not life-threatening. When negligence cuts your ride short, Danko Meredith is here to help you recover, physically, financially, and emotionally.

Our bicycle accident lawyers offer free, confidential consultations and don’t get paid unless you do. You focus on healing. We’ll focus on holding the responsible party accountable. Contact us online today or call our office at (650) 453-3600 to start your case.