BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Hit by a car, doored by a driver, or injured on a dangerous road. Bicycle accident cases involve unique liability — and insurers who don't take cyclists seriously. Gallo Law does.

Free Case Review → See Our Results

Millions

Recovered

100s

Cases Won

Years Experience

California Bar Member

No Fee Unless We Win

Free Consultation

Available 24/7

CYCLIST ADVOCACY

Insurance Companies Don't Take Bicycle Accident Claims Seriously. We Do.

Bicycle accident victims face the same bias motorcycle riders do — insurers assume the cyclist was at fault, in the wrong lane, or riding recklessly. The reality is that most bicycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers who failed to yield, opened a door without looking, or simply weren’t paying attention.

A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Who Rides With You

Joseph Gallo represents injured cyclists and bicycle injury lawyers throughout California on a contingency fee basis — no fee unless we win. Whether you were hit by a car, injured by a road hazard, or struck by an e-bike or delivery vehicle, Gallo Law investigates every angle of liability and pursues maximum compensation.

A bicycle accident injury lawyer's job is to make sure the driver's insurer can't minimize what happened to you. That is exactly what we do.

OUR PROCESS

How We Handle Bicycle Accident Cases

Scene Investigation

We act immediately to preserve traffic camera footage, business surveillance video, and dashcam recordings before they are deleted — critical in bicycle accident cases where liability is frequently disputed and physical evidence disappears fast.

Counter Driver Excuses

We investigate the crash scene, review bike lane markings, road hazard conditions, signal timing, and witness accounts to establish exactly who was at fault — and counter every attempt by the insurer to blame the cyclist.

Injury Documentation

Bicycle accident injuries are frequently more severe than insurers acknowledge. We work with medical experts to fully document and value every injury — from road rash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and spinal damage — including future care costs and lost earning capacity.

Proven Results

Accident Case Results

$267,500

Scooter Accident

Scooter accident against the City of Chula Vista for failure to maintain their sidewalk causing catastrophic injuries to client's hip.

$1,689,000

Trucking Rear-End Collision

Rear end collision trucking accident in Los Angeles County with surgical back injury. Policy limits recovered.

$900,000

Rideshare Collision

Rideshare settlement for two passengers in Los Angeles County with chest fracture and neck injuries. Policy limits recovered.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer — What We Handle & Where We Serve

Types of Bicycle Accidents We Handle

Hit by a Car Bicycle Accident

Being struck by a vehicle is the most common and most catastrophic bicycle accident scenario. Whether it happened at an intersection, in a bike lane, or on a residential street, Gallo Law investigates every aspect of the crash to prove the driver’s negligence and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

Dooring Accidents

A dooring accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door directly into a cyclist’s path — leaving no time to react. California Vehicle Code Section 22517 makes it illegal to open a car door into traffic, but insurance companies routinely dispute liability in dooring cases. Gallo Law handles bicycle dooring accident cases throughout California and knows exactly how to establish fault when a driver claims they didn’t see you coming.

E-Bike and Electric Bicycle Accidents

Electric bicycle accidents are one of the fastest-growing personal injury case types in California. With e-bikes capable of reaching speeds of 28 mph or more, the injuries in these crashes are significantly more severe than traditional bicycle accidents. E-bike accident cases also involve unique liability questions around speed classification, bike lane access, and product liability when equipment failure contributes to the crash.

Road Hazard and Bike Lane Accidents

Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, missing lane markings, and poorly designed bike infrastructure are serious hazards to cyclists. When a road defect or dangerous bike lane condition causes a crash, liability may fall on a government agency, property owner, or construction company. These cases involve strict filing deadlines and specific procedural requirements — making early legal involvement critical.

Bicycle Hit and Run Accidents

If the driver who hit you fled the scene, you may still have significant legal options. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply to bicycle accidents in California. Traffic cameras, business surveillance, and witness accounts can often identify a fleeing driver. Gallo Law moves immediately to preserve this evidence before it disappears.

Wrongful Death Bicycle Accidents

When a bicycle accident results in death, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver and their insurer. These cases involve unique legal considerations around survivor benefits, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. Gallo Law handles wrongful death bicycle accident cases with the care and urgency they demand.

What Compensation Can Injured Cyclists Recover?

Bicycle accident victims are entitled to pursue compensation for all losses caused by the at-fault driver’s negligence. Recoverable damages include current and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, bicycle repair or replacement, and the cost of long-term rehabilitation. In cases involving traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, future care costs can represent the largest component of a claim. Gallo Law evaluates every category of damage to ensure nothing is left on the table — including bicycle accident lost wages, medical bills, and compensation for permanent injuries.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer — Areas We Serve

Gallo Law represents bicycle accident victims throughout Southern California. Every case is handled directly by attorney Joseph Gallo from our Costa Mesa office — no handoffs, no case managers.

Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Orange County has one of the most active cycling communities in Southern California — and some of its most dangerous roads for cyclists. From Pacific Coast Highway through Huntington Beach and Newport Beach to the Santa Ana River Trail and Irvine’s bike lane network, Gallo Law represents bicycle accident victims throughout the county.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

The most common causes of bicycle accidents are driver negligence — including failure to yield, running red lights, making turns without checking for cyclists, and distracted driving. Dooring accidents, where a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist's path, are also extremely common in urban areas. Road hazards including potholes, uneven pavement, and debris cause a significant number of crashes that may involve government or property owner liability. In most bicycle accident cases, the driver bears primary responsibility — and Gallo Law builds cases that prove it.

What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Bicycle accident injuries are among the most severe in personal injury law because cyclists have no protection against an impacting vehicle. The most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken collar bones, arms, and legs, road rash requiring skin grafts, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, and facial fractures. Even low-speed impacts can produce life-altering injuries. Many bicycle accident injuries — particularly TBIs — do not produce immediate symptoms, which is why seeking medical attention immediately after any crash is critical regardless of how you feel at the scene.

What Should I Do If the Driver Flees After a Bicycle Accident?

Call 911 immediately and stay at the scene. Call From The Scene is a free program offered by Gallo Law to help you immediately after a bicycle accident with what to do next. Try to record as many details about the vehicle as possible — make, model, color, partial plate number, and direction of travel. Do not assume you have no options because the driver fled. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply even though you were on a bicycle. Traffic cameras, business surveillance footage, and nearby dashcam recordings can often identify a fleeing driver. Gallo Law moves immediately to preserve this evidence before it disappears — contact us as soon as possible after a hit and run bicycle accident.

How Do I Recover Money From the Driver Who Hit Me?

Your bicycle accident attorney files a claim against the at-fault driver's auto insurance policy and negotiates a settlement that fully compensates your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney files a lawsuit and litigates the case in court. Gallo Law handles every step of this process — from the initial insurance claim through trial if necessary — so you never have to deal with an adjuster alone. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid when you do.

What If I Was Also Partially at Fault for the Bicycle Accident?

California follows a pure comparative fault rule — meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the crash. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering entirely. For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Insurance companies use comparative fault aggressively to reduce payouts — Gallo Law fights to minimize any fault assigned to you and maximize your recovery.

What If I Wasn't Fully in the Bike Lane When I Was Hit?

Being outside the bike lane does not automatically make you at fault. California law requires drivers to exercise due care around cyclists regardless of where they are riding. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, you may still recover full or partial compensation even if you were not strictly in the bike lane. The circumstances matter — and Gallo Law investigates every detail to build the strongest possible liability case on your behalf.

What If I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet?

California law requires helmets for cyclists under 18 but not for adult riders. Not wearing a helmet as an adult does not bar your claim — but the insurance company may argue it contributed to your head injuries specifically. Under California's comparative fault rules, not wearing a helmet could reduce your recovery for head injuries while leaving your recovery for all other injuries fully intact. Gallo Law anticipates and counters this argument with medical expert testimony and a clear liability narrative.

What Does a Bicycle Accident Attorney Actually Do?

A bicycle accident attorney investigates the crash, preserves critical evidence, identifies every liable party, documents your injuries and their full long-term impact, negotiates with the at-fault driver's insurer, and — when the insurer won't offer fair compensation — litigates your case in court. Joseph Gallo handles every step personally. You speak directly with your attorney from the first call through the resolution of your case — not a paralegal, not a case manager, not a call center.

How Much Is a Bicycle Accident Case Worth?

The value of a bicycle accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, the insurance coverage available, and your long-term medical needs. Minor injury cases may settle in the tens of thousands. Cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death routinely result in six and seven-figure outcomes. The full value of a bicycle accident claim almost always exceeds the insurance company's initial offer. Joseph Gallo evaluates every case individually and gives you an honest assessment of its value — not a number designed to get you to sign.

Will I Have to Go to Court for a Bicycle Accident?

Most bicycle accident cases resolve through settlement before trial. However, Gallo Law prepares every case for litigation from day one — because insurers consistently offer more when they know your attorney is ready and willing to take the case to court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, Joseph Gallo will take your case to trial. The decision to settle or litigate is always yours — but you will never be pressured into accepting less than your case is worth.

How Long Does a Bicycle Accident Case Take?

Straightforward bicycle accident cases with clear liability and defined injuries can settle in a few months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or litigation can take a year or longer. Cases that go to trial take longer still. Joseph Gallo gives every client an honest timeline based on the specific circumstances of their case — and keeps you informed at every step so you are never left wondering where things stand.

Can My Strava Data Help My Bicycle Accident Case?

Yes — Strava and other GPS cycling apps record your speed, location, and route in real time. This data can be powerful evidence in a bicycle accident case. It can confirm your exact position on the road at the moment of impact, establish your speed, and counter false claims by the at-fault driver about where you were riding or how fast you were going. Gallo Law works with digital evidence experts to extract and preserve GPS and app data as part of every bicycle accident investigation.

How Much Do Bicycle Accident Lawyers Charge?

At Gallo Law there is no money out of pocket to hire us. We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. If we don't win, you owe us nothing. You get an experienced bicycle accident attorney working hard on your case without ever having to worry about a bill. The question is never whether you can afford a bicycle accident lawyer — it is whether you can afford to negotiate alone against an insurance company that does this every day.

Why Choose Gallo Law for My Bicycle Accident Case?

Gallo Law is based in Costa Mesa and represents bicycle accident victims throughout Orange County and Southern California. When you hire Gallo Law, you work directly with attorney Joseph Gallo — not a paralegal, not a case manager, not a rotating team of associates. Joseph handles every bicycle accident case personally from free consultation through resolution. We work on contingency, we respond fast, and we build cases designed to win — not just settle. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, call Gallo Law for a free consultation with Joseph directly.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be judged on its own merits. The results listed above are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any future case. Some results noted on this site are from attorney Joseph Gallo’s career and include results when employed at other law firms and when associating in other law firms. They are not solely the results of Gallo Law, APC but are the results of cases worked on by Joseph Gallo as an attorney.