California Bicycle Accident Lawyer Serving Bakersfield

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Bakersfield, California law may allow you to seek damages for the harm you suffered.

Bicycle crashes are especially dangerous because cyclists have limited physical protection. Even accidents at lower speeds can result in serious or permanent injuries.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents injured bicyclists throughout Bakersfield, Kern County, and nearby communities including Arvin, California City, Delano, and Maricopa.

Bicycle Accident Claims in Bakersfield — Legal Rights for Injured Cyclists

Bicycle accident cases in Bakersfield often involve multiple responsible parties, and insurance carriers may try to shift blame. A strong claim usually depends on documenting the scene promptly and clearly showing what safety rule was violated.

Many bicycle crashes happen when drivers make unsafe turns, misjudge a cyclist’s right-of-way, or violate basic traffic rules. Other incidents involve roadway hazards such as potholes, poor visibility from blocked sight lines, or dangerous conditions that a cyclist had little time to react to.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Bakersfield

• Drivers pulling out without looking at intersections and driveways
• Right-hook collisions involving vehicles turning across a cyclist’s path
• Distracted driving from in-vehicle screens and inattention near bike lanes
• Unsafe passing, tailgating, or failing to provide safe clearance
• “Dooring” accidents where a vehicle door creates an unavoidable hazard
• Hazardous roadway conditions including construction debris and surface defects
• unidentified driver crashes where the at-fault driver leaves the scene

Bicycle Accident Injuries We See in Bakersfield

Because cyclists are exposed, injuries are often serious and may require emergency care. Even when symptoms seem mild at first, injuries can become more apparent days later, especially involving the head.

• head trauma and ongoing post-concussion symptoms
• Broken bones such as ribs and orthopedic injuries requiring casting or surgery
• spine injuries including herniated discs, nerve pain, and mobility limitations
• Road rash, scarring, and soft tissue injuries
• Internal injuries that require urgent evaluation

Who May Be Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Bakersfield

Liability depends on who failed to act reasonably. In many cases, more than one party may be responsible, including a driver, an employer, a property owner, or a public entity. We look for every source of coverage to avoid leaving compensation on the table.

• Negligent drivers who failed to drive safely around cyclists
• commercial operators when a worker caused the crash while on the job
• municipal departments responsible for roadway design, signage, or maintenance
• management companies whose premises conditions contributed to the incident
• distributors when a defective bicycle part or safety component contributed to the injury

Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident

An injured cyclist may be entitled to compensation for economic damages and the human impact caused by the crash. The value of a case often depends on medical needs and the strength of the evidence proving fault.

• Medical expenses including ER care and future treatment
• Lost wages and future income loss
• physical pain
• sleep disruption and trauma-related symptoms
• disability and long-term limitations

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents

What if the insurance company blames me?

California follows comparative negligence, which means you may still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Insurers often try to minimize responsibility, so documenting the crash and preserving evidence matters.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years, but shorter deadlines can apply when a government entity is involved. Acting early protects your rights and improves evidence.

Do I need a police report?

A police report is not required in every situation, but it can provide valuable documentation when liability is disputed. If possible, gather photos, witness information, and prompt medical records.