Bicycling in and around Santa Ana can be dangerous, and bicyclists must always be prepared. Avoiding a collision with another cyclist, a car, or a truck is preferable; however, others’ negligence can lead to crashes no matter how careful you are. In 2022, over 30 bicyclists were killed or hurt in crashes across Orange County. 

Unfortunately, bicycle accidents in Santa Ana, CA are part of this trend, underscoring the need for both greater awareness and legal protection for cyclists.

Being prepared as a cyclist involves knowing what steps to take in the event of a wreck.

Santa Ana Right-of-Way Laws and Bicycle Crash Liability

California law considers bicycles to be vehicles, meaning that bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road that car and truck drivers must follow. When you collide with someone else, it is typically because one person or the other failed to follow these laws:

When on the Road

When traveling on the road or in a bike lane, you have the same privileges as a car or truck. 

This means a motorist can be at fault and liable for damages if they:

  • Cut you off by turning left in front of you
  • Fail to check their blind spots before merging into your lane
  • Drive too fast, too slow, or are distracted when they strike you
  • Arrive at an intersection after you, but rush through it before you proceed
  • Ignore traffic control lights and signs

“Dooring,” where a driver parked on the side of the road opens their car door into your path and causes a crash, is also a danger bicyclists must watch for. Drivers who fail to check for oncoming bicyclists before opening their doors can be legally responsible for the injuries they cause to cyclists.

When on a Shared Use Path or Sidewalk

If you collide with a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other non-motorized vehicle on a bike trail or other off-road trail, liability depends on who is to blame for causing the crash. All individuals using a shared-use path must exercise reasonable caution, including managing their speed and looking out for others. In general, bicyclists should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on these paths.

What to Do After a Bike Crash

As a cyclist, the moments after a crash are crucial for your health and legal rights. You should call 911 and ask for help if you believe you have been injured in any way. If you are able, you should:

Move to Safety While You Wait for Help

Do not leave the scene if you have been hurt, but try to get out of the way of other traffic. However, if you are in severe pain or you feel numbness or tingling in your extremities, do not move unless you absolutely must. In this case, you may have suffered a spinal cord injury, and further unnecessary movement can increase the damage you sustained.

Obtain the Name and Insurance Information of the Other Person

If the trucker or motorist who collided with you was at fault, a court can order them to pay you compensation. In many cases, their insurance company will pay for your losses.

Get Medical Care and Follow All Reasonable Directions

Whether you are transported by ambulance or you can leave the scene yourself, get to a hospital or doctor’s office quickly for an evaluation. Some severe injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, do not always have immediate signs or symptoms.

Save All Documents You Receive

Keep any accident reports, medical bills, or other records pertaining to your accident in a safe and accessible place. These can be critical for evaluating your case and taking legal action against the person responsible for the crash.

Seeking Compensation for Santa Ana Bike Crashes

Depending on the circumstances under which your bike accident occurs, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Speak with an experienced Santa Ana bike injury lawyer before accepting any settlement to ensure you are receiving the full amount of damages you are owed.