California Cyclist Injury Advocates
Bicycle Accident Lawyers
When a distracted driver runs you off the road, or a careless motorist doors you into traffic, you're left with serious injuries and an insurance company looking to blame you. We've spent 50+ years holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause cyclists.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle Crash Cases We Handle
From dooring accidents to hit-and-runs, we fight for injured cyclists throughout California.
Dooring Accidents
Car doors opened into bike lanes without checking for cyclists
Right-of-Way Violations
Drivers turning or failing to yield at intersections
Hit-and-Run
Drivers who flee after striking cyclists
Rear-End Collisions
Distracted drivers hitting cyclists from behind
Driver Negligence
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, using apps, or looking at phones instead of watching for cyclists in bike lanes and on roadways.
Failure to Yield
Motorists turning left or right without checking for oncoming cyclists who have the right of way.
Unsafe Passing
Drivers violating California's three-foot passing law, passing too closely and clipping or sideswiping cyclists.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases severity of impact when a driver strikes a cyclist.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, leading to preventable collisions with cyclists.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Potholes, debris, inadequate bike lanes, and poor road maintenance that cause cyclists to crash.
Critical Differences
Why Bicycle Cases Are Different
Insurance Companies Blame Cyclists
Adjusters routinely claim cyclists "came out of nowhere" or were "going too fast." We gather independent evidence to prove driver negligence and defeat these tactics.
Police Reports Often Wrong
Officers arrive after the crash and often accept the driver's version. We've overturned adverse police reports through witness testimony and accident reconstruction.
Catastrophic Injuries Are Common
Cyclists have zero protection against multi-ton vehicles. Head trauma, spinal injuries, and broken bones require substantial compensation for lifetime care.
Bicycle Accident Litigation
Standard Approach vs. Scranton Strategy
| Legal Factor | The Insurance Approach | The Scranton Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Police Report | "The report says you were at fault" ✗ | Challenges report with independent evidence ✓ |
| Three-Foot Law Violation | Ignores passing distance ✗ | Documents and proves unsafe passing ✓ |
| Helmet Defense | "No helmet = your fault" ✗ | Separates helmet issue from driver negligence ✓ |
| Hit-and-Run | "Can't identify driver, can't help" ✗ | Pursues UM coverage + investigates to find driver ✓ |
| Bicycle Value | Offers depreciated value ✗ | Demands full replacement cost ✓ |
Injured in a Bike Crash?
What to Do Right Now
Call 911 for a Police Report
A formal crash report is critical evidence. Don't let the driver talk you out of calling police, even if injuries seem minor.
Document Everything
Photograph your bicycle, the vehicle, the driver's license plate, road conditions, and your injuries before anything is moved.
Get Witness Information
Other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists may have seen what happened. Get names and phone numbers before they leave.
Preserve Your Bicycle
Don't repair or dispose of your damaged bike—it's evidence. Photograph all damage from multiple angles.
Get Medical Attention
Adrenaline masks pain. Get checked within 24 hours—head injuries and internal damage may not be immediately apparent.
Call Us Before the Insurance Company
Insurers will try to get recorded statements to use against you. Call us first: 800-707-0707
Understanding Bicycle Accident Claims in California
If you're asking "can I sue after a bicycle accident?" the answer is almost always yes—even in situations where you think you might share some fault. California law protects cyclists' rights to the road, and drivers who cause crashes can be held fully accountable.
California's Three-Foot Passing Law
One question we hear often is "does it matter how close the car was when they passed me?" Absolutely. California Vehicle Code Section 21760 requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. If a driver passed too closely and caused your crash, they violated the law—and that's strong evidence of negligence.
Challenging Adverse Police Reports
Many cyclists ask us "the police report blames me—do I still have a case?" Yes. Police officers weren't present when the crash happened. They arrive afterward and often accept the driver's version of events. We've successfully challenged countless adverse police reports through independent witness testimony, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction experts.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
People often wonder "what can I do if the driver fled?" You likely have options through your own auto insurance policy. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies even when you're injured as a cyclist—not just when you're in your car. We also investigate aggressively to identify hit-and-run drivers through surveillance cameras, witness accounts, and vehicle debris.
The Helmet Question
We're frequently asked "can I still recover if I wasn't wearing a helmet?" Yes. California only requires helmets for riders under 18. More importantly, your helmet use (or lack thereof) doesn't change the fact that the driver's negligence caused the accident. Insurance companies try to use this as a defense, but it only potentially affects damages related to head injuries—not the entire claim.
A Personal Message
"Cyclists have every right to be on the road. We make sure that right is respected."
"Insurance companies treat bicycle accidents as minor—they're not. When a 4,000-pound vehicle hits an unprotected cyclist, the injuries are often catastrophic. For 50 years, my firm has fought to ensure that drivers who cause these crashes pay the full cost of the harm they've done. We don't accept lowball offers, and we don't let adjusters blame the cyclist for a driver's negligence."— Chris Scranton, CEO & Trial Advocate
The Scranton Process
What to Expect When You Hire Us
Free Expert Case Audit
You call us at 800-707-0707. We review your crash details, identify liable parties, and give you an honest assessment of your case's value—no obligation.
Evidence Preservation & Investigation
We send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction, obtain police reports and witness statements, and begin documenting the full scope of your damages.
Full Accident Reconstruction
For disputed liability, we bring in accident reconstruction experts to prove exactly how the crash occurred and establish the driver's negligence.
Medical Care Coordination
Bicycle crashes cause serious injuries. We connect you with specialists who treat on a lien basis—you pay nothing out of pocket while your case is pending.
Aggressive Demand & Negotiation
We build a comprehensive demand documenting all damages—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and your destroyed bicycle. We fight for maximum value.
Maximum Recovery & Payment
We resolve all medical liens, handle paperwork, and get your settlement check to you as quickly as possible. You pay nothing unless we win.
Expert Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving Northern California
Bicycle Accident Lawyers Near You
From our Concord headquarters, we represent injured cyclists throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento region, and all of Northern California.
Popular cycling routes: Iron Horse Trail, Contra Costa Canal Trail, American River Parkway, Lafayette-Moraga Trail, and bike lanes throughout Contra Costa and Alameda Counties
The Scranton Advantage
Why Choose Us for Your Bicycle Case
Main Office: 2450 Stanwell Drive, Concord, CA 94520
By Appointment: Oakland, CA • Sacramento, CA
Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
Don't let insurance companies blame you for a driver's negligence. Call us today for a free evaluation.
Free Case Evaluation100% Confidential. Trial-Ready. Available 24/7.