This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident in Garden Grove, California law protects your right to the road and to full compensation. Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers under Vehicle Code 21200, drivers must give at least three feet when passing under the Three Feet for Safety Act, and an adult rider's choice not to wear a helmet cannot be used to deny recovery. The bicycle accident attorneys at Cefali & Cefali hold negligent drivers accountable. Call (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation, available 24/7. No fee unless we win.
What are a cyclist's rights on the road in California?
Under California Vehicle Code 21200, a person riding a bicycle has all the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of a vehicle. A cyclist is a legitimate road user, not a trespasser on the road, and drivers are legally required to treat them accordingly. The most important laws for a Garden Grove cyclist are:
CVC 21200 - cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers.
CVC 21202 - a cyclist traveling slower than traffic rides as far right as practicable, not as far right as possible. The law lists exceptions: passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, and lanes too narrow to share safely. A cyclist is allowed to move left, or take the lane, when needed for safety.
CVC 21760 (Three Feet for Safety Act) - a driver passing a cyclist must leave at least three feet of space.
CVC 22517 - no one may open a car door into traffic when it is unsafe, the law behind "dooring" cases.
CVC 21212 - only riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet. An adult's decision not to wear one is not negligence and cannot bar recovery.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle crashes come down to driver negligence, though road conditions and equipment failures also play a role. Common causes include:
Driver negligence, including failing to yield, unsafe turns, distracted driving, and passing too closely in violation of the three-foot law
Dooring, where a driver or passenger opens a door into a cyclist's path
Hazardous road conditions such as potholes, debris, and uneven pavement, which can create liability for a government entity responsible for the road
Defective bicycle components, which can support a product liability claim against the manufacturer
Drivers and insurers often try to blame the cyclist. Proving the driver's negligence, with the police report, witness statements, and physical evidence, is central to protecting your claim.
Who is at fault when a cyclist is hit by a car?
Fault turns on who failed to use reasonable care, and California law places strong duties on drivers around cyclists. A driver who fails to yield, turns across a bike lane, passes within three feet, or doors a rider is typically at fault. California follows pure comparative negligence, so even if the cyclist shares some blame, they can still recover, reduced by their percentage of fault, with no cutoff.
Insurers frequently try to pin fault on the cyclist by pointing to clothing, helmet use, or lane position. Those arguments often misstate the law: for example, an adult is not required to wear a helmet, and CVC 21202 expressly lets a cyclist leave the right edge for safety. An attorney pushes back on these tactics with the actual statutes and the evidence.
Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle
Hit-and-run accidents, where identifying the driver and pursuing uninsured motorist coverage becomes critical
Failure-to-yield and right-of-way crashes at intersections and driveways
Dooring crashes under CVC 22517
Unsafe pass and three-foot violations under CVC 21760
Parking lot and driveway collisions
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Because a cyclist has no protection in a collision with a vehicle, injuries are often serious:
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Road rash and soft tissue injuries
Get medical attention right away, even if you feel able to ride away from the scene. Some injuries, especially head and internal injuries, surface hours later, and prompt care protects both your health and the record linking your injuries to the crash.
What compensation can you recover after a bicycle accident?
An injured cyclist may recover both economic and non-economic damages, and California places no cap on these damages in an ordinary injury case. Recoverable losses include medical bills and future medical care, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. Where a driver's conduct was especially egregious, such as a hit-and-run or driving under the influence, punitive damages may also be available under Civil Code section 3294.
What should you do after a bicycle accident in Garden Grove?
Call the police so an official report is created, get the driver's information and insurance, photograph the scene, your bike, and your injuries, and collect witness contact information. Seek medical care right away, and contact a bicycle accident attorney before giving a recorded statement to the driver's insurer.
How long do you have to file a bicycle accident claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity is involved, for example a dangerous road condition or a city vehicle, you must file an administrative claim within six months under the California Government Claims Act. Because these deadlines are strict, it is best to speak with an attorney promptly.
Get in Touch With Cefali & Cefali Today
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, having an attorney who knows California bicycle law protects your right to full compensation. We represent injured cyclists in Garden Grove and across Orange County, including Santa Ana, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Anaheim, and Orange. If you or someone you know was hurt, call (949) 325-7790 or contact us for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
