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 Moreno Valley, 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, and from our Hemet office we serve injured cyclists across Riverside County. 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, and drivers are legally required to treat them accordingly. The most important laws for a Moreno Valley 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 may 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.
How does California determine fault in a bike accident?
California uses pure comparative negligence. This means fault is divided by percentage, and an injured cyclist can recover even if they were partly to blame, with their recovery reduced by their share of fault and no cutoff. California does not use contributory negligence, so being partially at fault does not bar your claim the way it would in some other states.
Because drivers frequently try to shift blame onto the cyclist, pointing to clothing, helmet use, or lane position, proving the driver's negligence with the police report, witness statements, and physical evidence is central to protecting your recovery. Many of those blame-shifting arguments misstate the law: an adult is not required to wear a helmet, and CVC 21202 expressly lets a cyclist leave the right edge for safety.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle crashes come down to driver negligence. Common causes include:
Left-turn and failure-to-yield collisions, where a driver turns across a cyclist's path
Unsafe passing in violation of the three-foot law
Dooring, where a driver or passenger opens a door into a cyclist's path
Distracted, speeding, or impaired driving
Blind-spot crashes involving large vehicles
Hazardous road conditions such as potholes, which can create liability for the government entity responsible for the road
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, including paralysis
Broken bones and fractures
Road rash and soft tissue injuries
Hand, wrist, and shoulder 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 should you do after a bicycle accident in Moreno Valley?
Seek medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor.
Call the police so an official report documents the crash.
Get the driver's information and insurance details.
Photograph the scene, your bike, and your injuries, and collect witness contacts.
Do not post about the crash on social media, and do not give a recorded statement to the driver's insurer before speaking with an attorney.
Contact a bicycle accident attorney to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
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. Economic damages cover medical bills and future medical care, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement from scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. 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.
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.
Why Choose Cefali & Cefali
Bicycle claims turn on the driver's duties, the fault the insurer will try to shift onto you, and the often-serious nature of the injuries. We investigate the crash, work with accident reconstruction and medical experts when needed, handle the insurer, and pursue the full value of your claim, ready to take the case to trial if the offer is not fair. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no fee unless we win.
From our Hemet office, we represent injured cyclists across Riverside County, including Moreno Valley, Riverside, Perris, Hemet, Corona, and Menifee. If you or someone you know was hurt in a bicycle accident, 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.
