Benicia Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Injured in a bike crash? Talk to a Benicia lawyer who puts cyclists first
Biking through Benicia should be peaceful, not painful. Whether you’re riding along the scenic waterfront, heading downtown for errands, or cruising through neighborhood trails, the last thing you expect is a careless driver to turn your ride into a trip to the ER. But the truth is, even in a bike-friendly town like Benicia, serious bicycle accidents still happen far too often, and usually through no fault of the bicyclist.
That’s where Clancy & Diaz comes in. Our team knows how these crashes happen, how insurance companies operate, and how to build a case that gets results. If you’ve been hit while riding your bike in Benicia, don’t go through this alone. Contact us for a free consultation and let us help you hold the driver accountable.
“I got into a bicycle accident at the end of 2016 and went to see Pete Clancy on a referral. Insurance companies take a while to pay but eventually they did. Got most of everything paid and only paid him out of my settlement which was nice. He also got me a slightly higher offer as well. Would definitely recommend this firm.” – C.C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where do bicycle accidents happen in Benicia?
Benicia is a bike-friendly town with scenic trails and neighborhood routes, but bicycle accidents still happen far too often. Some of the most common areas for bicycle crashes include Rose Drive bike lanes, intersections along Military West and East Second Street, and near popular parks like the Benicia Community Park or Benicia State Recreation Area.
Downtown streets, with their mix of parked cars, turning vehicles, and distracted drivers, can also be dangerous. Even a short ride to the grocery store or post office can turn serious when drivers aren’t paying attention.
What causes most bicycle accidents in Benicia?
Most bike crashes happen because drivers fail to share the road. Some of the most common causes include:
- Drivers not yielding at crosswalks or intersections
- Dooring accidents when a car door opens into a bicyclist’s path
- Speeding or running stop signs in residential areas
- Distracted driving, especially around downtown or schools
- Unsafe passing or turning too close to cyclists
In many of these cases, the bicyclist is following the rules, but the driver isn’t. That’s when serious injuries happen. Our Benicia bicycle accident lawyers can gather indisputable evidence to prove what caused your bike accident and who was at fault.
What laws protect bicyclists in California?
California law gives bicyclists many of the same rights as drivers. Bicyclists have a right to use the road, and drivers are legally required to keep a safe distance when passing. State law also mandates at least three feet of clearance when overtaking a bicycle.
Drivers must yield to bicyclists at intersections and can’t block designated bike lanes. Despite these protections, not every driver follows the rules, and some may even blame the bicyclist after a crash.
What injuries are common in bicycle accidents?
Because bicycles offer little protection, injuries can be severe. Common injuries include:
- Concussions and head trauma
- Broken collarbones, wrists, or ribs
- Road rash and deep abrasions
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord damage
These injuries often require hospital visits, follow-up care, and time away from work. In some cases, the damage is permanent. Recovering physically, emotionally, and financially isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the right help. The Benicia lawyers at Clancy & Diaz can determine how much money you’re owed until you reach maximum medical improvement, not just the immediate hospital bills.
Why do insurance companies lowball bicycle accident claims?
Insurance companies often try to downplay bicyclist injuries. They might argue your injuries aren’t that serious or claim you weren’t visible enough, even if the driver was clearly at fault. They may also question your choice of route, your speed, or even your clothing.
These are tactics to reduce or deny your compensation. That’s why having an experienced lawyer on your side matters. Clancy & Diaz pushes back with evidence, expert opinions, and clear documentation that shows the true cost of your injury. If the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to take them to court and fight for a maximum verdict.
What should I do after a bicycle accident in Benicia?
- Call 911 and request medical help if needed.
- Contact the police right away and get a police report, especially if the driver was at fault.
- Take photos of the scene, your injuries, your bike, and any nearby traffic signs.
- Get contact information, statements, and dashcam footage from witnesses, if possible.
- Keep your damaged bike and gear. They may be important pieces of evidence.
- Get checked out by a doctor, even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
- Avoid giving statements to the driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
Get a free consultation with a Benicia bicycle accident lawyer
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Benicia, Clancy & Diaz is here to help you on the path to recovery. Our legal team has a strong track record of standing up for injured bicyclists and helping them get the compensation they deserve.
We take care of investigating your bike crash, collecting key evidence, and handling the insurance company, so you can focus on healing. We also work closely with medical professionals and bicycle accident experts to build a strong case that clearly shows what happened and what your recovery will involve, all with no hidden or upfront costs. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, we only get paid if you’re fully compensated.
Plus, we offer free consultations so you can ask questions, learn about your legal options, and map out the next steps in your case. Let us be the team that stands by you from start to finish. We represent injured cyclists throughout Benicia, Vallejo, Martinez, Concord, and other nearby communities. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today for a free consultation.