Pittsburg, CA Bicycle Accidents
Injured in a bike crash? Our bicycle accident lawyers are ready to fight for you
Bicycling is a healthy, affordable, and eco-friendly way to get around Pittsburg, whether you’re heading to work, riding to school, or just enjoying a sunny day. But sharing the road with cars, trucks, and distracted drivers can turn your ride into a life-changing event. One second you’re pedaling through an intersection, and the next, you’re lying on the pavement with serious injuries. What happens next?
The Pittsburg bicycle accident lawyers at Clancy & Diaz represent cyclists injured by negligent drivers throughout Contra Costa County. We know the law, we know the roads, and we know how hard it can be to get a fair settlement after a bike accident. We’re here to listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more, contact us and set up a free consultation with our legal team.
“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., ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
How do bicycle accidents happen in Pittsburg?
Many bicycle accidents in Pittsburg are preventable. In most cases, the driver simply wasn’t paying attention; or worse, chose to ignore a bicyclist’s right of way. Some of the most common crash scenarios we see in Pittsburg include:
- Dooring incidents: A driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the bicyclist’s path.
- Right-hook collisions: A driver turns right at an intersection or driveway and cuts off a bicyclist going straight.
- Failure to yield: Drivers often fail to yield to bicyclists at stop signs, traffic lights, or uncontrolled intersections.
- Passing too closely: Passing too closely can cause bicycle accidents, especially on narrow streets without designated bike lanes.
- Speeding and distracted driving: Drivers using their phones or speeding – especially in residential areas – pose a serious risk to bicyclists.
- Unsafe road design: Poor lighting, faded crosswalks, potholes, or lack of bike infrastructure can be factors in Pittsburg bicycle accidents.
What injuries do bicyclists suffer in collisions with vehicles?
Bicyclists are extremely vulnerable in any crash. Unlike drivers, they don’t have seatbelts, airbags, or a metal frame to protect them. Even a low-speed impact can result in serious or life-altering injuries.
We commonly see:
- Traumatic brain injuries, with or without helmet use
- Broken bones, especially collarbones, wrists, legs, and ribs
- Facial injuries, including dental damage and scarring
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to chronic pain or paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ trauma
- Road rash that may require skin grafts or leave permanent scars
These injuries can take weeks, months, or even years to fully heal. Some never do. Our job is to make sure your settlement or verdict reflects the full impact of your injuries, not just the immediate costs.
Why are bike crash cases harder to win without legal help?
Insurance companies often don’t take bicyclists seriously. They may assume you were being reckless or didn’t follow traffic laws. Police reports can be inaccurate, especially if you were too injured to give a full statement at the scene. And if there are no neutral witnesses, it often becomes your word against the driver’s.
Common excuses drivers and insurance companies use include:
- “I didn’t see the bicyclist.”
- “They weren’t riding far enough to the right.”
- “They weren’t using hand signals.”
- “They were outside the bike lane.”
- “They darted into traffic.”
Even if these claims aren’t true, or aren’t relevant to what actually caused the crash, they can be used to reduce or deny your claim. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced Pittsburg bicycle accident lawyer on your side who understands how to gather the facts and build strong cases.
What should I do after a bicycle accident in Pittsburg?
If you’ve been hit while riding your bike, the first priority is your health. But when you’re physically able, there are a few key steps you should take to protect your legal rights:
- Call 911 and get emergency medical help right away if you’re seriously hurt. Police should come to the scene and file a report.
- Take photos of your injuries, your bike, the car, road conditions, and anything else that seems relevant.
- Get the driver’s information and contact details for any witnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene or with the driver’s insurance company.
- Request a copy of the police report from the Pittsburg Police Department.
- Follow up with a doctor, even if you didn’t go to the ER, as some injuries take time to develop.
- Speak to a lawyer at Clancy & Diaz before speaking to the insurance company or accepting a settlement.
What types of compensation can you recover?
After a Pittsburg bicycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the many ways the crash has disrupted your life. This can include both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, follow-up treatment, surgery, physical therapy, and future care
- Lost income if you couldn’t work during recovery
- Loss of earning potential if your injuries affect your long-term job prospects
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries
- Property damage, including your bicycle, helmet, gear, and phone
- Loss of enjoyment of life if you can’t ride or engage in hobbies as you once did
- Wrongful death damages if a family member was fatally injured in a bike crash
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the facts. Our attorneys take the time to understand how your bicycle crash has changed your life so we can pursue the full compensation you need to move forward.
Our Pittsburg bicycle accident attorneys are here to help. Contact us today!
We understand that most bicyclists don’t expect to end up in a legal battle. But once the insurance company gets involved, you need someone looking out for your interests. That’s where the bicycle accident attorneys at Clancy & Diaz come in. We represent injured bicyclists across Pittsburg, Bay Point, Antioch, and the greater Contra Costa County area.
When you contact us, you’ll get a free consultation with an experienced lawyer who will take the time to hear your story and explain your legal options. There’s no pressure to hire us, but if you choose to move forward, we’ll investigate your case, deal with the insurance companies, and go to court if necessary.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. No upfront fees. No surprise bills. Just honest, experienced legal representation from a team that truly cares. If you were injured while riding your bike in Pittsburg or anywhere in the East Bay, contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get the support you deserve.