Maison Law works with people in Chico who have been hurt in bicycle accidents. A bike accident is rarely minor—when you’re up against cars, trucks, or poor road conditions, your injuries are usually much more serious than in other types of accidents. Still, your legal options don’t change, and our Chico bicycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through the process. Schedule a free consultation today to get started.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
You don’t have to hire a lawyer after a bicycle accident, but the reality is you’ll likely be juggling a lot: medical bills, missed work, and stress from dealing with insurance companies. That’s where we step in. Our Chico bicycle accident team can take the pressure off by:
- Explaining your rights and options clearly, based on your situation.
- Investigating who’s responsible—whether it was a negligent driver, a property owner, or someone else.
- Handling all communication with insurance companies so you don’t have to.
- Gathering evidence like photos, witness statements, and police reports to build a strong claim.
If your accident happened while riding along East 20th Street, navigating the Skyway, or even crossing through CSU Chico’s busy streets, you shouldn’t have to chase paperwork or argue with insurance adjusters. Your focus should be on healing and recovery. We’ll handle the rest. However, there’s information you can get in the hours and days afterward that can really help set the tone.
What Information Will Strengthen My Bicycle Accident Claim?
Accidents happen fast, and when they do one thing is clear: the information you collect right away can make a huge difference if you decide to file a claim. Here’s what matters most:
- Driver and vehicle details – Get the contact and insurance info for the driver who hit you, plus anyone else involved. If the driver takes off, try to remember as much as you can about their car—make, model, color, license plate, anything.
- Witness information – If someone saw what happened, jot down their name and phone number. Ask them what they saw while they’re still around—people tend to leave quickly, and their perspective can be really helpful.
- Pictures and videos – If your phone still works, take as many pictures as you can. Your bike, the vehicles, any visible injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, road hazards, even nearby cameras at houses or businesses. Visual proof can be huge if anyone disputes what happened.
- Accident report – Call 911 right away for help. Ask the dispatcher to send Chico Police officers (or CHP if needed) to the scene. They’ll write up a report you can request later, which often becomes a key part of your claim.
- Medical records – Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Keep copies of any intake forms, tests, X-rays, doctor instructions, and bills. These records link your injuries directly to the accident.
- Your own notes – As soon as you can, write down everything you remember: the exact spot, the time, which way you were riding, traffic, weather, and anything anyone said. Small details fade fast, and they can matter later.
Trying to handle all of this while you’re recovering can feel overwhelming. That’s where our team comes in—we can help gather the details, organize everything, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks, so you can focus on getting better. After that, though, your focus should be on the next step in the process: figuring out who’s responsible and then filing a claim against them.
Who’s Liable for My Injuries in a Bicycle Accident?
No matter what the circumstances are that went into your bicycle accident, somebody is going to be responsible. In legal terms, this is called “liability.” And while it sounds fancy, it just comes down to negligence—someone failing to act with reasonable care, causing your accident and injuries. That might sound simple, but in practice, finding out who’s at-fault in a typical bicycle accident can be tough. Most of the time, though, it’s going to fall on:
- Drivers – Distracted, speeding, or reckless drivers are a leading cause of bike crashes.
- City or state agencies – Chico’s worn-down bike lanes, potholes, or poorly marked intersections can sometimes make Caltrans or the City of Chico liable.
- Other riders or pedestrians – Careless actions, like swerving into a bike lane, can also lead to a collision.
- Bike manufacturers – If your accident involved a defective frame, tire, or brake system, the manufacturer could be responsible.
Sometimes it’s clear-cut, like a driver failing to yield at a crosswalk near Bidwell Park. Other times, it’s more complicated and involves multiple parties. Our job is to sort that out and hold the right people accountable.
What’s the Legal Process After a Bicycle Accident?
Simply put, you have two main options for filing an injury claim after you’re in a bicycle accident. You can either go through insurance out of court or file a lawsuit in court. While it’s totally up to you, your needs and the circumstances are going to point you in the direction of one (or both). Here’s a look at how both processes work, usually:
- Insurance claim – This is where you file against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This is often the first step and can be quicker than going to court. Insurance companies may try to settle for less than the full value of your damages, so having solid evidence and guidance is important.
- Personal injury lawsuit – This is where we take your case to court if negotiations fail or there’s no coverage. A judge or jury can then decide the full value of your claim, which can sometimes lead to a fairer outcome.
Again, the whole point of filing a claim in the first place is to get financial support–called damages–from the person or group responsible for causing your injuries. In a bicycle accident, your damages could involve:
- Medical bills and ongoing care
- Lost wages or reduced future earnings
- Bike repair or replacement
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral and burial expenses in fatal cases
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action. That might sound like a lot of time, but the quicker you act, the easier and smoother the process becomes.
Where Will I Find Bicycle Lanes in Chico?
If you spend time riding in Chico, you’ve probably noticed the different types of bike lanes and infrastructure the city has added to keep cyclists safer. Following California and Caltrans guidelines, Chico uses several kinds of bike lanes:
- Class I Shared Use Paths – These off-street paths are for both pedestrians and cyclists. Separated from car traffic, they’re a safer option for many riders. A good example is the Bidwell Park multi-use paths, which let you ride without worrying about nearby cars.
- Class II Bike Lanes – These are painted lanes on the road with signage for bicycles only. You’ll see Class II lanes along streets like East 20th Street and Mangrove Avenue, where recent updates have made the roads more bike-friendly.
- Class III Bike Routes – These are streets marked with painted symbols called “sharrows” and street signs indicating it’s a bike route. These routes are common on quieter streets, like Broadway Avenue and Flume Street, where cars and bikes share lanes.
- Class IV Protected Bike Lanes – These lanes have a physical barrier, such as a curb or bollards, separating bikes from car traffic. One of Chico’s main Class IV lanes is along Nord Avenue near downtown, providing a safer route through busier sections of the city.
For a full view of Chico’s bike routes, Butte County provides an official bike route map, which is a great resource for planning safe rides. With that said, though, there’s only so much you can do.
Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Happen in Chico?
Accidents can happen anywhere you ride in Chico—whether you’re commuting, running errands, or just enjoying a weekend ride. That said, some streets and intersections see more crashes than others, usually because of heavy traffic, tight lanes, or spots with limited visibility.
- Highway 99 through downtown – Cars and trucks move fast here, and drivers often switch lanes quickly. It can be tricky for cyclists trying to stay safe.
- East 20th Street and business areas – With delivery trucks and shoppers pulling in and out, this part of town has a higher chance of collisions.
- West Sacramento Avenue and nearby streets – Narrow lanes and constant traffic leave little room for error if a car drifts too close to you.
- Around CSU Chico – Near the campus, there’s a mix of students, pedestrians, bikes, and cars, making intersections especially tricky.
- Chico trails crossings – Even on scenic paths like Bidwell Park or along the Sacramento River, accidents can happen where trails meet streets. Drivers may not expect cyclists coming onto the road.
Knowing these spots can help you ride more carefully, but accidents can still happen anywhere. If you get hurt, our Chico bicycle accident team can guide you through the process and make sure you’re not left handling everything on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as evidence in a bike accident claim?
Your evidence is going to depend on your particular accident, but usually involves police reports, photos, medical records, witness statements, and even security camera footage from nearby businesses or homes.
What if the driver leaves the scene?
Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common. Even if the driver speeds off, you still have legal options that our team can help you with–usually going through your own insurance.
Can I share fault for my accident?
Yes. Under California’s comparative negligence law, your potential result can be reduced if you were partly at fault (like not using a light at night). But you can still recover damages.
Count on Maison Law After a Chico Bicycle Accident
Chico is a beautiful city to ride—whether you’re cycling through Bidwell Park or commuting along busy streets. But a bike accident can turn life upside down in just a few seconds. Maison Law is here to handle the legal side, explain your options, and make sure you don’t face the aftermath alone. Schedule your free consultation today.
