If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in California, you’re in the right place. Welcome to Maison Law. You never want to be in a bicycle accident, but looking at the statistics can help you prepare. We make it simple for bicycle accident victims to get legal help, get financial support, and get back on the road to recovery. Start with a free, no-obligation case review today.
How Many Bicycle Accidents Are There in California?
It’s not surprising that bicycling is so popular in California. No matter where you go, the conditions are nearly ideal. Whether you live in the Bay Area, the Central Valley, or in Southern California, there’s a lot to offer for every level of bike rider. But with so many bike riders, that also raises the chances for an accident. According to data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Record System (SWITRS), there were:
- 9,572 bicycle accidents statewide in 2024 alone.
Looking deeper, though, you can see just how common these types of accidents are throughout the state:
- 2020 – 8,095 accidents
- 2021 – 7,776 accidents
- 2022 – 8,946 accidents
- 2023 – 9,003 accidents
- 2024 – 9,572 accidents
Obviously, this is a pretty clear picture of just how common bicycle accidents are in California. But it also raises questions about your potential options. Minor accidents might not require a lawyer, but if you’re facing more serious injuries or a complicated situation, Maison Law’s experienced bicycle accident lawyers can help you by:
- Explaining your rights and options
- Collecting evidence
- Speaking with witnesses
- Handling insurance and paperwork
- Making sure you get a fair settlement
You never want to be involved in a bicycle accident, but as these statistics show, it’s quite common throughout California. That said, it’s also helpful to look at where these accidents happen the most.
Which County Sees the Most Bicycle Accidents in California?
Part of the reason why there’s so many bicycle accidents in California is fairly simple: there’s a lot of people throughout the state. Not only that, but California is a destination for bike riders from all over the country, so it’s not just Californians that get injured in these accidents.
But, SWITRS data happens to break down the number of bicycle accidents by county, and according to that data, the counties that see the most bicycle accidents on average between 2020 and 2024 were:
- Los Angeles County – 2,043.6 accidents per year
- Orange County – 938.6 accidents per year
- San Diego County – 792.6 accidents per year
- Santa Clara County – 494.8 accidents per year
- Alameda County – 452.4 accidents per year
As you can see, all five of these counties average a huge chunk of the average number of bicycle accidents throughout the state over the last five years. And given that these counties have the state’s main population centers, it’s not all that surprising. Still, it’s important to remember that a bicycle accident can happen anywhere–and could leave you facing serious injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones, especially with your upper body and face
- Joint dislocations
- Road rash
- Whiplash
No matter what injuries you get in your bicycle accident, it’s vital to remember that you have certain legal options. But with injuries and accidents, no two are the same. And the worst of them end up being fatal.
How Many Fatal Bicycle Accidents Happen in California?
Unfortunately, a lot of bicycle accidents in California end up being fatal. This has a lot to do with the fact that there’s virtually zero protection against a moving vehicle in a collision, but it’s also about the aftermath. No matter what the cause of the accident is, fatal injuries can result. SWITRS data shows this clearly, with California averaging:
- 151.4 fatal bicycle accidents per year for the last five years.
Boiling it down further, this equals out to
- 2020 – 153 fatal accidents
- 2021 – 140 fatal accidents
- 2022 – 199 fatal accidents
- 2023 – 160 fatal accidents
- 2024 – 105 fatal accidents
Nobody wants to go through a bicycle accident, let alone face one that ends up being fatal. But as this data shows, fatal accidents are sadly common throughout the state. And for as difficult as they are, it’s still about taking the right steps in the aftermath:
- Call 911 to report the accident right away. This allows police and emergency responders to document the scene and provide medical help.
- Collect witness information, photos, reports, and any video footage–these details can strengthen your case.
- Save all receipts and records for medical bills, funeral costs, and other accident-related expenses.
- Stick to the facts when talking to police or insurance companies, and avoid admitting fault or making guesses.
These steps can be difficult, especially if you weren’t there when the accident happened. But they’re very important for you and your family’s potential legal options. What’s more though, they can happen in any accident–no matter what ultimately causes it.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California?
For as detailed as SWITRS is, looking at bicycle accidents in California sometimes means you have to go a bit deeper into the data that’s available. Back in 2021, the UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research & Education Center (SAFETREC) looked at the leading causes of bicycle accidents throughout California. This data showed that the most common causes of the 1,173 bicycle accidents that year were:
- Speeding – 17.5 %
- Improper turning – 17.5%
- Failure to yield the right of way – 15.8%
- Driving on the wrong side of the road – 12.9%
- Lack of traffic signals or signs – 12.4%
Even with these more common causes of accidents, they can still happen for a lot of different reasons. Ultimately, though, it’s about figuring out who’s legally responsible. To prove that, you have to show that someone was careless, broke safety rules, and caused the accident and your injuries. It’s not always straightforward, so that’s when you should reach out to our team for guidance and support.
Maison Law Can Help You Put a Bicycle Accident Behind You in California
Have you been hurt in a bicycle accident in California? Maison Law is here to help. If you’re facing injuries, bills, and stress after a bike accident, you don’t have to handle it alone. Maison Law is here to guide you and make sure you get the financial and legal support that’s available so you can get better. Get started today with a free consultation.
