Mountain View Bicycle Accident Attorneys
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If you were hit by a car while cycling in Mountain View, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. California Vehicle Code § 21200 generally gives cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.Â
Depending on what caused the crash, you may have a claim against a driver, employer, a public entity, or another responsible party. Compensation may cover medical bills, lost income, bicycle damage, and pain and suffering.
Arash Law helps injured cyclists understand their legal options and pursue claims against liable parties. Our attorneys can review police reports, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit when necessary. We handle bicycle accident cases throughout California, including Mountain View and Santa Clara County.
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Reviewed by: Arash Khorsandi, Esq., California State Bar #249405, admitted 2007, last reviewed October 2026
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Who Can File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Mountain View?
Injured cyclists and other people harmed in the same crash may be able to file personal injury claims. In some cases, family members may also have separate legal claims. Who can file and what they can seek compensation for depends on the circumstances of the accident.
Potential claimants in Mountain View bicycle accident cases include:
Cyclists injured by someone else’s negligence may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, bicycle damage, and pain and suffering. They may still recover damages even if they were partly at fault.
Passengers injured while riding on a tandem bicycle, in a child seat, or in an attached bicycle trailer may file their own claims against the responsible party. This may include the person operating the bicycle.
Pedestrians, other cyclists, and vehicle occupants injured in the same accident may pursue their own claims against the responsible parties.
Parents or guardians may pursue injury claims on a child’s behalf. Under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 372, minors generally need a guardian or conservator of the estate to represent them. Alternatively, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem. Parents may separately claim certain medical expenses they paid.
A spouse or registered domestic partner may seek compensation for loss of consortium if the cyclist’s injuries affect their relationship. Such a claim can seek compensation for loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.
If a cyclist dies from crash-related injuries, eligible family members may file a wrongful death claim under CCP § 377.60. These may include a surviving spouse, registered domestic partner, children, and certain other qualifying relatives.
A deceased cyclist’s personal representative or, if none exists, a qualifying successor in interest may bring a survival action under CCP § 377.30.
A qualifying relative who witnessed the crash and understood it was injuring the cyclist may seek compensation for serious emotional distress. These claims must meet the requirements established in Thing v. La Chusa (1989) 48 Cal.3d 644.
If the cyclist was injured while working, a workers’ compensation claim may also be available. Under California Labor Code § 3852, the employer may have separate rights to recover certain payments from a responsible third party. Workers’ compensation insurers may also have reimbursement rights.
Each claim depends on the circumstances of the crash, the injuries involved, and the applicable California laws.
What Local Factors Can Affect a Mountain View Bicycle Accident Claim?
Bicycle accident claims in Mountain View may involve different road conditions, law enforcement agencies, company vehicles, and government entities. These factors can affect how a crash is investigated, who may be responsible, and where an injured cyclist can pursue compensation.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Mountain View recorded 40 bicyclists killed or injured in traffic collisions in 2023, ranking 7th out of 103 comparable California cities. The city also recorded 215 victims of traffic collisions across all road user types.
The following local factors may affect a bicycle accident claim in Mountain View:
- Local Roads and Bicycle Routes: El Camino Real, Shoreline Boulevard, Moffett Boulevard, and streets near the Mountain View Caltrain station have different traffic patterns and bicycle facilities. A crash investigation may involve turning vehicles, traffic signals, bicycle lanes, or transit-area crossings. These details can help determine how the accident happened and who may be at fault.
- Law Enforcement Jurisdiction: The Mountain View Police Department (MVPD) generally investigates city-street collisions. If CHP investigated your crash, request its report directly from CHP. The investigating agency determines where you should request an available collision report. MVPD’s Records Division is at 1000 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041.
- Government Responsibility for Road Maintenance: Different public agencies maintain roads in and around Mountain View. The city manages many local streets, Santa Clara County manages Central Expressway, and Caltrans oversees state highways. If a dangerous road condition contributes to a crash, the responsible agency may face liability under Government Code § 835. These claims generally require a claimant to file an administrative claim within six months.
- Company Shuttles and Commercial Vehicles: Mountain View’s employment areas attract company shuttles, delivery vehicles, and other work-related traffic. If an employee causes a bicycle crash while working, the employer may also be liable. Commercial insurance or other applicable coverage may provide an additional source of compensation.
- Records from Medical Facilities: Injured cyclists can receive emergency care at El Camino Health – Mountain View Hospital. Serious head injuries, suspected spinal cord damage, or severe bleeding may require trauma care outside city limits, such as in Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, which both provide Level I adult trauma services. Medical records from these facilities can support claims by documenting injury severity, treatment costs, and future care needs.
- Where Bicycle Accident Lawsuits Are Filed: Personal injury lawsuits arising from crashes in Mountain View are generally filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court when venue is proper. Civil cases are heard at the Downtown Superior Court and the Old Courthouse, both in San Jose. The court determines where each case is assigned.
These local factors matter because a bicycle accident claim may involve more than proving that a driver caused the crash. Identifying the investigating agency, responsible parties, available insurance, medical evidence, and the proper court can help injured cyclists understand their legal options.
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Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Mountain View
Bicycle accidents in Mountain View can cause injuries ranging from cuts and broken bones to serious harm. Crashes may happen on busy roads such as El Camino Real and Shoreline Boulevard or near intersections and bicycle routes. The type and severity of an injury depend on vehicle speed, the point of impact, and how the cyclist lands.
The following table explains the injuries cyclists may suffer and how they can happen during a crash.
Injury Type | Possible Injuries or Symptoms | How They May Occur in a Bicycle Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) | Concussions, headaches, memory problems, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. | A cyclist may hit their head on a vehicle, the road, or another object. A sudden jolt can also injure the brain, even without a direct blow to the head. |
| Spinal Cord Injuries | Loss of sensation, weakness, or partial or complete paralysis. | A strong impact or a fall may fracture or dislocate spinal bones, damaging or compressing the spinal cord. |
| Fractured Bones | Broken wrists, arms, collarbones, ribs, hips, or legs. | A cyclist may extend an arm to break a fall or suffer a direct impact from a vehicle while crossing an intersection. |
| Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries | Skin abrasions, bruising, muscle injuries, embedded debris, or scarring. | A cyclist may slide across the pavement after being thrown from the bicycle or knocked down. |
| Internal Organ Injuries | Damage to the spleen, liver, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding may also occur. | A direct blow to the chest or abdomen, such as striking a vehicle or bicycle handlebars, may damage internal organs. |
| Neck and Back Injuries | Whiplash, muscle strains, herniated discs, or nerve injuries. | A sudden impact may force the neck or back to twist or bend, while a fall may place pressure on the spine. |
| Psychological Trauma | Anxiety, depression, fear of cycling, sleep problems, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). | Experiencing a serious crash, including a collision during a daily commute, may cause emotional distress that affects work, daily activities, or the ability to ride again. |
Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately after a bicycle crash. Concussion symptoms, for example, can appear hours or days later. Internal injuries may also occur without obvious external wounds. Injured cyclists should seek prompt medical care, especially after a significant impact.
Injured cyclists in Mountain View may receive emergency care at El Camino Health or other appropriate medical facilities. Medical records, imaging results, treatment notes, and work restrictions can help establish how an injury affects their health and daily life. These records may also support claims for medical expenses, lost income, future treatment, and pain and suffering.
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What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Mountain View?
Bike crash incidents in Mountain View can result from driver negligence, dangerous road conditions, or defective bicycle parts. Cyclists on El Camino Real, Shoreline Boulevard, and other local roads may face risks involving turning vehicles, parked cars, and busy intersections.
Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones, navigation systems, or other devices may fail to notice cyclists or react in time to avoid a crash.
- Unsafe Door Opening: A driver or passenger may open a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path. California Vehicle Code § 22517 prohibits opening a door on the traffic side unless it is reasonably safe.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers may hit cyclists when turning, entering a road, or crossing a bicycle lane without yielding when required.
- Unsafe Passing and Right Turns: Drivers may sideswipe cyclists or turn across their path. California Vehicle Code § 21760 generally requires drivers to change lanes when safely passing a cyclist, if permitted and practicable, or to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing in the same lane.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and can increase the severity of a collision.
- Rideshare and Shuttle Vehicles: Uber, Lyft, and company shuttle drivers may cause crashes by stopping suddenly or turning across bicycle lanes without checking for cyclists.
- Dangerous Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, or damaged bicycle lanes may cause crashes. A public agency may be liable under California Government Code § 835 if the legal requirements are met.
- Defective Bicycle or E-Bike Parts: Faulty brakes, tires, frames, or improper assembly may cause a cyclist to lose control.
Several factors may contribute to the same bicycle accident. Police reports, witness statements, video footage, and other evidence can help establish what caused the crash, who may be responsible, and what a victim may pursue compensation for.
What Damages Can You Recover from a Bicycle Accident in Mountain View?
Injured cyclists in Mountain View may recover economic and non-economic damages, depending on the circumstances of the crash. The amount they may receive depends on the severity of their injuries, the available evidence, and each party’s share of fault.
Economic damages cover financial losses caused by the accident. They may include:
- Medical Expenses: Reasonable costs of emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and future treatment.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Wages lost during recovery, reduced working hours, and income the cyclist may be unable to earn in the future because of lasting injuries. Employment records, pay statements, and medical restrictions may help establish these losses.
- Property Damage: The reasonable cost to repair or replace a damaged bicycle, e-bike, helmet, phone, clothing, or other personal belongings, subject to applicable valuation rules.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Eligible family members may seek reasonable funeral and burial costs through a wrongful death claim if the cyclist dies from crash-related injuries.
Non-economic damages compensate injured cyclists for physical and emotional harm that does not have a direct financial cost. They may include:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, discomfort, and lasting effects of crash-related injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Difficulty returning to cycling, exercise, hobbies, or other activities the injured person previously enjoyed.
- Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement: Lasting changes in appearance caused by road rash, burns, or other injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: A qualifying spouse or registered domestic partner may bring a separate claim for loss of companionship, affection, support, or intimacy caused by the cyclist's injuries.
- Loss of Companionship in Wrongful Death Cases: Eligible surviving family members may seek compensation for the loss of the cyclist's love, care, guidance, and emotional support under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.61.
Punitive damages may be available when a private defendant acts with malice, oppression, or fraud. Under California Civil Code § 3294, the injured cyclist must prove this conduct through clear and convincing evidence. For example, driving under the influence with conscious disregard for others’ safety may support a claim for punitive damages, depending on the circumstances.
Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages punish serious misconduct rather than repay a specific loss. California Government Code § 818 prohibits punitive damages against public entities, including the City of Mountain View, Santa Clara County, and the State of California.
How Insurance Works in a Mountain View Bicycle Accident Case
Injured cyclists in Mountain View may seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance, their own applicable coverage, or other available policies. The options depend on who caused the crash, the insurance policies involved, and California law. If a dangerous public road condition contributed to the accident, a separate government claim may also be available.
The following types of coverage may apply:
- At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance: This coverage may pay for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses caused by a negligent driver. Since January 1, 2025, California’s minimum auto liability limits have been $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury or death, and $15,000 for property damage. Higher limits may apply under other policies.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: A cyclist’s auto or household policy may cover injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. For unidentified hit-and-run UM claims, Insurance Code § 11580.2 generally requires physical contact, a police report within 24 hours, and a sworn statement to the insurer within 30 days. UIM benefits also have specific requirements, including exhaustion of applicable liability limits.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): This optional coverage may help pay accident-related medical expenses regardless of fault. Whether it covers someone riding a bicycle depends on the policy terms and how the crash occurred.
- Rideshare Insurance: If an Uber or Lyft driver hits a cyclist on El Camino Real, Shoreline Boulevard, or another Mountain View road, the available coverage may depend on the driver’s app status. California Public Utilities Code § 5433 sets different insurance requirements for drivers waiting for ride requests and those who have accepted a ride.
- App-Based Delivery Insurance: A cyclist injured by a delivery driver may have a claim under the driver’s personal or applicable commercial insurance. Coverage depends on the delivery service, the driver’s work status, and the policy terms. Rideshare insurance requirements do not automatically apply.
- Commercial Auto Insurance: Company shuttles, delivery vans, and other work vehicles may carry commercial liability coverage. If the driver caused the crash while acting within the scope of employment, the employer may also be responsible.
- Health Insurance, Medi-Cal, or Medicare: These may help pay for accident-related medical treatment. However, certain payments may need to be repaid from a settlement or award, depending on the applicable program or policy.
More than one insurance policy may apply to a bicycle accident. Reviewing the available coverage, policy limits, and responsible parties can help injured cyclists understand their possible sources of compensation.
Injured cyclists can take these steps to protect their insurance claims:
- Review recorded statement requests. Consider speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement. Your own insurance policy may require you to cooperate with your insurer.
- Evaluate early settlement offers. Review offers carefully, especially if treatment is ongoing or future medical needs remain unclear.
- Keep important records. Save medical bills, treatment records, bicycle repair estimates, and insurance communications.
- Seek legal guidance. An attorney can review coverage, explain your options, and handle communications with the insurer within the scope of representation.
Local investigations may also affect insurance claims. The Mountain View Police Department generally handles city-street collisions, while the CHP may investigate crashes near freeways. For rideshare accidents, the driver’s app status may affect coverage. Records from the relevant authorities may support your insurance claim.
Proving Fault After a Mountain View Bicycle Crash
Injured cyclists in Mountain View may pursue negligence claims against parties responsible for their injuries. To establish negligence against a private party, they generally must prove four elements:
- Duty of Care: The driver or another responsible party had a legal duty to act with reasonable care. Under Vehicle Code § 21200, cyclists generally have the same road rights and responsibilities as motorists.
- Breach of Duty: The responsible party failed to meet that duty. For example, a driver may violate traffic rules by running a red light or failing to yield to a cyclist.
- Causation: The careless action caused the accident and the cyclist’s injuries. Police reports, witness statements, photographs, and available video footage may help establish this connection.
- Damages: The cyclist suffered losses, including medical expenses, lost income, bicycle damage, and pain and suffering.
Claims involving dangerous public road conditions follow different rules. Under Government Code § 835, an injured cyclist must establish that a dangerous condition of public property caused the injury, created a reasonably foreseeable risk, and resulted from qualifying public employee conduct or a condition the public entity had sufficient notice of. Applicable statutory immunities may also affect the claim.
How Does Partial Fault Affect a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Partial fault generally reduces your compensation by your percentage of responsibility but does not prevent recovery. This rule follows California’s pure comparative negligence rule established in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804.
For example, if a cyclist is found to be 20% responsible for a collision and their total damages are $200,000, their recoverable damages would generally be reduced to $160,000.
Riding outside a marked bike lane does not automatically mean you were at fault. California Vehicle Code § 21208 allows you to leave a bicycle lane in certain situations, including avoiding hazards and preparing for turns.
Moreover, you do not have to accept an insurer’s or another party’s claim that you caused the crash. Evidence must support their allegation. If you cannot resolve the dispute, a judge or jury may decide your share of fault.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on what caused the crash, one or more parties may be responsible:
- Negligent Drivers: Motorists who cause crashes by speeding, driving distracted, failing to yield, or violating traffic laws.
- Employers: Companies whose employees cause crashes while acting within the scope of employment, including shuttle and delivery drivers.
- City of Mountain View: May be liable for qualifying dangerous conditions on public property under its control.
- Santa Clara County: May face liability for dangerous conditions on county-managed roads, including Central Expressway.
- State of California: May be liable for qualifying dangerous conditions on state-controlled highways or ramps maintained by Caltrans.
- Bicycle or E-Bike Manufacturers: May be responsible when a defective product contributes to a crash.
- Property Owners: May be liable when a dangerous condition on private property causes or contributes to a bicycle accident.
An investigation can help determine who was responsible. Relevant evidence may include Mountain View Police Department or CHP collision reports, witness statements, traffic recordings, maintenance records, and medical documents.
The Typical Process of a Mountain View Bicycle Accident Claim
A bicycle accident claim in Mountain View generally involves gathering evidence, identifying responsible parties, reviewing damages, and seeking compensation. Some claims settle through negotiations, while others require a lawsuit. The process depends on the circumstances of the crash.
1. Preserving Evidence
Attorneys may request dashcam footage, surveillance recordings, photographs, and other evidence before it is lost or overwritten. They can also send preservation requests to drivers, businesses, or public agencies. However, not all recordings are saved or available.
2. Investigating the Accident
The investigation may include reviewing police reports, medical records, witness statements, road conditions, and insurance policies. The goal is to determine what caused the crash and who may be responsible.
Depending on the location, records may be available from these Mountain View-area agencies:
- Mountain View Police Department (MVPD): Collision reports for incidents investigated on city streets. Its Records Division is at 1000 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041, and can be reached at (650) 903-6344.
- California Highway Patrol (CHP): Injured cyclists may request collision reports from CHP when it investigated their crash, including incidents near freeway interchanges.
- City of Mountain View Public Works: Maintenance records, road complaints, and traffic signal information for city-managed roads.
- Santa Clara County Roads and Airports Department: Road maintenance records for county-managed routes, including Central Expressway.
- Caltrans District 4: Records involving state-controlled highways and ramps.
3. Filing Government Claims When Required
If a dangerous public road condition or another public-entity action contributed to the crash, a government claim may be necessary before filing a lawsuit.
Under California Government Code §§ 911.2 and 915, covered personal injury claims generally must be presented to the correct public entity within six months. Claims involving Caltrans are generally presented to the California Department of General Services. Separate deadlines and exceptions may apply.
4. Seeking a Settlement
After reviewing the injuries, financial losses, and available insurance coverage, the attorney may send a demand to the responsible party or insurer. Negotiations may lead to a settlement without going to court. If the parties cannot agree on liability or compensation, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.
5. Filing a Lawsuit When Necessary
Bicycle accident lawsuits arising in Mountain View may be filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court when venue is proper under California Code of Civil Procedure § 395.
Civil cases in Santa Clara County are heard at the Downtown Superior Court and the Old Courthouse, both located in San Jose. The Downtown Superior Court is at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. Its civil clerk’s office can be reached at (408) 882-2100. The court determines where each case is assigned.
If a lawsuit proceeds, the case may involve exchanging evidence, taking depositions, consulting experts, and preparing for trial.
Not every bicycle accident claim follows all these steps. The evidence, responsible parties, insurance coverage, and applicable filing deadlines determine how the case moves forward.
Filing Deadlines for Mountain View Bicycle Accident Claims
Filing deadlines for Mountain View bicycle accident claims depend on the type of loss and whether a private party or government agency is responsible. Missing an applicable deadline may prevent an injured cyclist from recovering compensation.
| Claim Type | Filing Deadline | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury Lawsuit | Generally two years from the injury date for lawsuits against private parties. | CCP § 335.1 |
| Wrongful Death Claim | Generally two years from the date of death. | CCP § 335.1 |
| Property Damage Lawsuit | Generally three years from when the bicycle or other property was damaged in claims against private parties. | CCP § 338(c)(1) |
| Government Claim | Generally six months to present a written claim for personal injury, wrongful death, or personal property damage to the correct public entity. | Gov. Code § 911.2 |
| Lawsuit After Government Claim Rejection | Generally, six months after a qualifying written rejection notice is delivered or mailed, or two years from when the claim arose if the required written notice is not given. | Gov. Code § 945.6 |
Exceptions may affect these deadlines:
- Injured Minors: Under CCP § 352(a), the two-year deadline for many personal injury lawsuits against private parties generally begins when the injured child turns 18. Different rules apply to government claims.
- Late Government Claims: Government Code § 911.4 allows certain late-claim applications, generally within one year after the claim arose. Relief may also be available under §§ 911.6 and 946.6.
- Other Exceptions: Delayed discovery and other legal circumstances may affect certain deadlines.
Missing a filing deadline can prevent an injured cyclist from recovering compensation. Seeking legal advice promptly can help identify the correct deadline and preserve available evidence, including witness statements, photographs, and video recordings.
Results Arash Law Has Achieved for Injured Clients
Arash Law has helped injured cyclists and other vulnerable road users like pedestrians pursue compensation in cases involving distracted driving, serious injuries, and disputed fault. The following results highlight how our attorneys investigated accidents and challenged liability disputes to support our clients’ claims.
A six-year-old boy suffered a traumatic brain injury after a pickup truck struck and ran over him while he was cycling across a street. The driver blamed the child for the crash. Through discovery and deposition, our attorneys established that the driver was distracted, securing a $3.5 million settlement.
A pedestrian suffered a traumatic brain injury after a distracted driver ran him over while crossing the street. The defense disputed compensation for his injuries. Our attorneys and co-counsel developed evidence to support the injury claim and resolved the case weeks before trial.
A pedestrian was injured while crossing a street outside a crosswalk at night. Police initially cited him as the party responsible for the accident. Despite the unfavorable police report, Arash Law pursued his injury claim and secured a $2 million recovery.
Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results displayed depend on the unique facts of each case; different facts will yield different results. Case results shown are representative of the firm’s work and are not specific to Mountain View bicycle accident claims unless otherwise noted.
Talk to Arash Law About Your Mountain View Bicycle Accident Claim
Evidence such as witness statements and video footage may become harder to obtain after a bicycle crash. Filing deadlines can also affect your right to seek compensation. Arash Law can review your accident, explain your legal options, and help preserve available evidence.
Call (888) 488-1391 to discuss your Mountain View bicycle accident claim. Our phone line is available 24/7. We can also explain our contingency fee arrangement before you decide whether to hire us.
Why Mountain View Cyclists Choose Arash Law
Arash Law helps injured cyclists investigate accidents, identify responsible parties, and pursue compensation under California law. Our Mountain View bicycle accident attorneys provide legal support throughout the claims process.
Here’s how our team can help:
- Investigate Local Road Conditions: We review evidence, including traffic patterns, bicycle facilities, and maintenance records. Local examples include El Camino Real, Shoreline Boulevard, and Central Expressway.
- Identify Responsible Parties: We investigate potential liability involving drivers, employers, company shuttles, delivery vehicles, and public agencies. Our attorneys also review government claim requirements and deadlines.
- Manage Your Claim: We help preserve evidence, gather medical records, communicate with insurers, and prepare necessary filings.
- Document Your Losses: We assess medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, pain and suffering, and other recoverable damages. When appropriate, we consult experts to evaluate your injuries or help establish responsibility.
If settlement negotiations fail, Arash Law can evaluate filing a lawsuit in Santa Clara County Superior Court when venue is proper.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Mountain View
Does Not Wearing a Helmet Affect My Mountain View Bicycle Accident Claim?
Not wearing a helmet may affect your compensation, but it does not automatically bar your claim. If you suffered a head injury, the defense may argue that a helmet would have reduced its severity. Reducing your compensation requires evidence that your failure to wear a helmet negligently contributed to your injuries.
California Vehicle Code § 21212 generally requires riders and passengers under 18 to wear helmets. Adults riding standard bicycles generally are not required to wear a helmet under this law.
What if the Driver Who Hit Me Has No Insurance?
You may still recover compensation if an uninsured driver hits you while cycling in Mountain View. Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or an applicable household policy may cover your injuries. You may also pursue a claim against the responsible driver or other liable parties.
If the driver fled and cannot be identified, California Insurance Code § 11580.2 generally requires physical contact with the vehicle, a police report within 24 hours, and a sworn statement to the insurer within 30 days. Coverage depends on the policy and circumstances.
What if a Rideshare or Delivery Driver Hit Me?
You may have a claim against a rideshare or delivery driver who caused your bicycle accident in Mountain View. Available insurance coverage depends on the driver’s app status, the type of trip, and the applicable policies.
Under California Public Utilities Code § 5433, Uber and Lyft drivers have different insurance requirements depending on whether they are waiting for a ride or transporting a passenger. Delivery drivers may have different coverage rules. Arash Law can investigate the driver’s work status, available insurance, and other potentially responsible parties.
Can I Settle My Claim While Still Receiving Medical Treatment?
Yes, you can settle your bicycle accident claim while still receiving treatment, but doing so carries risks. You may not yet know the full extent of your injuries or future medical costs. Depending on the settlement terms, signing a release may prevent you from seeking additional compensation later.
An attorney can review your medical records, expected treatment costs, and settlement terms to help you decide whether to accept the offer.
What if a Dangerous Road Condition in Mountain View caused the Crash?
You may have a claim against a public agency if a dangerous road condition contributed to your bicycle crash. Depending on who owns or controls the road, the responsible agency may be the City of Mountain View, Santa Clara County, or the State of California.
Under Government Code § 835, you generally must show that a dangerous condition of public property caused your injuries and created a reasonably foreseeable risk. You must also establish that a public employee’s negligent or wrongful conduct created the condition or that the responsible agency had actual or constructive notice long enough to take protective measures.
Can an Undocumented Immigrant File a Bicycle Accident Claim in California?
Yes. An injured victim can file a bicycle accident injury claim in California, regardless of being an undocumented immigrant. Under California Evidence Code § 351.2, immigration status generally cannot be used as evidence or investigated through discovery in personal injury lawsuits.
Injured cyclists must still prove their claims using evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and documents supporting their financial losses. Arash Law handles all consultations confidentially. Your rights under California law do not depend on where you were born.
Do I Have to Go to Trial?
Not necessarily. Your Mountain View bicycle accident claim may settle through negotiations, even after you file a lawsuit. A trial may become necessary if the parties cannot agree on fault or compensation and you continue pursuing the case.
Arash Law can evaluate settlement offers with you and prepare for trial when appropriate. If your case proceeds to court, Santa Clara County Superior Court may be the proper venue, depending on the circumstances.
Ready to Talk? Arash Law Is Here To Help
A bicycle injury in Mountain View can keep you from working, riding your bike, and enjoying your usual activities. While you focus on recovery, Arash Law can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation.
Evidence can disappear, and filing deadlines can limit your options. Our attorneys can investigate your crash, preserve available evidence, and identify deadlines, including those for claims against public agencies.
Call (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation. Our phone line is available 24/7. Hablamos español.
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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Contacting Arash Law does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
