Quick Takeaways
Always call 911 and get a police report — drivers often try to blame cyclists.
Take photos of your injuries, the car, the road defect, and the bike.
Pothole and road-defect cases may involve government claims with strict deadlines.
Dooring accidents are almost always the driver’s or passenger’s fault.
Insurance companies often blame cyclists — a lawyer protects your rights.
- Find a Personal Injury Lawyer right aways in Edvin Law we help you get the help you need.
Bicycle Accidents: What To Do If a Car Hits You, a Pothole Causes a Crash, or Someone Opens a Car Door in Front of You
Bicycling is healthy, affordable, and a major form of transportation across Nevada, California, and Arizona. Unfortunately, cyclists have almost no physical protection — which means even a small collision can lead to extremely serious injuries.
Whether you were hit by a vehicle, crashed because of a pothole, or were thrown off your bike when someone suddenly opened a car door, you have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation.
This full guide explains exactly what to do after a bicycle accident, how to protect your case, who may be responsible, and when to call an attorney to protect your rights.
1. What To Do Right Away After a Bicycle Accident
Even if the crash seems minor, your actions in the first moments can protect your health and your case.
✔ Move to safety
If you can, move off the roadway. Many cyclists get hit a second time by passing traffic.
✔ Call 911
A police report is one of the strongest pieces of evidence.
Do not let the driver convince you “we don’t need police.”
✔ Take photos and videos
Capture as much as possible:
Your bicycle
Damage to the vehicle
Your injuries
The road surface
Any potholes, debris, or hazards
The car door if you were “doored”
The driver’s license plate
Witnesses and bystanders
Your phone becomes your best evidence tool.
✔ Get medical treatment
Cyclists often suffer:
Concussions
Fractures
Spine injuries
Internal injuries
Even if you “feel fine,” adrenaline can hide pain for hours.
✔ Do NOT give a recorded statement
Insurance adjusters often try to twist your words to blame you, even when the driver was clearly at fault.
Speak with an attorney first.
2. Hit by a Car While Riding a Bicycle
When a car hits a cyclist, liability usually falls on the driver — not the cyclist.
Common causes include:
Turning without looking
Merging into a bike lane
Speeding
Distracted driving (texting, GPS)
Failing to yield
Driving too close to a cyclist
Running stop signs or lights
Cyclists have the same legal rights to the road as drivers.
Compensation you may recover:
Medical bills
Rehabilitation and future treatment
Lost wages
Loss of earning ability
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Bicycle repair or replacement
Permanent injury compensation
If the driver fled the scene, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply.
3. Bicycle Accidents Caused by Potholes & Road Defects
Not every bicycle crash involves a car.
Road conditions can be just as dangerous — and someone may still be legally responsible.
Common hazardous conditions include:
Potholes
Cracked pavement
Uneven concrete
Construction debris
Loose gravel
Poor road design
Missing warning signs
These cases often fall under premises liability or government liability.
The responsible party may include:
The city
The county
A state agency
Construction companies
Maintenance contractors
Commercial property owners
Important:
Government claims have strict deadlines — sometimes only a few months.
Professional lawyer in suit reviewing case files, symbolizing dedication to personal injury law.
Evidence that strengthens these cases:
Clear photos of the defect
Measurements of its depth and size
Witness accounts
GPS location or bike app data
Proof of prior complaints or reports
If the government knew — or should have known — about the dangerous condition, they may be legally responsible.
4. What To Do If a Car Door Hits You (Dooring Accidents)
“Dooring” happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly in your path.
This is one of the most common bicycle accidents, especially in busy cities.
Who is responsible?
Almost always:
✔ The person who opened the door
Drivers and passengers must check for approaching cyclists before opening a door into traffic.
Common injuries from dooring:
Broken wrists
Shoulder or collarbone fractures
Concussions
Spine injuries
Deep cuts
Permanent scarring
Many cyclists get launched into traffic — which can cause even worse injuries.
Important evidence to gather:
Photo of the open door
The car’s license plate
Your bicycle position
Your injuries
Witness statements
Screenshots from cycling apps (speed, route, location)
These details help prove fault quickly and clearly.
5. Should You Handle a Bicycle Accident Claim Without an Attorney?
You can — but it often results in lower compensation, or denied claims.
Insurance companies use common arguments to blame cyclists:
“You were going too fast.”
“You should have seen the hazard.”
“The pothole was obvious.”
“The door was already open.”
“You were outside the bike lane.”
Without legal representation, these tactics can destroy even a strong case.
A lawyer protects your rights, gathers evidence, handles the insurance companies, and maximizes your compensation.
6. When You Should Call a Lawyer Immediately
Call an attorney if:
You were injured
Your bike is damaged
The driver was distracted or aggressive
A road defect or pothole caused the crash
You were doored by a car
The police report is incomplete
Insurance is denying or delaying your claim
You need help getting medical care
Bicycle accidents often lead to long-term injuries. Do not risk your claim.
7. Contact Attorney Edvin Jones for Bicycle Accident Cases
If you were injured while riding a bicycle, you do not have to face insurance companies alone.
I represent cyclists in:
Nevada | California | Arizona
I will help you:
✔ Understand your rights
✔ Get proper medical treatment
✔ Preserve evidence
✔ Maximize compensation
✔ Handle all communication with insurance companies
Contact:
Edvin Jones, Personal Injury Attorney
📧 Email: info@edvin.law
🌐 Website: edvin.law
📞 Phone: 702-337-3430
If you were injured in a bicycle accident—whether due to a driver, a pothole, or a car door—contact Attorney Edvin Jones today for a free, confidential consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Summary
Bicycle accidents can involve cars, road defects, doors opening unexpectedly, or even hit-and-run drivers. Cyclists often suffer serious injuries and are frequently blamed by insurance companies — even when they did nothing wrong.
By taking the right steps after the crash, documenting everything, and speaking with an experienced attorney, you can protect your rights and pursue full compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and long-term effects.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get compensation if a pothole caused my bicycle crash?
Yes. Cities, counties, state agencies, and private property owners may be responsible for dangerous road conditions. These cases have short deadlines, so act fast.
2. What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may pay for your injuries, even when the driver is never found.
3. Am I at fault if I wasn’t in the bike lane?
Not necessarily. Cyclists may legally ride outside the bike lane in many circumstances, including avoiding hazards or preparing to turn.
4. Do I need a police report?
Yes. Insurance companies rely on police reports, and without one they often try to deny responsibility.
5. How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?
Nothing upfront. Bicycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay only if your case is won.
