Cyclists in San Diego enjoy the area’s year-round sunshine and scenic routes, but sharing the road with cars, trucks, and buses can be dangerous. When a driver’s carelessness causes a crash, the consequences for a bicyclist can be life-changing. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bike accident, you deserve a San Diego personal injury lawyer who understands your challenges and is committed to helping you get the best possible result.
At The Barnes Firm, our experienced legal team combines local insight with a client-first approach to guide injured cyclists through every step of the recovery process. We’re here to protect your rights and help you secure compensation so you can move forward with your life.
Why Work With the San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorneys at The Barnes Firm?
With over 150,000 cases successfully resolved, working with The Barnes Firm provides you with direct access to experienced attorneys who understand the unique risks and rights of cyclists in our city. We make the process as convenient as possible by coming to you wherever you feel most comfortable. Our approach is always personalized and client-first, ensuring your voice is heard and your concerns are addressed at every step.
We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, and you won’t owe any legal fees unless we win. With a diverse legal team that reflects and understands San Diego’s communities, we are committed to helping our clients get the best result possible.
Meet Our San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Our San Diego team has experienced trial attorneys with deep local roots and a shared commitment to helping injured cyclists get the best result possible.

Jeffrey Bodily
Jeffrey, a senior trial attorney in The Barnes Firm’s San Diego office, has secured significant verdicts and settlements for personal injury clients across Southern California. Admitted to the State Bar of California and U.S. Federal District Courts, he guides clients with compassion and determination.

Scott Kennedy
Scott is a Senior Trial Attorney at The Barnes Firm, admitted to practice in California. With over 30 years of experience, he has secured more than $60 million in verdicts and settlements for clients. Known for his dedication to working families and union members, Scott represents accident victims with compassion and determination.

Allen Oghassabian
A native San Diegan, Allen graduated with honors from San Diego State University and earned his law degree from California Western School of Law. Admitted to the State Bar of California, he guides clients through complex litigation while working to ease their burdens and maximize recovery.

Christian Oliver
Having personally experienced a life-changing injury, Christian brings empathy and determination to his role as Managing Attorney at The Barnes Firm. Admitted in California and New York, he has been honored as Litigator of the Year by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers and named a Super Lawyers Rising Star multiple times.
Bernice M.

All I can say is this, Mr. Richard Mackey, was one of the kindness, take charge, attorney’s, I’ve ever spoken to. I just need to let him know that, I thought he was superb! including his paralegal, Kassandra. I wouldn’t hesitate, in referring someone, to The Barnes Firm.
Thank you, Mr. Richard Mackey & Kassandra, for all your hard work.
Types of Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident in San Diego
In a personal injury case, you may be entitled to pursue several different types of damages. The Barnes Firm is committed to helping you seek the full amount you deserve and won’t settle for less.
Compensatory damages cover the economic and non-economic losses you’ve suffered, including the following:
- Past and future medical expenses and treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage for bike repairs and replacements
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
In some situations, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish especially egregious behavior. Punitive damages differ from compensatory damages in that they aren’t intended to compensate the victim for their losses, but instead aim to penalize the defendant and deter future misconduct. At The Barnes Firm, our San Diego personal injury lawyers will evaluate every aspect of your losses and help fight to ensure you are receiving the maximum compensation you deserve.
Proven San Diego Personal Injury Case Results
At The Barnes Firm, we get results for our clients by combining strategic advocacy, deep legal experience, and the resources of one of America’s largest personal injury law firms. Our San Diego team has recovered substantial verdicts and settlements for cyclists and other accident victims, such as the following:
- $1,000,000 – Scooter Accident
- $685,000 – Pedestrian Accident
- $475,000 – Pedestrian Accident
- $290,000 – Pedestrian Accident
Tyler D.

Barnes was able to get me money fast, and they did all the work. They genuinely care about helping you. Thank you, The Barnes Firm.
San Diego Community Service That Strengthens Our Advocacy
At The Barnes Firm, our mission extends beyond winning cases. We believe service, advocacy, and mentorship make a lasting difference in the community we love and serve. The following are some of the ways we try to give back to the community:
$45,000 Donation to Shelter to Soldier
We have proudly made a $45,000 donation to Shelter to Soldier, a California nonprofit that rescues dogs from local shelters and trains them as psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans with PTSD, TBI, and other service-related injuries.
Supporting Practice Trial San Diego
Founded by Richard Mackie, Practice Trial San Diego helps attorneys build public speaking and trial skills while raising awareness for PTSD and supporting the National Veterans Foundation, reflecting our commitment to advocacy and community service.
By participating in programs like these, we bring a community-rooted perspective to our work that benefits both our clients and our city.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Diego’s Busy Streets
San Diego’s combination of bustling downtown streets, scenic coastal bike paths, and steady tourism traffic makes it a prime city for cycling, but also poses unique risks for riders. Many bicycle accidents here stem from preventable hazards. Common causes of bike accidents include the following:
- Distracted drivers who are texting, adjusting navigation systems, or not paying attention to the road
- Dooring incidents, which occur when someone in a parked vehicle opens a car door into a cyclist’s path
- Failure to yield at intersections, especially when drivers turn without checking for cyclists
- Unsafe road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or inadequate signage
- Aggressive driving near bike lanes, including speeding, tailgating, or passing too closely
Recognizing these risks can help cyclists stay vigilant. However, when accidents do happen, The Barnes Firm is here to help injured riders pursue fair compensation and begin healing.
What Injuries Are Common In San Diego Bicycle Accidents?
Common injuries from bicycle accidents tend to be catastrophic in nature. Unlike most road vehicles, cyclists do not have anything to protect themselves from the impact in the event of a crash. The most common injuries our bicycle accident attorneys in San Diego see are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
- Internal injuries
Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in San Diego
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, these steps can help protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not appear right away.
- Report the accident to local authorities so there’s an official record of what happened.
- Gather evidence by taking photos, saving damaged property, and collecting witness information.
- Contact an experienced San Diego bicycle accident attorney who can evaluate your case and explain your options.
The Barnes Firm will guide you through every stage of the claims process, handle all communications with insurance companies, and fight to protect your rights from the start.
Karen H.

I am very thankful and grateful for the way Mr. C. Oliver handled my case. Not only was the settlement extremely higher than what the insurance companies had initially offered me, but the [stress] of trying to do the claim on my own was gone. I had spent many hours and days with calls and emails to the insurance companies until a friend of mine saw my frustration and she recommended that I should call The Barnes Firm. Without a doubt, calling The Barnes Firm was the best and smartest decision I made. Mr. Oliver handled everything for me, and I am truly grateful to the Firm and for Mr. Oliver’s service.
Our team of attorneys want to hear from you.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Bicycle Accidents
If poor conditions, such as potholes, debris, or inadequate signage, caused your crash, you may have a claim against the government agency or contractor responsible for maintenance.
If a driver’s reckless behavior caused your accident, they may still be held liable regardless of contact.
Helmets are required for cyclists under 18 for all riders on Class 3 e-bikes. While not legally required for adults on standard bikes, helmets are strongly recommended for safety.
Call 911, seek medical attention, and report the incident to the police immediately. You may still recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage. We can help identify all possible recovery options.
Timelines vary depending on the case’s complexity, the nature and severity of the injuries, and the parties’ willingness to negotiate. Never feel pressured to accept or reject an insurance settlement offer without legal advice, with the hopes of speeding things along.
Fault depends on evidence and circumstances. If you are partially at fault for an accident in California, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault.
Most personal injury lawyers, including The Barnes Firm, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we win.
Head injuries are among the most common and serious, even when helmets are worn.
Under California’s statute of limitations, you have two years from the accident date to file suit. If you sue after the deadline has passed, your case will likely be dismissed.
Contact a San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, The Barnes Firm is here to help with free consultations and 24/7 support. Our primary office in San Diego is located at 655 W Broadway, Suite #940, but we proudly serve clients across California.
You can count on us to protect your rights and help fight for the best result possible. Call (800) 800-0000 today, fill out our online contact form, or chat with a team member.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes