San Diego Bike Lane Laws: Who’s Liable in a Bike vs. Vehicle Crash?

By Eugene Bruno on June 18, 2025

San Diego is one of the most bike-friendly cities in California, with miles of designated bike lanes running through urban streets and scenic coastal routes. But as the number of cyclists increases, so do the risks.

When a motor vehicle collides with a bicyclist in a designated lane, the legal question becomes clear: Who’s at fault, and how can the injured cyclist recover damages?

Knowing what the law says about cyclist right of way, driver negligence, and liability can make or break your personal injury claim.

What the Law Says About Bike Lanes

California law, including provisions under the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21208, states that if a bike lane is present, cyclists must use it unless they’re preparing for a turn, passing, or avoiding a hazard.

Drivers must:

• Yield to bicyclists already in the lane before turning across or entering it
• Only enter the bike lane within 200 feet of making a turn
• Avoid stopping, blocking, or parking in designated bike lanes

Violation of these rules may form the basis for driver negligence in a bike lane if an accident occurs.

Cyclist Right of Way in San Diego

One of the most misunderstood aspects of San Diego bike lane accident law is the cyclist’s right of way. In most situations, when a car crosses into a bike lane, the cyclist has the legal right of way. For example:

• Right turns: A vehicle turning right must yield to a cyclist proceeding straight in the bike lane.
• Driveway entry: A vehicle entering or exiting a driveway across a bike lane must yield to oncoming bicycle traffic.
• Stop signs: Just like other road users, cyclists must obey stop signs—but if a cyclist has the right of way at a four-way stop, vehicles must yield.

When Drivers Cause Bike Lane Accidents

Understanding how these accidents happen is critical in determining bike lane crash legal fault. Here are a few of the most frequent scenarios our firm is familiar with that frequently lead to personal injury cyclist claims involving concussions, fractures, spinal trauma, or worse.

Right Hook Accidents

A driver turns right across a bike lane without checking for a cyclist coming from behind. These accidents often result in head trauma or broken bones.

Dooring Incidents

A parked car occupant opens a door into a bike lane without checking, causing the cyclist to crash.

Side-Swipe Collisions

A driver drifts into the bike lane and strikes a cyclist traveling alongside.

Failure to Yield at Intersections

Drivers who don’t yield while turning left or crossing a bike lane at an intersection can cause devastating side-impact crashes.

Speeding and Distracted Driving

Even slight driver inattention or excess speed can have deadly consequences for a cyclist in a narrow bike lane.

Who’s Liable in a Bike Lane Injury Lawsuit?

California is a comparative negligence state, meaning fault can be shared among multiple parties. Determining legal fault in a bike lane crash often depends on:

• Vehicle code violations (Was the driver in the bike lane illegally?)
• Witness statements and video footage
• Road design and signage (Were lane markings clear and visible?)
• Speed and distance calculations
• Police reports and citations

In most bike vs. vehicle accidents, the motorist is found at fault, especially if they turned into a cyclist’s path or drifted into a bike lane.

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, our attorneys work with accident reconstructionists and other experts to help build clear evidence for bike lane injury lawsuits.

How to Prove Driver Negligence in a Bike Lane Crash

To succeed in a personal injury case, the injured cyclist must prove that the driver’s negligence directly caused the accident. Here’s how we help build your case.

Gathering Evidence

We secure:

• Crash scene photos
• Witness statements
• Surveillance or dashcam video
• Driver’s cellphone records (to check for distracted driving)
• Medical records linking the injury to the crash

Demonstrating Damages

Your damages might include:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Surgeries and rehabilitation
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability

Establishing Duty of Care and Breach

Drivers owe a duty of care to cyclists and other road users. We know how to demonstrate how the driver violated this duty—such as by entering the bike lane illegally or failing to yield.

Compensation for Injured Cyclists

In a successful bike lane injury claim or lawsuit, you may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Loss of earnings and earning potential
• Property damage (bike replacement)
• Emotional distress and physical pain
• Long-term care or disability-related costs

In cases involving gross negligence (e.g., DUI), additional damages may be pursued. And if a fatality occurred, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

What to Do After a San Diego Bike Lane Accident

If you’ve been hit by a car while riding in a bike lane in San Diego, follow these steps.

Call 911 Immediately

Get emergency medical help and request a police report to document the crash.

Document the Scene

Take photos of your injuries, the car, the bike, road markings, and anything else relevant.

Get Medical Treatment

Even if you feel “okay,” some injuries—like concussions—may not show symptoms immediately.

Do Not Accept Early Settlements

Insurance companies may offer a lowball payment to close the claim. Speak to a San Diego personal injury attorney first.

Call a San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer

Legal representation can make the difference between a denied claim and the full compensation you deserve.

Why Injured Cyclists Trust Eugene Bruno & Associates

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we’re more than just legal advocates—we’re tireless partners in your recovery. We understand the laws surrounding San Diego bike lane accidents, and we’re committed to holding negligent drivers accountable.

Here’s why injured cyclists turn to us:

• 85+ years of combined legal experience
• 99.7% success rate in personal injury cases
• Named among the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego
• Responsive, hands-on legal team that keeps you informed
• Zero fee unless we win your case

Speak With Our Experienced Bike Accident Lawyers in San Diego

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bike lane crash, don’t leave your future to chance. Whether the accident involved driver negligence in a bike lane, failure to yield, or illegal vehicle entry into a designated lane, you may have a strong case for compensation.

Call Eugene Bruno & Associates at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule your free consultation with one of our San Diego bike accident lawyers.