Unexpected collisions between vehicles and bicycles often leave drivers unsure of their next legal steps. Knowing what to do if a cyclist hits your car in Fresno, California, helps protect your rights, comply with reporting laws, and preserve key evidence for insurance claims. At Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno, we help injured drivers handle these cases, ensuring compliance with California law and fair treatment from insurers.

What Happens If a Cyclist Hits My Car?

Under California law, a cyclist can be held responsible for property damage or injuries when found negligent. The California Driver Handbook—Laws and Rules of the Road establishes that bicyclists share the same rights and duties as motorists, meaning they must follow traffic laws, signals, and right-of-way rules. Running red lights, ignoring yield signs, or causing collisions makes cyclists liable for resulting property damage and injuries.

Determining liability can involve multiple parties, especially when the driver and the cyclist contribute to the collision. California’s comparative negligence rule divides compensation according to fault, making accurate documentation essential for a strong claim.

Steps After a Cyclist Hits Your Car

Accidents involving bicycles often happen suddenly, but a calm, structured response supports both safety and legal protection. When a cyclist hits your car in Fresno, call 911 for any injuries or serious property damage, move everyone to safety, and document the scene with photos while gathering the cyclist’s contact and insurance information.

At the Scene:

1. Check for injuries: Determine whether anyone, especially the cyclist, needs medical care and call 911 for assistance.
2. Move to safety: Shift vehicles and people away from active traffic whenever possible.
3. Contact police: California requires reporting accidents involving injury or property damage over $1,000. A police report provides an official record that supports insurance and liability findings.
4. Document everything: Photograph the vehicles, bicycles, debris, road markings, and the surrounding area.
5. Exchange information: Collect the cyclist’s contact details, insurance information, and statements from witnesses.
6. Avoid fault discussions: Refrain from arguing or making statements about fault.

After the Scene:

• Report the accident to your insurer: Provide your insurance company with accurate details and evidence.
• File a DMV report: California requires submitting an SR-1 form to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days for injuries or property damage over $1,000. The California DMV Accident Reporting page confirms that drivers or their insurance representatives must complete this report, even when police are involved.
• Get a medical checkup: Even without visible symptoms, minor injuries can surface later.

This process builds a detailed record that strengthens any potential insurance claim or civil case.

Key Information to Get From the Cyclist

Gathering accurate details immediately after a collision can prevent future disputes. Ask for the cyclist’s:

• Full name, address, and phone number
• Driver’s license or other identification, if available
• Bicycle serial number (often engraved on the frame)
• Insurance information, including homeowner’s or renter’s coverage, which may apply to cycling incidents
• Witness names and contact numbers

Include your own insurance and driver’s license information when providing details for the police report. Thorough documentation allows your attorney to trace insurance coverage, verify identities, and pursue fair compensation without unnecessary delays.

How California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Law Can Impact Your Claim

California’s pure comparative negligence rule bases compensation on each party’s share of fault. For example, if a cyclist bears 70 percent of the responsibility and you hold 30 percent, your compensation would reduce accordingly. This shared-liability rule ensures accountability for both parties.

Because insurers often dispute these percentages to minimize payouts, having a Fresno car accident attorney analyze police reports, witness statements, and damage patterns can prevent undervalued settlements.

The Cyclist’s Insurance Will Cover Your Car Damage?

Sometimes, but not always. Some homeowners’ or renters’ policies cover cycling accidents as personal liability claims. Many cyclists carry no such coverage or have policies with cycling exclusions. Your collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage policy becomes the backup option when the cyclist has no applicable insurance.

Small claims court may offer a solution when neither party carries insurance sufficient to cover damages. California allows individuals to file claims for property damage, under certain circumstances, without having an attorney, though legal representation often ensures better preparation and negotiation outcomes.

Get Legal Support After a Cyclist Hits Your Car in Fresno, California

Bicycle-related accidents can leave drivers facing unexpected repairs and insurance complications. Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno help drivers recover fair compensation for damages and losses. Call us at (559) 342-2000 today to schedule your free consultation and let our Fresno legal team protect your rights under California law.