This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Santa Ana, California law is on your side. Under Vehicle Code 21200, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as drivers, and a driver who causes a crash is responsible for the harm. You can recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation with a Santa Ana bicycle accident attorney, available 24/7. No fee unless we win.
At Cefali & Cefali, we represent injured cyclists in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County. We know how insurers try to shift blame onto riders, and we counter it with the law and the evidence.
California Bicycle Laws Every Santa Ana Cyclist Should Know
Equal rights on the road (Vehicle Code 21200). Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers. A cyclist is not confined to a bike lane and is entitled to use the road.
The Three Feet for Safety Act (Vehicle Code 21760). A driver passing a cyclist in the same direction must leave at least three feet of clearance. Violating this law is strong evidence of negligence.
Dooring is illegal (Vehicle Code 22517). No one may open a car door into traffic when it is unsafe, a rule that protects cyclists riding beside parked cars.
Helmets are required only under 18 (Vehicle Code 21212). Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. For adults it is not required, and not wearing one does not bar you from recovering for a crash a driver caused.
California also follows pure comparative negligence, so you can recover even if you were partly at fault, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. This is the accurate answer to a common myth: you can still recover from an at-fault driver even if you share some of the blame.
What should you do after a bicycle accident?
Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, since adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Call the police and get a report, photograph the scene and your bike, collect witness contact information, and speak with a bicycle accident lawyer before giving any statement to the driver's insurer.
Prompt medical care does more than protect your health: it creates the records that connect your injuries to the crash. Common bicycle-accident injuries include broken bones, road rash and lacerations, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, which is why a medical evaluation matters even when you feel able to ride away.
What causes bicycle accidents in Santa Ana?
Most bicycle crashes are caused by driver negligence: failing to see a cyclist, turning left across a rider's path, unsafe passing that violates the three-foot rule, and dooring. Road hazards such as potholes and debris, and dangerous intersections, are also frequent causes.
Left-turn and failure-to-yield collisions, when a driver turns across or pulls out in front of a cyclist
Unsafe passing that violates the three-foot clearance law
Dooring, when someone opens a car door into a rider's path
Distracted, impaired, or speeding driving
Road hazards such as potholes and debris, which can support a claim against a government entity responsible for the road
Santa Ana cyclists ride along routes like the Santa Ana River Trail and busy arterials such as Bristol Street, First Street, and Fourth Street, where cars and bikes share space. Seriously injured riders are often treated at UCI Medical Center in nearby Orange, the county's only Level I trauma center.
Compensation for Santa Ana Bicycle Accident Victims
An injured cyclist can recover economic damages (current and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and bike and gear damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life). California places no cap on general damages such as pain and suffering in an ordinary injury case. If a bicycle crash is fatal, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity is involved, for example a dangerous road condition, you may have as little as six months to file a claim. Missing these deadlines usually ends your right to recover.
How a Santa Ana Bicycle Accident Lawyer Helps
We investigate the crash, obtain the police report and any traffic or surveillance footage, gather witness statements, document your injuries, and identify every source of insurance. We handle all communication with the insurer, counter attempts to blame the rider, and negotiate for full compensation. If the insurer refuses a fair offer, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay no fees unless we win.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident in Santa Ana, call (949) 325-7790 or contact us for a free consultation. We represent injured cyclists throughout Santa Ana and Orange County, and there is no fee unless we win.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
