Common bicycle crashes
- Unsafe passing too close to the rider
- Right hooks, where a driver passes and then turns right across the cyclist
- Left crosses, where an oncoming driver turns left into the cyclist
- Dooring, where a parked driver opens a door into the bike lane
- Driveway and parking lot exits without looking for cyclists
- Road defects, including potholes and broken pavement
Passing laws in both states
California
Under the Three Feet for Safety Act, drivers may not pass a cyclist going the same direction with less than three feet of clearance. Where practicable, drivers must change lanes to pass, and if they cannot give three feet, they must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed and pass only when it is safe. Cal. Veh. Code § 21760
Arizona
Drivers overtaking a cyclist must leave a safe distance of not less than three feet until safely past. If a violation causes serious physical injury or death, the statute provides enhanced fines. A.R.S. § 28-735
A violation of a safety statute like these can be strong evidence of negligence in a civil case.
E-bikes
Electric bicycles are common in both states, and e-bike riders generally have the same right to the road as other cyclists. E-bike crashes can raise extra questions: the bike's class, speed, where it may be ridden, and whether a battery or component defect played a role. Those questions affect fault arguments and may open a product liability claim.
Injuries
Head and brain injuries (even with a helmet), facial and dental injuries, collarbone, wrist and arm fractures, spinal injuries and road rash. See catastrophic injuries.
Insurance for cyclists
Cyclists are often surprised to learn that their own auto policy's uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may protect them while riding a bicycle. That coverage is critical in hit-and-run crashes and when the driver carries only minimum limits. See UM/UIM claims.
Evidence to preserve
Keep the bike, helmet and clothing as they are. Save ride-tracking data (GPS apps and bike computers) and any helmet or handlebar camera footage. Get the police report, photos, witness names and the locations of nearby cameras.
Bicycle accident FAQ
The driver says I came out of nowhere. What now?
GPS ride data, camera footage, the physical evidence and the driver's own sight lines often show otherwise. Drivers must look for cyclists before turning, opening doors or changing lanes.
Does my car insurance cover me on a bike?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your auto policy often applies to you as a cyclist. Have your policy reviewed.
I wasn't wearing a helmet. Does that matter?
The insurer may argue it affected a head injury, but it does not change who caused the crash.
This page explains general rules of California and Arizona law. It is not legal advice, laws change, and every case depends on its own facts. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
