Victim of a bicycle accident?

When a car hits a cyclist, the rider always loses.

Bicycle accidents in Newport Beach can lead to devastating injuries — from broken bones and spinal trauma to life-altering brain damage. The coastal roads and bike lanes around Pacific Coast Highway, Balboa Island, and Back Bay should be safe, but too often, negligent drivers turn them into danger zones.

If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, you need someone in your corner who won’t back down.

At Sweet James Accident Attorneys, we fight for injured cyclists with relentless energy and compassion. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for injury victims across California, and we understand the unique challenges that come with bike crash cases: driver bias, insurance pushback, and undervalued injuries.

Our Newport Beach bicycle accident lawyers take care of everything — from crash scene investigations to negotiating with insurers — so you can focus on healing. You’ll never pay a dime unless we win your case.

Don’t let someone else’s careless driving define your future. Call (800) 900-0000 now for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Newport Beach

When a cyclist gets hit by a vehicle, the damage is rarely minor. You’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, pain, and the fear that life may never fully return to normal. Even worse? Insurance companies often try to blame the cyclist. That’s why you need more than a personal injury lawyer — you need someone who understands how bicycle accidents actually play out.

At Sweet James, our Newport Beach bicycle accident lawyers know how to push back against insurance tactics. We launch a thorough investigation, gather surveillance footage, speak to witnesses, and work with medical experts to fully understand the scope of your injuries. Then we fight like hell to make sure you’re not left picking up the pieces alone.

We understand what’s at stake. A helmet can’t protect you from being financially crushed by someone else’s reckless driving — but a lawyer can.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. It costs you nothing to get started, but the wrong legal team could cost you everything.

Call Sweet James — Because They’ll Call Their Lawyer Too

Don’t be fooled — drivers and insurance companies aren’t going to play nice after an accident. The moment a crash is reported, their team is already mobilizing to reduce or deny your claim. If you’re sitting at home in pain, wondering what to do next, remember this: the other side already has a lawyer.

So should you.

At Sweet James, we don’t wait around. From the moment you call, we take over the heavy lifting. We deal with the adjusters. We preserve evidence. We bring in the right experts to show what happened and how your life has been impacted. You don’t need to chase updates or worry about paperwork — that’s our job now.

You didn’t ask for this situation. But you can control how you respond.

Let us hold the negligent driver and their insurance accountable. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case becomes.

Call (800) 900-0000 now to speak with a Newport Beach bicycle accident lawyer who puts your recovery first.

We’ve Recovered Over $1 Billion for Accident Victims Like You

That’s not a marketing line — it’s a track record. Sweet James has helped thousands of clients across California secure real, life-changing results after serious accidents. And many of those victories were for cyclists.

We understand the physical and emotional toll of a bike crash. Whether your injuries are temporary or permanent, minor or catastrophic, we treat every client with the same level of dedication. We don’t take lowball offers, and we don’t disappear once the paperwork is signed.

What sets us apart? We combine aggressive litigation with genuine client care. Our team will guide you through every step of your case and keep you in the loop from day one. We don’t just want to win — we want you to walk away knowing you were heard, protected, and respected.

Let our results speak for themselves — and let them work for you.

Bike Accidents Are Different — So Are We

Bicycle crashes don’t follow the same rules as car accidents. They involve different types of injuries, different laws, and a lot more blame-shifting by the driver. That’s why you need a law firm that actually understands what makes these cases different — and how to win them.

At Sweet James, we know what to expect when a cyclist is hurt. We know how to fight back when insurance adjusters say you “should’ve been more careful” or try to claim the crash was your fault. We understand how to calculate long-term damages from road rash, joint injuries, or TBI — things many firms overlook.

We also know Newport Beach. From PCH to Dover Drive, we’ve handled cases in your backyard and know the local roads, police departments, and traffic laws that matter.

If you want a law firm that knows how to go beyond the basics and actually win your bicycle accident case, we’re ready when you are.

Your Recovery Is the Mission — Not Just the Settlement

Legal cases aren’t just about the payout — they’re about helping you put your life back together. At Sweet James, we treat every case with the care it deserves, because behind every file is a real person trying to heal.

We’ll connect you with medical professionals. We’ll help with rental transportation or navigating your time off work. We’ll make sure you understand your rights and your options every step of the way.

And when it’s time to negotiate or go to trial, we’re already ten steps ahead. Insurance companies know who we are — and they know we don’t settle for less.

You only get one shot at this. Make it count.

Call (800) 900-0000 for a free consultation with a Newport Beach bicycle accident lawyer who’s ready to fight for you.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Newport Beach

Newport Beach is a cyclist’s paradise — but it can also be a danger zone. With its mix of heavy tourist traffic, narrow coastal roads, and distracted drivers, the city has seen its share of serious bicycle accidents. Understanding the common causes helps illustrate why so many of these crashes aren’t “accidents” at all — they’re the result of negligence.

One of the most frequent causes is driver inattention. Texting while driving, checking GPS, or simply not watching for bikes in crosswalks or bike lanes is a recipe for disaster. Doorings — when a parked driver swings open a car door into a cyclist’s path — are also alarmingly common in neighborhoods like Corona del Mar or around Fashion Island.

Speeding and failure to yield are major contributors as well. Many drivers simply don’t understand or respect a cyclist’s right to the road, especially at intersections or roundabouts.

Whatever the reason, one truth remains: cyclists are incredibly vulnerable. Even at low speeds, a collision with a car can mean months of pain, lost income, and permanent injury. That’s why Sweet James takes these cases seriously. If a careless driver hurt you, we’re here to help make it right.

Understanding the Full Impact of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can leave scars far deeper than what’s visible. While broken bones, road rash, and lacerations are common, the real toll is often physical, emotional, and financial — all at once.

Some of the most serious bike-related injuries include spinal cord trauma, internal bleeding, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and long-term nerve damage. These don’t always show up immediately after the crash but can worsen over time, especially if treatment is delayed or denied by the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Medical costs add up quickly. Between ER visits, imaging tests, physical therapy, and time off work, the burden becomes overwhelming. Many cyclists also experience post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression, especially if they’re unable to return to cycling or commuting the way they used to.

At Sweet James, we work with medical experts and financial planners to calculate the true value of your case. We don’t just look at the current bills — we account for future surgeries, long-term recovery, and your overall loss of quality of life.

Your injury isn’t just a number to us. It’s your life. And we’ll make sure every piece of it is recognized.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Newport Beach

The moments after a crash are chaotic — but what you do next can make or break your case.

• First, prioritize your safety. If you’re able, move to a safe location and call 911. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out. Adrenaline can mask serious trauma, and having a medical record from the beginning is key.
• Second, gather evidence. If you can, take photos of the scene, your injuries, the bike, the car, and any nearby traffic signs or signals. Get contact information for any witnesses. Don’t rely on the police report alone — sometimes key details get missed or misinterpreted.
• Then, don’t talk to the driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims and may pressure you into giving a statement or accepting a quick payout that’s worth far less than your case.
• Finally, call a Newport Beach bicycle accident lawyer. The earlier we’re involved, the better chance we have to protect crucial evidence, build your case, and deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to.

Sweet James will handle everything — so you can focus on healing.

How Liability Works in California Bicycle Accident Claims

California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means even if you were partially at fault in a bicycle accident, you can still recover damages — your compensation is just reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault for not wearing a helmet, and your damages total $100,000, you could still recover $80,000. However, insurance companies often abuse this system. They try to shift as much blame as possible onto cyclists, arguing you weren’t visible, weren’t in the bike lane, or should’ve reacted differently.

That’s where a skilled attorney steps in.

At Sweet James, we anticipate these defenses. We work with crash reconstructionists, pull traffic camera footage, and even consult human factors experts when needed. The goal? To prove that the driver’s negligence — not yours — caused the crash.

In many cases, we can demonstrate that drivers violated traffic laws, failed to yield, or were distracted at the moment of impact. With the right legal strategy, we can protect your rights and maximize your recovery — even in complicated liability situations.

How Long You Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in California

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims — including bicycle accidents — is two years from the date of the crash. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely.

But don’t wait until the last minute.

The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner we can secure evidence, speak to witnesses, and build your case. Video footage gets erased, injuries heal, and memories fade — all of which can weaken your claim if too much time passes.

There are exceptions to the two-year rule. If a government entity is involved — say, a city-owned vehicle hit you or your injuries were caused by poor road maintenance — you may have just six months to file a claim. These cases are more complex and require fast action.

At Sweet James, we don’t let deadlines slip through the cracks. From day one, we keep your case on track and handle the paperwork for you. If you’re unsure how long you have, call us — even if you’re just asking questions. One call could protect your entire future.

Contact a Newport Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

You shouldn’t have to fight this alone.

If you or someone you love was hit while riding a bike in Newport Beach, the clock is already ticking — and the insurance company is already preparing its defense. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to recover the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Whether your accident happened near PCH, on the Newport Back Bay Loop Trail, or right in your neighborhood, we’ll investigate thoroughly and fight aggressively for what you’re owed.

We don’t charge upfront fees. You don’t pay unless we win. And our consultations are always free — whether you want to talk in person, over the phone, or via video.

Call (800) 900-0000 today to speak directly with a Newport Beach personal injury lawyer who puts your recovery first.