California Bicycle Accident Law
Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in California, especially in dense cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. With more people choosing cycles as their commute option, there has been a corresponding increase in bicycle accidents in California. These accidents can result in serious injuries, emotional stress, and financial losses.
Whether you are an avid cyclist or just use your bike for outdoor exercise, it’s important to understand the California bicycle accident law as it helps you protect your legal rights. Nordean Law, with a great team of personal injury lawyers in California, can help you with the legal process of your bicycle accident case.
What Are California Bicycle Accident Laws?
California bicycle accident laws are the set of rules and regulations that govern the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and motorists in regards to bicycle riders.. These laws are in place to protect the safety of everyone on the road, including drivers.
California has specific laws that address the responsibilities of both bicyclists and motorists on the road. The bicycle accident laws in California cover a range of topics, including helmet use, riding on the correct side of the road, and signaling turns. There are penalties outlined for violating these laws, such as fines and even criminal charges.
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Who Does California Bicycle Accident Law Impact?
California bike accident laws impact anyone who rides a bicycle in California. They are designed to protect cyclists and ensure that they are able to ride safely on the roads. The bicycle accident laws of California apply to all types of cyclists, from commuters to recreational cyclists to professional cyclists.
Additionally, California’s bicycle accident laws impact motorists who share the road with cyclists. Motorists must take extra precautions when driving around cyclists. They should leave ample space when passing a cyclist and avoid all the maneuvers that could put the cyclist in danger. When motorists fail to follow these laws, they could face serious consequences, including civil lawsuits and criminal penalties.
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California Bicycle Laws
California has specific laws that govern the use of bicycles on public roads. It is important for bicycle riders to understand these laws to stay safe and avoid accidents. Below are listed the key California bicycle law:
1. Helmet Law
Under the bicycle laws in California, all bicyclists under the age of 18 are required to wear a properly fastened helmet when riding on a public road. The helmet must meet the safety standards set by the state.. It’s not mandatory for adult bicyclists to wear helmets but it’s highly recommended.
2. Traffic Laws
Bicycle riders are required to follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles while on public roads, bikeways, or paths. California bike laws include obeying stop signs and red lights, using hand signals when turning or changing lanes, and riding on the right side of the road.
3. Bike Lane Law
Bicyclists are required to ride in a bike lane or as close to the right-hand curb as possible when riding on a roadway. However, they are allowed to move left to avoid hazards, make left turns, or overtake a slower vehicle.
4. Lighting Law
At night, bicyclists must have a white headlight and a red reflector or taillight. The headlight must be visible from the front and the reflector or tail light from the rear.
5. Sidewalk Riding Law
Riding on sidewalks is legal in some areas but prohibited in others. The local ordinances in California determine whether it’s legal to ride on the sidewalk. Bicyclists who ride on the sidewalk must yield to pedestrians and only pass after giving an audible signal.
6. Distracted Driving Law
It’s illegal to use a cell phone or other handheld wireless device while riding a bicycle in California. Both hands must be on the handlebars at all times, except when you have to make a hand signal.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California
Bicycle accidents are a serious issue in California, but when you are aware of the causes of bicycle accidents, you can avoid accidents and stay safe. The following are a few common causes of California bicycle accidents.
1. Driver Error
One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in California is driver error. Bicycle accidents happen due to distracted driving, speeding, and failing to yield the right of way. When a vehicle driver is inattentive or driving recklessly, he puts bicyclists in danger.
2. Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions significantly contribute to bicycle accidents. Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can cause a bicyclist to lose control and result in bike accidents in California.
3. Doorings
Dooring is when a driver opens their car door into the path of a bicyclist. This happens when a driver parks the car on the side of the road and does not check for passing bicycles before opening the door.
4. Riding at Night
Riding a bicycle at night can be dangerous, especially in poorly lit areas or if your bicycle lacks a headlight, taillight, or reflector.
5. Bicycle Defects
Defective bicycles or bicycle parts also contribute to bike accidents in California. A malfunctioning brake or steering system can cause a bicyclist to lose control and crash into anything in front.
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What To Do if You’re in a Bicycle Accident in California?
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in California, then you must follow the steps below to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
- Seek medical attention: When you have an accident, you should immediately seek medical attention. The injuries may seem minor initially but could worsen over time.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party,including the name, phone number, address, and license plate number.
- Take witness information: If there were any witnesses,you should record their contact information, as they may provide valuable testimony about the crash later on.
- Take photos & videos: Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, including your bike, the other party’s vehicle, and the injuries you sustained. This visual evidence will be helpful when dealing with insurance companies or legal proceedings.
- Call the police: Call the police and report the accident. The police create a report detailing the incident. A police report plays a vital role in an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
- Contact your insurance company: Contact your insurance company and report the accident as soon as possible as they may be able to help you with medical bills, property damage, or other losses related to the accident.
- Consult with a lawyer: Following a car accident, it’s a wise idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer in California as they help people navigate the legal process, protect their rights, and get the compensation they deserve.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in California
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in California, you may have to go through the legal process. While you can fight your bike accident case on your own, it’s necessary to have a deep understanding of California bicycle accident law to build a strong case.
Nordean Law strongly encourages you to seek legal representation and contact a bicycle accident attorney in California. We are the best personal injury law firm in California, and are renowned for providing valuable legal guidance and support to our clients. Our bike accident attorneys have a deep understanding of California bike accident law and possess the expertise to negotiate with insurance companies and help you win a fair settlement. Nordean Law is best at developing a strong legal strategy and presenting your case effectively in court. Call us at 888.527.1267 and book a free consultation now.
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