When you take your bicycle out on the open road, you are likely aware of the dangers around you. Even if you are extremely careful, bicycle accidents can still occur through no fault of your own.
If you have been the victim of a bicycle accident, your San Fernando Valley bicycle accident lawyer is here to help. We will help you negotiate your claim with the other party’s insurance company and take care of your case’s legalities. The lawyer can also help you decide whether or not legal action needs to be taken.
Hiring an attorney puts you in a good position to get the maximum monetary damages owed after you are involved in an accident. At Greenberg Gross, we provide our clients with a free consultation to begin discussing their cases and explain what legal options are available. Our goal after the consultation is that you have all the information necessary to decide whether you want to file a claim.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents are quite common in California, as many drivers, unfortunately, are unaware of the presence of the bicyclist, resulting in an incident. When traveling in a vehicle, you are protected with airbags, seat belts, and other safety features; however, cyclists rely on a helmet to protect themselves from injury.
Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that there are over one hundred thousand bicycle accidents each year, some of which are fatal.
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Bicycle Laws in California
According to section 21200 of the California Vehicle Code, bicyclists can travel on public roadways and must obey the same laws as those in motor vehicles. Therefore, you may not ride a bicycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you must provide pedestrians the right of way, as well as keep an eye on all traffic signals as if you were in a motor vehicle.
Due to various accidents involving bicyclists, motor vehicles must always remain at least three feet away from cyclists. Furthermore, motorists cannot obstruct a designated bicycle lane.
There are a few circumstances where a bicyclist may travel in the roadway, regardless of their speed. These circumstances include:
- When passing
- Making a left turn
- Avoiding an accident
- When making a right turn
Furthermore, unless bicyclists are passing, making a left turn, or riding on a one-way street that is too narrow to pass if you are riding on a road that has a bike lane, you must travel in the designated bike lane unless you can keep up with the speed of traffic.
Who’s at Fault for Bicycle Accidents?
After being involved in a bicycle accident, knowing exactly who is at fault is critical. In many cases, the driver responsible is cited with a minor infraction and sent on their way.
However, if the accident is more serious, there could be a misdemeanor or felony offense given to the driver. These offenses include reckless driving, hit and run, and driving under the influence.
When cyclists are injured in a serious accident, they would likely like to see criminal charges passed down to the driver. However, they are still left with medical bills that could be overwhelming and further worsen an already terrible situation. This is where the civil side of the law is used to recover your damages.
You can recover your damages in court by suing the other party if you have been injured in a bicycle accident due to a driver’s negligence. If you can prove that a driver was negligent, you could receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages from the driver at fault.
Contact Greenberg Gross Today!
If you were involved in a bicycle accident, get in touch with Greenberg Gross today! We have the resources and experience to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorneys to start filing your suit and gathering evidence for your case.
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