More than 100 bicyclists are killed, and more than 10,000 are injured in crashes each year in California. Many of these crashes are caused by negligence on the part of motor vehicle drivers, not cyclists.
When you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in California, you’re likely facing a tough road ahead. You’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and potential loss of income, all while trying to recover.
That’s why you need the help of California bicycle accident lawyers who understand how to file an injury claim. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ll protect your rights and help you get the compensation you rightly deserve.
If you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding California Bicycle Accident Laws
In California, bicycle laws are designed to ensure the safety of cyclists and promote harmonious sharing of the road with motor vehicles. Here’s a summary of the key legal requirements for bicyclists:
- Rights and Responsibilities: Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This includes obeying all traffic signs and signals.
- Helmet Use: By law, all bicycle riders under the age of 18 must wear a properly fitted helmet while riding on public roads.
- Braking System: Bicycles must be equipped with functioning brakes.
- Signaling: Bicyclists must use hand signals before making turns or changing lanes:
- Left turn: Extend the left arm out horizontally.
- Right turn: Hold the left arm up with the elbow bent or extend the right arm out horizontally.
- Slowing or stopping: Extend the left arm downward.
- Nighttime Visibility: When riding at night, bicyclists are required to have:
- A front lamp that emits a white light visible from 300 feet.
- A rear red reflector or a solid/flashing red light visible from 500 feet.
- White or yellow reflectors on each pedal, shoe, or ankle that’s visible from 200 feet.
- White or yellow reflectors on the front wheel and a white or red reflector on the rear wheel, or reflectorized tires.
- Lane Positioning: Bicyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic and may use the entire lane when:
- Passing another vehicle or bicycle
- Preparing for a left turn
- Avoiding hazards
- The lane is too narrow for a bicycle and vehicle to travel safely side by side
- Bicycle Lanes: When available, bicyclists should use designated bicycle lanes marked by solid white lines that may turn into dotted lines before intersections. In some areas, bicycle lanes are painted green to increase visibility.
- Obeying Traffic Signals: Bicyclists must stop at STOP signs and red traffic lights and follow basic right-of-way rules.
Despite these regulations, bicycle accidents can still occur due to factors like distracted driving, failure to yield, and ‘dooring’ accidents. In such cases, determining liability is crucial for pursuing compensation. Liability could fall on the negligent driver, the cyclist, or even third parties, such as municipalities responsible for maintaining safe road conditions.
California follows the comparative negligence rule, meaning even if you were partially at fault, you may still be eligible for compensation. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, contact the police, gather evidence, and notify your insurance company. As a victim, you could be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Helping Bicycle Accident Victims Across Northern California
Berg Injury Lawyers has been helping injured people in Northern California since 1981. We’re committed to making our clients’ lives easier during the personal injury claims process. We have offices located throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
Our Modesto Office
Berg Injury Lawyers has a Modesto office located at 1317 Oakdale Rd. Suite 500, Modesto, CA 95355. Our Modesto bicycle accident lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today.
Our Sacramento Office
Our Sacramento office is located at 2277 Watt Ave., 2nd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95825. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you.
We also have office locations in Fresno and Alameda, and we serve communities throughout Northern California.
Let Our California Bicycle Accident Lawyers Help
At Berg Injury Lawyers, our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of cyclists in California. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
Our team of California bicycle accident lawyers will evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and talk through how to proceed. Contact us today for a free consultation.
