Bicycle Accidents

 Because of the high expense of owning a car and the desire that many people must use less fossil fuel, riding a bicycle has become more popular than ever. It provides good exercise and is also a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery. Because of this increased popularity, however, bicycle accidents have become more common in the state of California as well as across the entire country. Many bicycle accident injuries are serious for the riders of bicycles, as they have no external protection other than a helmet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, there were 782 cyclist deaths across the U.S. in the year 2017 alone. All too often, these fatalities involved drivers who were drunk or using drugs.

California Bicycle Accident Laws

In the state of California, those who ride bicycles have the same responsibilities as those who drive cars. They must obey stop sign rules and other traffic signals. Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as the traffic and should ride on the right-hand side of the road. However, bicyclists should always yield to pedestrians who may be walking along the side of the road. If a bike lane is available, the bicyclist should use it. Signals should always be used when passing another bicycle or when turning. When riding a bicycle at night, the bike should always have the proper lights and reflectors as required by law.

Preventing Bicycle Accidents

There are several steps that a cyclist can take to prevent or avoid a bicycle accident that results in a serious injury. Some involve simply understanding the bicycle traffic laws. Others include:

• Always be visible - Cyclists should wear fluorescent or bright neon colors and should add reflective gear like arm bracelets or similar at night.
• Use signals when turning - Cyclists should use hand signals to indicate that they are turning.
• Avoid earphones or cell phone use when riding - Cyclists should keep their attention on the road and not be distracted by a phone or have hearing impaired by using earphones.
• Wear a helmet - Helmets have been proven to lessen the severity of head injuries that result from bicycle accidents or to prevent them from happening altogether.

Bicycles should also be equipped for safety with mirrors and lights for turning and for night visibility.

Who Can Be Liable For a Bicycle Accident?

Anyone who is injured in a bicycle collision with an automobile can make a third party claim against the car driver's insurance company. However, if there is a serious injury, this claim may be complex and may not offer enough compensation to truly cover all the costs related to the injury. That is why the driver of the car may be sued in civil court. This type of personal injury lawsuit will be successful if it can be shown that the driver of the car was negligent, and that his or her negligence led to the accident. A police report should always be made after a bicycle accident in which someone is injured, and if the driver of the car is given a ticket, this can serve as evidence of negligence, which will help a personal injury case. 

Call to Schedule a Free Consultation With a California Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident, call to schedule a free consultation with a California bicycle accident attorney today. The experienced professionals at the Law Offices of Ginger S. Marcos, APC will thoroughly investigate your case to determine whose negligence led to the accident and to find all sources of compensation. We serve the cities of Anaheim, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Buena Park and surrounding SoCal communities. Visit our web page at marcoslawfirm.comor give us a call at 949-417-6202 and let us give you legal guidance you can rely on.