If you’re a cyclist, take precautions to avoid the risk of being in a bad collision.
Cycling is a great way to stay in shape, get around, and reduce your impact on the environment. But if you aren’t careful and don’t follow the rules of the road, you may be at increased risk for a serious — even deadly — accident. When cars, trucks or other large vehicles hit bicyclists, the potential for catastrophic injuries is incredibly high. That is why it is so important for anyone who rides a bike to familiarize themselves with the rules and laws regarding bicycling in California — and to take precautions to avoid collisions.
More than 100 bike accidents in California each year lead to fatalities, and even more accidents cause serious injury. If you are hurt while riding a bike, an experienced bike accident attorney can help you in recovering damages for your injuries. Whether you were hit by a vehicle or suffered an accident due to unsafe roads, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the person or entity responsible.
Cycling Safety
In California, bicyclists are required to follow the rules of the road when riding on a public street or highway. Depending on where you live, this may include not riding on sidewalks or on busy freeways. When driving on a road, bikes must be treated as though they are full-sized vehicles; cars and trucks cannot make them share a lane or do anything that would violate normal right of way safety procedures. Drivers should treat bikes on the road with caution, and be sure to follow the rules of the road just as they would with a fellow vehicle.
By the same token, bicyclists must adhere to traffic rules. Bikes often ride between rows of cars or weave in and out of lanes when traffic is at a standstill — but that does not mean that they should do so. Failing to follow the rules of the road can result in serious accidents or injuries — and if you’re on a bike, the chances are high that a collision with a car or truck will result in you getting injured.
Beyond following the laws, bikers can take basic precautions to reduce the risk of a serious accident. Use hand signals and practice basic bike safety, which includes wearing reflective clothing and a helmet. In California, anyone under the age of 18 can be fined for not wearing a helmet. Even if you’re over 18, you should strongly consider wearing a helmet even though you are not required to do so; wearing a properly-fitted helmet can prevent grave injuries including as traumatic brain injuries.
Even the most responsible bicyclist can find themselves in an accident that was completely unavoidable. If you are in a crash while riding a bike, seek medical attention immediately. Once you have received treatment, contact a skilled bike accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you are compensated for all of the injuries that you have suffered. This may include replacing your bike or other property, payment for medical treatment, temporary or permanent disability, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have nearly four decades of experience handling personal injury cases. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients — and we never charge a fee unless we are able to get money for you. Contact our office today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com. Initial consultations are always free and confidential!
