FAQ’s About Bicycle Laws and Accidents
Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Collisions
There are many frequently asked question by Orange County and
Los Angeles bicycle accident victims directed at bicycle accident
collision lawyers in Southern California. Here are the most
frequently asked questions about bike collisions.
1. I’ve been in a
Bicycle collision; can I sue?
If a negligent
automobile driver or other person collided with you or a loved
one when using a bike,
causing injury or death, you or the loved one can file a legal
action seeking redress for your damages. A lawsuit should be filed
if the negligent person does not admit fault right away. The key is
not waste precious time.
2. Who will pay for my injuries and losses in a bicycle
accident?
• If the collision was caused by a negligent automobile,
bus, or truck driver, that person will be held responsible;
• If your injuries were the result of a
defective bicycle or accessory, the manufacturer or seller of
the bike (or both) may be responsible for your loss;
• If the accident was the result of
unsafe or dangerous road conditions, the local municipality,
county, or even the State may be responsible;
• If the incident resulted from
negligent repairs of the bike or other vehicle, the repair shop
who performed the work may be responsible;
• If the collision happened because of dangerous or
hazardous conditions on public property such as parks or trails
such as faulty design, failure to upkeep and maintain, or
insufficient marking, the agency responsible for the area may be
liable to you for your damages;
• If the accident occurred on private property due to the
owner’s negligence in maintaining the property, he or she
may be responsible to you for your injuries.
As you can see, if the accident happened through no or little
fault of your own, there are several parties who may be liable to
you for your damages or for bike
injuries to children.
3. Do I have special responsibilities and rights as a
bike rider?
The law in California gives bike operators all of the
responsibilities and rights enjoyed by car, truck, and bus drivers.
So, the controlling law is the
California Vehicle Code and bicycle collisions are treated in a
way that is almost the same as car accidents. If the bike is not
truly being “operated” when the collision happens,
some exceptions could apply. Children must wear bicycle
helmets in all events.
4. Do Cyclists have special rules or laws that apply to
them?
Bicycle enthusiasts will find some special parts of the vehicle
code pertain to them only. The code is intended to not only protect
cyclists, but also instill some particular obligations they should
be aware of.
Some of these obligations and rules pertain to:
• Consuming alcohol or taking drugs and riding;
• Where and how fast cyclists may ride;
• Regulations regarding helmets and other required
equipment for the bike and rider;
• Signaling using hands;
• The use of hand signals;
• Travel in specific bicycle lanes;
• How many riders you may have on a bike;
• Using turn lanes and other traffic lanes usually reserved
just for cars, trucks, and buses.
Just about any use you can think of for a bicycle is probably
covered in the Vehicle code. This is why hiring an attorney who is
well versed in bicycle law and who rides themselves is important to
your case.
5. Can I Be Found At Fault in my Bicycle
Accident?
Just like a driver in an automobile accident, a cyclist can be
held liable in a collision if he or she rides the bike in violation
of the vehicle code. You can be arrested for DUI, or operating the
bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol and lose your license.
The point here is, riding a bike does not mean you will be free
from fault. Be cautious, be careful, obey the traffic laws and you
stand a better chance of being safe.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a
Orange County Bike Collision, you need to contact an
experienced, aggressive, and knowledgeable bicycle accident
personal injury collision attorneys like the
Orange County Bicycle Collision Attorneys, without delay.
We are attorneys with years of experience in handling personal
injury claims like yours. If you’ve been injured in the
cities of Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Sunset Beach,
Fountain Valley, Orange, Anaheim, Tustin, Yorba Linda, or Brea, or
even if you need Los Angeles
injury attorneys, we can and will help. Remember, if you
don’t get a settlement or judgment, you pay nothing. If you
were in an accident with a negligent driver or rider, call us today
1-888-400-9721.
Locations in Newport Beach: 620 Newport Center Drive Newport
Beach, CA 92660
