Bicycle Accidents & Victims’ Rights
Let Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys Protect Your Rights
There are particular rules that govern and protect bicyclists in the state of the California. The California Vehicle Code states that all cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers. The California Vehicle Code section 21202 clearly defines laws for cyclists on the road. The biggest hazard for anyone traveling by bike is a collision with a car. If you are going to be struck by a car while on your bicycle, it is most likely to happen within an intersection. Intersections are dangerous because drivers often have minimal visibility when turning and most drivers do not adhere to sharing the road with cyclists.
Although a car is the biggest threat to anyone traveling by bike, only about 11% of accidents involving bikes are actually collisions with cars. Other accidents that cyclists are prone to are road conditions, single rider accidents and improper signage. If the road is not maintained properly by governmental agencies or signs are placed clearly defining bike lanes and paths, cyclists may be put at risk of injury.
Injured While Riding a Bike?
Regardless if a helmet is worn or not, people who are involved in bicycle accidents usually sustain bad injuries. Collisions with cars, pavement, rails or other cyclists and pedestrians can cause severe injuries. Cyclists often face head traumas, spinal injuries, broken bones, abrasions and sometimes even death. If you have been hit by a car while on your bike, there are a few things you can do before contacting a lawyer who can assist you in gaining all the compensation you deserve.
- Notify emergency services right away and if you are not critically injured, try not to move too much after the crash.
- Do not discuss any issues of the accident with the driver because anything you say can be used against you by the driver’s insurance.
- Remember everything that the driver says and do not let the driver leave the scene.
- If someone else is with you, have them take the license plate, make and model of the car to note and collect the names and statements of witnesses that saw the crash.
Speak With a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Today
You may wish to make a claim to the driver’s insurance company, but you may wish to speak with an attorney first. Also, if the crash involved a single rider, uneven pavement or poor signage you may have a valid personal injury case as well.
