Maison Law represents bicycle accident victims throughout Bakersfield. There’s many different laws and regulations in place to protect you when you’re riding your bike in the city. And of all the different places you’re allowed to ride your bike, you might be wondering if it includes a sidewalk. Regardless of the circumstances that go into your accident, we can help. Contact us today for a free case consultation.
Riding Your Bicycle on a Bakersfield Sidewalk
While it might seem safer, riding your bike on a sidewalk in Bakersfield is actually illegal. This should be reason enough to keep from doing it, but there’s other reasons why riding your bike on a sidewalk is actually more dangerous:
- Pedestrians – The first and most obvious reason is that sidewalks are designed and built for pedestrians. Bicyclists moving at higher speeds can pose a danger to them, with collisions between cyclists and pedestrians can result in injuries for both parties.
- Limited space – Sidewalks are typically narrower than roads, leaving less room for cyclists to maneuver safely. This can increase the risk of collisions with obstacles such as utility poles, fire hydrants, or pedestrians.
- Visibility – Drivers may not expect you or other bicyclists to enter or exit the roadway from the sidewalk, which brings a higher risk of accidents at intersections or driveways.
- Accessibility – Sidewalks are essential for people with disabilities or mobility impairments. Cycling on sidewalks can impede their ability to move freely and safely.
As you can tell, it’s simply safer to not ride your bike on a sidewalk in Bakersfield. Not only is this safer for pedestrians, but you as a bike rider. When you consider just how damaging an injury can be, it becomes even more clear why you should do everything you can to avoid a bike accident.
Causes and Injuries in a Typical Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents in Bakersfield and elsewhere can happen for many reasons, posing a continuous danger to cyclists. A lot of these accidents involve interactions with drivers who might act irresponsibly or recklessly, ignoring cyclists’ safety. Even though California law says cyclists have the same rights as other vehicles on the road, not all drivers follow this rule.
When a driver behaves irresponsibly while driving, it’s called negligence, and it often leads to accidents. In these cases, the negligent driver is responsible for any harm or damage caused in the bicycle accident.
Common causes of bicycle accidents in the city include:
- Failure to yield or share the road
- Failure to signal when turning or pulling out from the curb
- Dooring accidents, which happen when a car door is opened into your path
- Failure to give the right of way
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe passing or sudden lane changes
- Driving under the influence
- Defective bicycles or components
- Poorly marked bike paths and lanes
- Roadway defects such as potholes, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate street lighting
Injuries
Despite taking precautions like wearing helmets and following city ordinances and laws, accidents can still happen. This, in turn can result in various injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions
- Head and neck trauma
- Back injuries
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Fractures
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal organ injuries
- Lacerations
While these injuries are typical in bicycle accidents, each accident is unique, with some being more severe than others, often involving a combination of these injuries. As such, it becomes necessary to explore legal options.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Biking is a popular activity in Bakersfield, much like in other parts of California, thanks to its favorable weather conditions and commitment to infrastructure. However, the flip side of this popularity is that it also increases the chances of an accident.
Being prepared means understanding your options in case of such an accident. While it’s not mandatory, having legal representation can streamline the process. At Maison Law, our established approach to bicycle accident cases includes:
- Determining fault.
- Gathering and assessing evidence.
- Interviewing witnesses and consulting experts.
- Managing daily tasks and communicating with the other party’s insurance.
- Negotiating for a fair resolution.
We’re here to help, but whether you need us depends on your situation. Minor injuries may not require legal involvement, but if your injuries are typical of a bicycle accident, it’s wise to seek assistance. We’ll be ready to help whenever you call. Contact us today to set up a free initial consultation.
