Maison Law helps people who are injured in bicycle accidents in California bike lanes. Our state takes a lot of pride in making bicycling safer for riders, but accidents can still happen in dedicated bike lanes. If you’ve been hurt in one of these accidents, contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
What is Class II Bike Lane in California?
No matter where you live in California, chances are that there are a few Class II Bike Lanes in your city or town. But what is a Class II Bike Lane exactly? Like other classifications, a Class II Bike Lane is a lane where:
- There are painted lines and bike symbols to separate the lane from vehicle traffic. Some may have additional markings or green paint in high-traffic areas for increased visibility.
- Drivers are not allowed to park or drive in the lane (except when merging or turning).
Class II lanes are commonly found in more urban sprawls and along busier roads. Naturally, the idea is to give cyclists a designated space while still sharing the roadway with other cars. While these lanes greatly increase safety for riders, accidents can still happen. So, when this happens, you need to know how to properly respond.
How Should You Respond After Being in an Accident in a Class II Bike Lane?
Riding in a Class II bike lane gives cyclists a dedicated space on the road, but accidents can still happen–often due to careless drivers, road hazards, or other unexpected obstacles. Taking the right steps after the accident can help protect your health and legal rights. Here’s how you should respond:
- Get medical help – Move to safety and call 911 for an ambulance. Even if you don’t feel injured, get checked by EMTs at the scene and follow up with a doctor. Some injuries take time to appear, and medical records are important for your claim.
- Call the police – Report the accident to local authorities. The police will document the scene and create an official report, which can be crucial for your case.
- Exchange information – Get contact and insurance details from the driver involved, as well as any witnesses.
- Take photos and videos – Use your phone to document the accident scene, your injuries, your bike, and any damage. This visual evidence can strengthen your claim.
- Preserve evidence – Keep your damaged bike, helmet, and any torn clothing. Avoid fixing anything until your case is resolved.
- Be mindful of what you say – When speaking with the police, other parties, or insurance companies, stick to the facts and don’t admit fault. Anything you say could be used against you.
Taking these steps can help protect both your health and your ability to get compensation for your injuries and damages. But that brings up another question: how can you do that?
How Do You Recover Damages After a Bike Accident in California?
Bicycle accidents in Class II bike lanes are often caused by negligence, whether that’s a driver making an unsafe lane change, sudden right turn, or simply being distracted. Other times, it might happen because of poor lane or road maintenance, or even problems with a car or bike itself. All of these are examples of negligence, which gives you the legal right to file a claim and recover “damages” from the responsible party.
To do this, though, you have to either:
- File an insurance claim
- File a lawsuit
Both options help you recover financial support, which cover the losses you’ve suffered. These damages usually include:
- Medical expenses covering your medical costs
- Lost wages for missed work and reduced earning potential due to your injuries.
- Property damage that pays for repairs or replacement of your bike, gear, and other damaged belongings.
- Pain and suffering that pays for the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress for the psychological effects like anxiety or PTSD that come up because of the accident.
- Loss of quality of life, covering costs for lifestyle changes or loss of personal independence.
- Wrongful death expenses, if the accident is fatal.
If the responsible party was reckless or intentionally negligent, you may also be awarded punitive damages as a form of punishment. The amount you can recover depends on your specific case, the severity of your injuries, and the strength of your claim. Also, you have to file within two years of the date of the accident.
How Maison Law Can Help After a Class II Bike Lane Accident in California
Bicycle accidents in Class II bike lanes in California are extremely unfortunate, given that the whole reason they exist is to keep you safe. Still, when negligence is in play, it can leave you facing pretty serious injuries. If you find yourself in this situation, Maison Law is here to help.
Our experienced team will:
- Explain your legal rights and help you understand your best options.
- Investigate the accident, gather evidence, and figure out who’s at fault.
- Handle all communication with insurance companies and responsible parties, so you don’t have to.
We know how stressful a bicycle accident can be, especially when dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Our goal is to handle the legal process for you, so you can focus on healing. To get started, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
