Maison Law helps people in California when they get hurt in a bicycle accident in bike lanes. As a state, California is committed to making biking safer, but accidents can still happen, even on designated bike routes. If you’ve been injured while riding on a Class III bike route, Maison Law is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your legal options.
What is a Class III Bike Route in California?
Class III bike routes are shared-road bicycle routes, meaning they don’t have a dedicated lane for riders, but are marked with:
- Signs or pavement markings (called “sharrows”) to point out that vehicles and bicycles must share the space.
These routes are often found on low-traffic streets or roads where it’s not possible to add a designated lane. While Class III routes aim to create safer conditions for riders, it also means that you have to share the road with people in larger vehicles. This, obviously, creates conditions that result in accidents.
Who’s Responsible For a Bike Accident on a Class III Route?
It’s pretty easy to see how an accident can happen when you’re riding on a Class III route: sharing the road with drivers, even with clearly marked sections, takes much of your control of the situation out of your hands. When you factor in negligence, though, it leaves you even more vulnerable to an accident.
If you’re injured in a bike accident on a Class III bike route, one of the first things to figure out is who is responsible for your damages. This is called liability, and it comes down to proving negligence–meaning someone’s carelessness led to your accident and injuries. Sometimes, it’s obvious–like when a speeding driver hits you. Other times, it’s not so clear. Here are the most common parties who may be at fault:
- Drivers – A distracted, reckless, or careless driver can easily cause an accident.
- Government agencies – Poor road conditions or missing signs can make the city or state responsible.
- Other cyclists or pedestrians – Careless behavior from someone else on the road can lead to a crash.
- Bike manufacturers – A faulty bike part can cause an accident, making the manufacturer liable.
Every case is different, and determining who’s at fault is key to getting the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. After an accident, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal options.
What Should You Do to Protect Your Claim After a Bike Accident?
Getting the most out of your bicycle accident claim starts with collecting the right evidence while ensuring your health and safety come first. Here’s what you should do:
- Get to safety and call 911 – Move out of harm’s way and call for help. EMTs can check for injuries and take you to the hospital if needed.
- Wait for police – Ask 911 to send local authorities, like the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or city police, to document the scene. They’ll manage the scene and help you gather information.
- Exchange information – Get contact and insurance details from anyone involved, including drivers and witnesses.
- Document the accident – Take photos and videos of the crash site, your bike, injuries, and anything that helps show what happened.
- Keep all evidence – Save damaged gear, clothing, and any broken bike parts as proof of the accident. Don’t fix your bike or any damaged property until they’ve been reviewed for your claim.
- Be careful with statements – When you talk to police or insurance reps, be careful with your statements. Just stick to the facts of what happened, and don’t admit fault, exaggerate or speculate.
These steps protect your claim and ensure you’re getting the care you need. Once you’ve handled the immediate aftermath, our team can help you collect additional evidence–like medical records and police reports–and guide you through the legal process.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer After a Class III Bike Route Accident in California?
Class III bike routes in California are designed to share the road with cars, but that also means a higher risk of accidents. If you’ve been injured on one of these routes, knowing your legal options is crucial.While you’re not required to have a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim, having legal representation can make the process much easier. At Maison Law, we help injured cyclists by:
- Figuring out who caused the accident and proving liability.
- Collecting and analyzing evidence to strengthen your case.
- Speaking with witnesses and experts to support your claim.
- Handling all communications with insurance companies.
- Negotiating for a fair settlement or taking your case to court if needed.
Bike accidents often lead to serious injuries, requiring doctor visits, surgeries, and physical therapy. Trying to recover while handling an injury claim can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We take care of the legal side so you can focus on healing and getting back on your bike. Contact us today for a free consultation to get your recovery process started.
