Maison Law helps people that have been injured in bicycle accidents in bike lanes in California. These areas on the road are designed with your safety in mind, but that doesn’t always prevent accidents. Still, understanding what a Class IV bike lane is can help you be more aware of your surroundings. That said, if you’ve been hurt in an accident in one of these lanes, our team can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is a Class IV Bike Lane in California?
Class IV bike lanes offer a much higher level of protection for riders in California. Unlike Class II and Class III lanes, which require you to share the road with vehicles, Class IV lanes are physically separated from vehicle traffic through things like:
- Concrete curbs – A solid barrier that separates bikes from cars.
- Plastic bollards – Flexible posts that create a visible boundary.
- Planters – Decorative barriers that also provide protection.
- Raised medians – Slightly elevated dividers that keep vehicles out.
Obviously, this physical separation goes a long way in reducing the risk of accidents by preventing direct interaction between riders and moving cars. Class IV bike lanes are often found in more urban areas where high traffic volumes make shared-road cycling especially dangerous. But the reality is that even in a Class IV bike lane, you might find yourself in an accident. At that point, you’re going to need to know what you can do.
What Are Your Legal Options If You’re Hurt in an Accident in a Class IV Bike Lane?
When you’re injured in a bike accident in a Class IV bike lane in California, it gives you certain legal options. The starting point is figuring out who is responsible for your accident. Liability is crucial because the at-fault party is responsible for covering your injuries and damages.
To establish liability, you have to prove negligence, which means showing that someone:
- Had a duty of care to keep you and others safe.
- Breached that duty through their actions or inaction.
- Caused the accident and your injuries as a result.
In a Class IV bike lane accident, several parties could be liable depending on the circumstances:
- Negligent drivers – Even with physical barriers, reckless drivers can still cause crashes by swerving into bike lanes, opening car doors into cyclists, or ignoring traffic laws.
- Government agencies – Poorly designed or maintained bike lanes, lack of signage, or hazardous road conditions could make the city or state responsible.
- Bike manufacturers or retailers – If a mechanical defect in your bike contributed to the crash, the company that made or sold it could be held accountable.
- Other cyclists or pedestrians – If another rider or pedestrian’s actions caused your accident, they may share responsibility.
Once liability is established, you can file a claim to recover “damages.” Usually, you do this by filing:
- An insurance claim against the at-fault party’s insurance provider.
- A personal injury lawsuit.
The option you choose is up to you, but it’s probably going to come down to your needs. An insurance claim is much less formal and happens outside of the court system. It’s also usually much quicker in resolving, but because it’s totally controlled by the insurance company, their settlement offer won’t always cover your losses. At that point, you can file a lawsuit. It takes longer, but it’s a fairer process, and gives you a better chance at fuller damages like:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
What you ultimately recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, the strength of your case, and how well you present your claim. Working with our team makes sure you have the best chance of securing the damages you need to get better.
Should You Work With Maison Law After a Bike Accident in a Class IV Bike Lane in California?
Even with a Class IV bike lane, every bicycle accident is different. In some cases, you might walk away with only minor injuries and damage, meaning legal action isn’t necessary. But if your injuries are serious, or multiple parties are involved, getting legal help can make all the difference. Here’s how we handle these cases:
- Case evaluation – In our free initial consultation, we’ll go over the facts of your accident, assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and explain the legal process.
- Gathering evidence – We’ll collect important documents like medical records, police reports, and any evidence you have. This helps us build a strong case.
- Talking to witnesses and experts – If needed, we’ll talk to witnesses and consult experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, to strengthen your claim.
- Handling insurance and paperwork – We take care of dealing with insurance companies and paperwork, so you can focus on recovering.
- Negotiating your settlement – Insurance companies don’t always offer fair compensation upfront. We’ll negotiate on your behalf to make sure you get what you’re owed.
- Going to court – If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’ll be fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the financial support you deserve.
Going through the legal system after a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. Our team is here to make the process easier and help you get the financial support you need for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation to get your recovery process started.
