Maison Law helps people that have been injured in bicycle accidents in California bike lanes. Even with protected bike lanes, accidents can still happen. And like any bicycle accident, it’s likely to leave you facing pretty serious injuries and other losses. Our team can guide you through the process and help you recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What’s a Protected Bike Lane in California?
Throughout California, there’s certain areas and parts of the road that are designated as “protected bike lanes.” Protected bike lanes–also known as Class IV bikeway–were legally established with the passage of AB 1193 in 2014.
Specifically, they’re dedicated lanes that are physically separated from vehicle traffic by:
- Concrete curbs
- Bollards or posts
- Parking lanes
- Raised medians
Given the fact that they’re physically separated, these lanes provide more safety than standard bike lanes by reducing the risk of collisions with moving vehicles. Most often, they’re found in more urban areas with higher traffic. And while they’re designed with your safety in mind, you might still find yourself in an accident.
How Does an Accident Happen in a Protected Bike Lane?
Just because it’s separated from traffic doesn’t mean you’re safe from accidents in protected bike lanes. It’s almost counterintuitive, but the reality is that a bike accident can happen anytime, anywhere. But the fact that one happens in a protected bike lane does change the circumstances. Here’s how these usually happen:
- Drivers making turns – Drivers making right or left turns may not see you or fail to yield, cutting you off or causing a collision.
- Vehicles blocking the lane – Delivery trucks, parked cars, or rideshare vehicles may stop in your lane, forcing you to swerve into traffic or navigate around them.
- Confusing intersections – Sometimes, protected bike lanes end or merge at intersections, leaving you and drivers confused about who has the right-of-way, which can lead to accidents.
- Obstacles or road damage – Potholes, debris, or damaged barriers can create unexpected hazards, making it difficult for you to stay in control or avoid a crash.
- Dooring – Passengers in parked cars may open their doors without checking for you, causing a “dooring” accident if you’re too close.
- Pedestrians – People walking or riding electric scooters in your lane can suddenly block your path, causing you to swerve or crash.
Even though protected bike lanes are designed to keep you safe, negligent drivers and unsafe conditions can still put you at risk. So, this means you need to be prepared. And part of doing that is understanding what you’ll need to do and what legal options you have.
How Can You Protect Your Claim After an Accident in a Protected Bike Lane?
Accidents in protected bike lanes can still result in serious injury. When there’s an accident that happens because of someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to file a claim, either through insurance or a lawsuit. But that doesn’t automatically mean you get damages. You have to actually put together a strong claim. That starts with taking the right steps after your accident, which usually means doing the following:
- Get to safety and call 911 – Move off the road to avoid further danger, then call 911. EMTs can check your injuries and take you to the hospital if needed.
- Wait for police – Ask 911 to send the police to the scene to document everything. They’ll help manage the situation and gather important details.
- Exchange information – Get contact and insurance details from everyone involved, including drivers and witnesses.
- Document the accident – Take photos and videos of the scene, your bike, injuries, and anything that shows what happened.
- Keep all evidence – Save any damaged gear, bike parts, or clothing as proof. Don’t fix anything until it’s been reviewed for your claim.
- Be careful with statements – Stick to the facts when talking to police or insurance reps. Don’t admit fault or guess what happened.
Taking these steps ensures your claim is protected and that you get the proper care. After handling the immediate aftermath, our team can help you with gathering additional evidence and guide you through the legal process to get a fair settlement for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Maison Law After an Accident in a Protected Bike Lane in California
Accidents in protected bike lanes can happen for many reasons, even though these lanes are designed to keep cyclists safe. If you’ve been injured, having a lawyer can help guide you through the process. While hiring a lawyer isn’t required, legal representation can simplify everything. At Maison Law, we help you by:
- Identifying who’s at fault – We determine who caused the accident and prove liability.
- Collecting evidence – We gather the evidence you need to support your case.
- Speaking with experts and witnesses – We work with experts and witnesses to strengthen your claim.
- Managing insurance communications – We handle all communication with insurance companies.
- Negotiating or going to court – We’ll work for a fair settlement, or take your case to court if needed.
Bike accidents can lead to serious injuries that require medical treatment, surgeries, and physical therapy. Recovering while managing a legal claim can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in–we’ll take care of the legal work so you can focus on healing and getting back on your bike. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
