Maison Law answers questions for people that have been hurt in bicycle accidents in California. For all of its positives, biking in California does leave you vulnerable to accidents. This is true even if you use bike lanes. One of the ways that the law tries to protect you is by limiting what you can and can’t do in these lanes, which includes your speed. To learn more about your legal options if you’re in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
Is There a Speed Limit For Bicycles in California?
When you ride your bike in California, you should always do so with your safety in mind. This has a lot to do with your speed, but there’s actually no speed limit for bikes in California. Rather, the law is built around:
- Riding at a safe speed based on the rest of traffic, conditions, and visibility.
So, while there’s not a statewide speed limit, your local jurisdiction might have different rules when it comes to how fast you can ride. Overall, though, you need to adjust your speed based on what’s going on around you. Here’s why that’s so important:
- Making safer turns – Riding faster makes it difficult to turn or avoid obstacles without losing control.
- Stopping more effectively – Braking distance increases at higher speeds, meaning you may not stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Handling rough terrain – Potholes, gravel, or uneven pavement can throw you off balance if you’re going too fast.
- Helping drivers to anticipate your movements – Drivers expect cyclists to ride at a reasonable pace. If you’re riding faster than they anticipate, they may misjudge when to yield or turn.
- Allowing pedestrians to get out of the way – On multi-use paths, people walking or jogging need time to react if you’re approaching at faster speeds.
- Allowing other riders to adjust – If you’re riding in a group or passing others in a bike lane, keeping a predictable speed helps avoid collisions.
While it may be tempting to ride fast–especially on clear roads or downhill sections–speed control is key to preventing accidents. But unfortunately, even if you follow all the regulations, you could still be involved in an accident. That raises a key question: what should you do then?
What Should You Do When You’re in a Bike Accident?
Legally, it doesn’t matter where your bicycle accident happens—if someone else’s negligence caused it, you have the right to file a claim for damages. However, bicycle accidents in California come with unique challenges, especially in areas with heavy traffic, high-speed vehicles, and inconsistent bike lane protections. If you’re in a crash, here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 – Move to a safe spot away from traffic if possible, then call 911 for an ambulance. Once it arrives, get checked for injuries. Paramedics can assess you at the scene and take you to the hospital if necessary.
- Report the accident – While on with 911, ask that local police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) respond to the scene. Officers will document what happened, manage traffic, and create an official accident report, which can be key for your claim.
- Exchange information – Get the contact and insurance details of any drivers involved. If there are witnesses, collect their names and phone numbers–they could provide valuable statements to support your case.
- Gather evidence – Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, your bicycle, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant signs or signals. Look for skid marks, debris, or any hazards that might have contributed to the crash.
- Preserve any evidence you can – Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing as they were after the accident–these items can serve as important proof of impact. Save any medical bills, repair estimates, and receipts related to the crash, also. This will help you show the financial impact the accident has had on you.
- Watch what you say – When speaking to police or insurance representatives, stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened–these statements can be used against you later.
Bicycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, making it difficult to gather evidence or even move after a crash. While these steps are important, your health comes first. If you’re unable to document the scene, our team at Maison Law can step in, collect evidence on your behalf, and handle your claim while you focus on recovery.
Contact Maison Law After a Bicycle Accident in California
Whether you’re riding at a safe speed or not, being in a bicycle accident usually means you’ll be facing pretty serious injuries. At Maison Law, we understand how difficult it is when this accident is caused by someone else’s negligence. That’s why we’re here to help you build a strong claim and recover financial support for your:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatments.
- Lost income or lost earning potential.
- Repair/replacement costs for your bike and other property.
- Costs relating to your physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Surviving family members can file a claim to recover funeral or burial expenses if your accident is fatal.
Bicycle accidents can happen anywhere in California, from city streets to separated bike lanes. But you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
