One of the most important laws in place relating to bicycles in California is Section 21202 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC). Basically, it holds that people riding a bike have to stay as far to the right as possible. It’s easy to see why this makes it easier for everyone, but accidents can still happen. If you’ve been hurt in a bike accident in California, contact Maison Law today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
What is CVC 21202?
Specifically, CVC 21202 has several provisions that help make it easier for drivers to adjust to people riding a bike on the main road. From the perspective of a rider, this law helps provide some guidelines–especially when there’s not a dedicated bike lane. Here’s a quick overview of CVC 21202:
- Stay to the right – Generally, you and other bicyclists must ride as close as possible to the right-hand side of the road, except in certain situations when:
- Passing another bike or vehicle.
- Avoiding obstacles like potholes or parked cars.
- The lane is too narrow for a bike and a car to share safely.
- You’re preparing to turn left.
- You’re riding on a one-way street (then you can ride near the left curb).
- Bike lanes – If there’s a bike lane, you must use it unless you’re passing, avoiding hazards, or getting ready to turn left.
Obviously, these laws are in place to protect you. But even with following them and staying as far to the right of the road as possible, accidents can still happen. If you’re involved in a crash, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer. For minor injuries, you might not. But if you suffer serious injuries, legal help can make a big difference. Our team is here to explain your options and guide you through the claims process.
What Should You Do If You’re in a Bicycle Accident?
As we’ve mentioned, riding on the right side of the road is a good way to avoid accidents, but it can’t outright prevent them. Unfortunately, any bike accident can leave you facing serious injuries. The more severe your injuries, the more important it is to take the right steps. Here’s what you should do to protect both your health and any potential claim:
- Call 911 – If you can, move to a safe spot and call 911 for medical help. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor later–some injuries don’t show up right away, and medical records will be important for your claim.
- Report the accident – Have the 911 dispatcher send the local police to the scene. Officers will document the scene and gather key details, which can support your case.
- Exchange information – Get contact details from any involved drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians, as well as witnesses who saw what happened.
- Take pictures and videos – Use your phone to document the scene, your injuries, bike damage, and any other details that could help prove what happened.
- Save your evidence – Keep your damaged bike, helmet, and clothing as they are. These items may serve as crucial evidence.
- Watch what you say – When speaking to the police or insurance companies, stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or make statements that could be used against you later.
Taking these steps will help protect your rights and lay the foundation for any claim you might need to take to recover financial support for your injuries. From there, you should think about reaching out to our team at Maison Law for help.
Contact Maison Law After a California Bicycle Accident
For as dangerous as bicycle accidents are, a lot of them are preventable. If you’ve been hurt, you don’t have to face the legal challenges alone. These cases often involve serious injuries, emotional distress, and complex liability issues. When you’re injured while following the law, you still need to show that a driver’s reckless or aggressive behavior caused the accident. But it requires strong evidence–something our team knows how to handle. We can help you by:
- Explaining your legal rights and options.
- Figuring out who is responsible for your damages, even in complex cases.
- Gathering key evidence, like witness statements or video footage.
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
- Helping you recover medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Contact us for a free consultation today.
