CVC 21650 – Vehicles Driving on the Right Side of the Road

Riding your bike on the road in California doesn’t just involve you–it mostly involves watching out for people driving their own car. And while there are certain laws in place to keep you safe in this situation, it’s a frequent cause of accidents. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a bicycle accident, our team can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.

How Does CVC 21650 Apply to Bicycles?

CVC 21650 is pretty simple. It says drivers have to stay on the right side of the road unless there are very specific circumstances that include:

• Driving on the left side of the road when passing another vehicle, as long as it’s allowed by traffic laws.
• Using the left side of the road if they’re legally positioning your vehicle for a left turn or making a lawful left turn.
• Driving on the left side of the road If the right side of the road is closed for construction or repairs.
• Driving on the left side if the road is designated for one-way traffic.
• Driving on the left side of the road if it’s too narrow for two vehicles to pass safely,
• Temporarily using the right shoulder if they’re going too slow for the flow of traffic.

While these laws don’t apply to you as a bike rider, it doesn’t mean they aren’t important. Understanding where a driver is supposed to be makes it easier for you to avoid them in potentially risky spots. Yet, like any law, CVC 21650 doesn’t prevent accidents from happening. So, when you’re involved in an accident with a driver who isn’t following the law, you need to know what you can do.

What Should You Do If You’re Hurt in a Bicycle Accident in California?

You never want to be in a bicycle accident, but when you’re on the road with faster, larger vehicles, this is something that can happen. At that point, it’s all about getting the right help. So, when you’re hurt in a bicycle accident as a rider, here’s what you should do:

• Call 911 – If possible, get to a safe spot away from traffic. Check yourself for injuries and call 911. Emergency responders, including police and paramedics, will be sent to help and document the scene.

• Get medical care – Even if injuries seem minor, visit a hospital, urgent care, or doctor’s office for a full evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious.

• Document the scene – Take photos or videos of the accident, including your bike, any vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Also get contact and insurance details from the other driver(s) involved.

• Keep track of your losses – Maintain copies of medical records, accident reports, and any communication related to the crash. Follow all medical advice and avoid repairing damaged property right away, as it may serve as evidence.

• Call your insurance company – Contact your insurance company and begin the claims process. This may help cover immediate medical costs or property damage.

• Be careful with statements – When you talk to police or insurance reps, be careful. Only stick to the facts, and don’t admit fault or speculate. The less you say, the less that can be used against you later.

These steps won’t undo the accident, but they can significantly impact your ability to recover damages and ensure a stronger case if you pursue legal action. From there, reach out to our team at Maison Law for guidance.

Contact Maison Law After a California Bicycle Accident

Riding a bike in California is a great way to get around, but accidents can happen when drivers don’t pay attention or follow the law. We hope your accident was minor, and that you won’t need legal help. But if you were seriously hurt, our California bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law can step in and make things easier by:

• Explaining your rights to help you understand what to do next.
• Investigating the accident to figure out what happened and who is responsible.
• Dealing with insurance companies you don’t have to.
• Collecting important evidence, medical records, and anything else needed for your case.

Recovering from an injury is hard enough–you shouldn’t have to deal with legal stress too. Our team is here to support you and help you get the financial support you need to recover. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation.