In California, biking is seen as an eco-friendly and healthy way for people to travel on roads around town. However, cyclists are the most exposed to the dangers of the road, often only with helmets to protect them in the case of an accident. So, when essential lanes are blocked, severe injuries can happen.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a California Road Work blocking a bike lane, you may be entitled to collect compensation. The dedicated Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Maison Law are standing by to understand your situation. Contact us today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Blocked California Bike Lane Injury?
California has more than 170,000 miles of well-traveled public roads that require regular maintenance. As a result, construction crews can end up blocking bike lanes with their vehicles or debris from their construction zones, creating an extreme hazard for unsuspecting bicyclists.
According to a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, from 1982 to 2017, over 27,000 people have lost their lives due to roadside, work zone accidents. With how dangerous California road work can be to bicyclists, it’s important to know where to turn in the event you suffer a serious bicycle accident due to a construction zone blocking the bike lane.
At Maison Law, we advocate on behalf of injured bicyclists in California. Recovering damages from a construction company can become complicated because there are often contractors, subcontractors, or even government entities involved. Our firm can help manage your claim to ensure you receive compensation from all liable parties. Mansion Law provides clients with:
- Accurate damage calculation: we calculate damages based on expert testimony, medical evaluations, and economic analyses to cover every aspect of your current and long-term, medical needs.
- Clear reports and expert witness testimony: our firm compiles detailed reports that outline the extent of your injuries and the impact they will have on the rest of your life. We organize expert witness testimony to reinforce the credibility of your claim and the incident.
- Minimizing liability: if you file a claim or lawsuit against an at-fault party, they will most likely attempt to put some or all of the blame onto you. Our firm will analyze your case and work to minimize or eliminate liability in your personal injury accident.
- Negotiating with insurers: our experienced team of lawyers are expert negotiators and understand the tacts insurance companies will take to attempt to minimize your damages and compensation. We ensure our clients receive a fair settlement that fully covers their current and future needs.
- Court Representation: our trial lawyers will represent you in court and build a strong case, highlighting the depth of your injuries and the necessity for recovering damages.
Understanding Bicycle Safety
Bicyclists and bike lanes are protected by California law. These laws were not designed to make things difficult for drivers or road workers, but to save lives. So, if any of these laws are violated and someone is killed or severely injured, then there will be serious consequences. Laws designed to protect bicyclists include:
- California Vehicle Code 21209: this law prohibits other drivers from driving in the bike lane except to park in permitted areas, or when leaving or entering the roadway.
- California Vehicle Code 22517: this statute covers dooring. Dooring is when a driver opens their vehicle door into the path of an oncoming rider. Under this law, no driver shall open the door of their vehicle on the side that is available to moving traffic unless it can be done in a reasonably safe manner and without interfering with moving traffic.
- California Vehicle Code 21211: this law prohibits anyone from blocking, stopping, sitting, standing, or loitering in any way that prohibits the flow of bicycle traffic.
- Bicyclists in traffic: cyclists are required to ride as close to the right side of the road as possible except when they’re trying to avoid a hazard, turn left, or when passing. They are also required to signal their movements when turning or preparing to change lanes.
- Riding on sidewalks and crosswalks: California allows cyclists to ride legally in crosswalks. Some cities permit cyclists to ride on sidewalks, but some cities have banned cyclists from using the sidewalks.
Is it Illegal for Bicyclists to Ride on the Sidewalks in California?
In California, regulating bikes on the sidewalks is determined by city or county law. Even if you live in an area where riding on the sidewalk is legal, it is important to remember that sidewalks are designed for people walking, not for riding bikes or sharing with bikes. So, it is important to ride with extreme caution when biking on sidewalks in California. There are numerous cases across California where people have been severely injured by cyclists while walking on the sidewalk.
Bicyclists on the sidewalk have a “duty of care” to others on the sidewalk, including other bike riders. Riders on the sidewalk are expected to ride slowly and with respect to walkers, especially dogs and small children. Senior citizens must be provided extra care as they may have a hearing or visual impairment that makes them consequentially unaware of their surroundings while walking on the sidewalk. Because of these potential hazards, many cities and counties across California do not permit bikes on their sidewalks.
So, if you’re avoiding something blocking a bike lane and you have to go up on the sidewalk, be sure to know the municipal laws and do so with caution.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in California
If you’ve suffered injuries from a bicycle accident in California, the attorneys at Maison Law are here to get you the compensation you need. Our firm has years of experience in bicycle accident law and will aggressively pursue fair compensation on your behalf. If you incurred damages as a result of a California road worker blocking a bikeway, then we will hold them responsible to the full extent of the law.
For trusted legal counsel, contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. No upfront money is required, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
