You may cross Turlock biking to work, riding with your kids on neighborhood streets, or challenging yourself on the trails in Hilmar-Irwin and Merced County. No matter how you ride, you deserve safe passage when you roll out on two wheels.
California Law Protects Cyclists
According to California Law, you and your bike share equal rights to the road with motorists. If you’re moving as fast as traffic, you can make use of the lane like any other vehicle. Even if you’re moving slower than traffic, if there’s no other place for your bike to go, you’re still entitled to your lane and protected by the law.
Of course, despite the rules, drivers may not know them or may not even care. An ignorant and careless driver will forever be the most dangerous threat to anyone on a bike. It’s not pleasant to think about, but if the unthinkable happens and you’re forced into an accident, you’ll have to be ready to fight to protect your future.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
See to your immediate safety and health first. Then take the steps necessary to prove the accident wasn’t your fault
- Wait for the police. Make sure they take your report.
- Don’t discuss the details of what happened with others involved in the accident. Never discuss the case with anyone representing the other party in the accident. That includes insurance agents and lawyers. If you have already spoken to them, stop what you are doing, and give us a call. We can still help you.
- Gather Information. Get contact information from witnesses. Take photos of the scene.
- Get a medical evaluation. Always visit a doctor even if you feel little pain. Injuries from a bicycle accident don’t always appear right away.
- Save any evidence. Don’t throw away or wash the clothes you were wearing and save every part of your damaged bicycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get compensation if I got hit riding my bike in the street?
In California, it’s legal to ride in the street along with the motor vehicles so long as you obey all traffic codes and rights-of-way. So if you’re injured, you can get compensation if you can prove the other driver was negligent. If both of you were negligent, then if the other driver was more negligent, you can still get some compensation.
How do I get compensation if the driver hit me and fled?
Unfortunately, if the driver went unidentified, you can’t make a claim against his or her insurance company. However, if you signed up for uninsured motorist coverage, you’re likely covered if you’re injured in a hit-and-run case.
How long do I have to file a bike accident lawsuit in California?
In California, a victim of an auto accident has two years to file a claim. Once two years from the date of injury have passed you may lose your right to compensation. That deadline may be even shorter in lawsuits against any government agency. Special requirements might apply with a much shorter time limit for filing.
Contact a Turlock Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After a bicycle accident involving a serious injury, speak to an experienced Turlock Personal Injury Lawyer such as Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and receive personalized attention. Contact Maison Law today to learn more about your legal options.
