Your Sunday morning bike ride could quickly turn from a mundane routine to a painful, life-altering experience. A bicycle-car collision incurs serious injuries and devastating financial losses on your end. Following bike lane regulations in California helps ensure your rights are upheld in court after an unfortunate accident.
Avoid adding insult to injury
California law treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists are expected to follow many of the same rules as motorists. This includes riding in the correct direction, obeying traffic signals and using appropriate lighting at night.
Unfortunately, when a crash occurs, these details can matter more than you might think. Insurance companies often look for any reason to reduce or deny a personal injury claim. If you were unknowingly violating a traffic law at the time of the accident, the insurer may argue that you share some of the blame. This can reduce the compensation you are eligible to receive or, in some cases, eliminate your claim under comparative fault laws.
Bike lane mistakes that could break your case
Even if the crash was not your fault, insurance adjusters or defense attorneys may still try to deny your claim. These five common biking oversights could work against you:
- Riding against traffic: Even if a car driver caused the collision, riding in the wrong direction could make you partially liable.
- Ignoring hand signals: Failing to signal a turn or stop allows the other party to argue that they could not predict your actions.
- Passing on the right without caution: This is especially dangerous near driveways and intersections and can weaken your claim.
- No reflectors or lights at night: If you are not visible to drivers, insurers may argue you share the blame for the accident.
- Not wearing a helmet: Helmets are only legally required for riders under 18 in California, but not wearing one as an adult could still impact how much compensation you are awarded.
If you have been injured in a bike lane accident, do not let an overlooked technicality hurt your recovery. When prevention is not possible, the next best step is to consult a lawyer.
Protect yourself and your personal injury claim
A bike lane is supposed to offer a buffer between you and serious danger, but it is not a guarantee against injury. How well you understand and follow California’s biking laws can play a critical role in the success of your personal injury claim.
Working through the aftermath can be much smoother with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. Legal counsel can help you avoid costly missteps and pursue the compensation you require to recover from the accident.