Increasingly, drivers are sharing the road with bicyclists of all ages and experience levels. In some areas, it’s not unusual to see a group of cyclists belonging to one of Northern California’s many bicycle clubs or a group training for a charity ride. In many neighborhoods, you can come across a lone bicyclist at just about any time of day or night.
Responsible drivers do their best to give cyclists plenty of room to ensure that they don’t collide. We all know that cyclists typically end up with far more serious injuries. However, that doesn’t mean the driver is always to blame.
A reckless, distracted or negligent cyclist can cause a driver to swerve into another lane to avoid hitting them, potentially causing a serious crash. A driver can crash into a tree, road sign or other object and suffer devastating injuries.
Bicyclists must obey the law
California (like other states) has laws for riding a bike. For example, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), “Bicyclists must obey STOP signs and red signal lights and follow basic right-of-way rules.” Individual cities and other local jurisdictions may have additional regulations.
If you were injured in a collision caused by a bicyclist’s reckless or illegal actions, you have a right to hold them liable for your expenses and damages. Various types of insurance will cover accidents caused by policyholders while riding their bikes.
The good news is that many avid cyclists have video cameras on their bikes and/or helmets. This footage can help you prove that you were not in the wrong. Having legal guidance can help you get the compensation you need.