Personal Injury Lawsuit

Safety in bicycle riding involves more than having proper cycling gears and equipment or maintaining your bike’s working condition; you must also learn some of the laws governing bicycle riding.

Safe bicycling begins with knowing the laws and obeying them. Eventually, in case of an accident, knowledge of these laws, along with the assistance of bike accident lawyers, can help and protect you.

Bike rules are often incorporated with the state’s vehicle code, which is a set of laws governing all vehicles. Under the California vehicle code, for example, bicycle users have “all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, including the provisions of law dealing with driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs”.

Similarly, under the same rules, no one is allowed to ride a bicycle unless proper requirements are met. These include:

a) Brakes that will enable you (operator) to make braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement

b) Handlebars rose to elevate your hands above the level of your shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area

c) Size that can enable you to place it in an upright position with at least one foot on the ground, and restarting it in a safe manner

d) During darkness, a rider needs the following:

1. A lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the front and the sides of the bicycle

2. A red reflector mounted on the rear of the bicycle and visible from 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle

3. A white or yellow reflector mounted on each pedal visible 200 feet to the front and rear of the bicycle and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle

Road Duties of a Bicycle User

Bicycle users must travel according to the speed and direction of the moving traffic. When they travel at the slower rate, they must ride as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under the following conditions:

1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or motor vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

3. When it is necessary to leave the lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions

On the other hand, bicycle riders on a one-way street or highway with two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.

When riding a bicycle, the following acts are not permitted:

• Hitch riding or attaching the bicycle to any streetcar or vehicle

• To ride using a temporary, movable, or detachable seat

• Allow anyone to ride as a passenger other than on a separate attached seat. If the passenger is four years old or younger or weighs 40 pounds or less, the seat shall adequately retain the passenger in place and protect him/her from the bicycle’s moving parts.

• Carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

• Leave a bicycle lying on its side on any sidewalk, or shall park a bicycle on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic. Local authorities may prohibit bicycle parking in designated areas of the public highway, provided appropriate signs are erected.

• Impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist on a bikeway or bicycle path or trail unless the placement or parking is necessary for safe operation or otherwise in compliance with the law.

Sometimes, the Department of Transportation and local authorities may also prohibit or restrict the use of freeways or toll crossings. Bikers will be notified of these restrictions through warning signs that will be put in place or announced by the agency.

A city or county may also adopt a bicycle-licensing ordinance or resolution to protect bicycle riders and users on any street, road, highway, or other public property within the city or county.

Bicyclists share a complex traffic environment with other larger forms of transportation. Rules are definitely created to help and protect them when the need arises. Hence, in case of accidents, it is important to consult bike accident lawyers who specialize on personal injury cases.

Our Los Angeles lawyers provide immediate and vigorous assistance for bicycle accident victims. Just follow our website link and fill out our case evaluation form for free legal advice.

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When you or one of your family members have been involved in any type of accident, it can be very devastating for the entire family to endure. This can be especially true in the event you have been involved in a tragic motorcycle accident and have suffered bodily injury.

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The following is a list of 5 key benefits centered around why hiring an experienced injury lawyer is the right choice when seeking compensation for an injury or accident. No matter the type of personal injury claim an experienced injury lawyer / solicitor will guide you smoothly through the proper steps, keeping you informed at every level of the claim process.

Level of Service:

The best injury lawyers all have one thing in common that sets them apart from the rest of the competition - quality of service. It is a feature that brings with it client satisfaction by providing clear advice and making the client totally aware of what is happening thus removing uncertainty and doubt - it builds trust and reputation.

Communication:

Personal Injury Lawyers have an important advantage over any claims management company account advisor - experience and understanding of the law!

That is why injury lawyers have the word ‘personal’ tagged onto their job description - they understand the emotional issues involved with accidents or injuries experienced by a person. They understand the levels of confusion, fear and anxiety an individual may go through during a claims process.

They understand the need to make things clear and precise to their clients and explain in detail what happens next thus nullifying the negativity a person may experience.

Achieving The Best Deal:

When it comes to getting you the maximum amount expected for your claim then a personal injury lawyer will always be fighting for your corner. Preparation is the key to achieving the maximum for your claim because the insurance companies will undoubtedly pick holes in your evidence attempting to reduce the claim amount or even having the claim quashed.

Being Prepared:

A majority of cases are settled-out-of-court where an agreement has been reached on compensation. But what about those cases that are contested? Where a court date is the only way to settle the claim!

This is what an experienced personal injury lawyer has been in preparation for - going to trial. Do you really want to put your claim in the hands of a lawyer / solicitor who looks no further than settling-out-of-court? This relates back to the level of service that we spoke about earlier, how meticulous in detail an experienced injury lawyer is in preparing your case from the offset.

Being Aware of Costs:

Nowadays, most firms offer “No Win No Fee claims“. In its simplest form it means the “loser pays the winner” - an experienced lawyer will make you aware of this and also if insurance should be taken out to cover any eventuality.

These are just 5 reasons why personal injury lawyers should be at the forefront of your thoughts when thinking about making a claim for compensation, experience counts when it matters.

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