Were You Involved in a Bicycle or Cycle Accident?
A California Bicycle and Cycle Attorney Gives You the Rules Applicable to Your Accident.
California Vehicle Code section 21200 provides bicycle riders with the same rights and oligations as a vehicle. The rights include the right to ride safely within a lane or to the right of the road, the right of way when stopped at stop signs, the right to go through an intersection on a green light, and left turing vehicles must yield the right of way. However, it also provides some rules of the road unique to cyclists.
Vehicle code section 21202 requires that cyclists, if they are moving slower than traffic, ride as far to the right as practicable, unless turing on another roadway or when necessary to avoid road hazards. Bicycle accidents frequently occur when a vehicle will strike the bicycle as it is passing, sending the cyclist to the ground causing serious injury. But simply because the cyclist is not as far to the right as possible is not jusstification for denying his or her claim.
The cyclist must ride on the correct side of the road, and cannot ride on sidewalks. Cyclists must also yield to pedestrians, even if they are not crossing is a crosswalk. A cyclist is liable to a pedestrian when crossing a highway.
A little known statute prohibits carrying any package that prevents safe operation of the cycle. See section 21205.
The rules are almost identical to those of motorists, with these few exceptions. Follow these rules, and you may be able to avoid a trip to a California Personal injury and accident lawyer. If you are struck by a motorist, and you beleive the motorist is at fault, call us to see if we can help you.
by James E. Ballidis
James Ballidis is the managing attorney for Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie and has been practicing personal injury law for over 35 years.
If you need assistance or want to speak to an attorney about your accident or injury, call (888) 752-7474 or contact us.
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You were wonderful throughout my case. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the process so that I could feel comfortable. When I was hurt, I really did not know where to turn and Suzanne was comforting and knowledgable. Thanks again for all you did.
- H.P.
