Modesto Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Our Modesto Bicycle Accident Attorneys Are Here To Help

Modesto Bicycle Accident LawyerOwning and riding a bicycle in California is widely considered to be an eco-friendly alternative to driving a motor vehicle or taking public transportation. As more civilians begin to adopt the practice of riding bicycles in populated areas of California—cities like Modesto with over 200,000 citizens—it has never been more important to focus on the safety of drivers and cyclists. 

Sharing the road with other vehicles can put bicyclists in danger, as we have seen with the recent rise in bike-crash fatalities, which have hit a 25-year high. Scooter drivers have also seen an increase in vehicle-induced injuries, a trend that has been on the rise since the popularization of electric scooters and two-wheel motorized transportation. 

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in the State of California, it is critical to understand what you are entitled to and what your rights are. The team at Setareh Law can help you evaluate your case, guide you through your available options, and show you how to obtain the compensation you deserve.

California Cycling Laws

In order to navigate the roads safely, there are a set of laws and regulations in place to keep cyclists from endangering themselves or others. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a bicycle rider in California has never been more important. 

There are many roads in California that host lanes dedicated exclusively to bicyclists. These lanes should be utilized by cyclists who are driving slower than the speed limit, but riders who are able to keep pace with motor vehicles can drive within the normal flow of traffic if they take precautions.

Luckily for cyclists, California has passed legislation that requires all drivers to give anyone riding a bicycle at least three feet between the cyclist and motor vehicle. The same regulation says that if a driver is not able to pass the operator of a bicycle within the required distance, the driver may slow down and pass them if it is safe to do so.

Cyclist Responsibilities

Although much of the liability for an accident involving a bicycle–car collision rests on the person who was operating the motor vehicle, cyclists must maintain safety precautions to decrease the overall likelihood of an incident. 

Cyclists should actively avoid the following actions, or they might risk incurring liability in the event of an accident:

  • Riding on toll roads
  • Neglecting the use of a functioning headlight or helmet
  • Failing to use proper hand signals while turning, crossing, or merging 
  • Parking in the bicycle lane or failing to use it when necessary
  • Using earplugs or earbuds in both ears (with the exclusion of hearing aids)

Maintaining a high level of alertness while operating a bicycle is necessary for cyclists in highly populated cities like Modesto. The dangers of sharing the road with other vehicles are reduced significantly when riders take the proper precautions and make an effort to protect themselves and the people around them. 

Accidents and Compensation for Cyclists

California acts within the parameters of comparative negligence laws, which state that an individual who shares partial responsibility for an accident may still seek compensation for damages that they incurred as a result of the collision. These laws allow California citizens to obtain compensation based on their percentage of fault in an accident, which can only be determined by a judge. 

Accident victims have up to two years to pursue action and submit a claim for damages rendered. During that time, individuals can seek compensation for any combination of the following, including:

  • Damage to property (including physical possessions and the bike involved in the incident)
  • Medical bills and medical equipment 
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of wages and earning ability 

Being involved in a bicycle accident can cause victims to experience stress and anxiety, and may result in other mental health conditions such as PTSD that should also be considered when pursuing damages for a claim. 

Contact a Trusted Bike Accident Attorney in Modesto, California

Are you a victim of a bicycle accident? Have you been struck by a motor vehicle while cycling? Are you looking to seek compensation for your damages as a result of an accident? You need an experienced bike accident attorney on your side who will walk you through the process of obtaining the justice that you deserve.

At the offices of Setareh Law, APLC, our team of experienced attorneys will help build your defense and show you how to make the law work for you. We are committed to helping our clients get the compensation that they need for the damages they sustained. We will evaluate your case and work with you to determine the best course of action for your individual defense.

When you’re ready to contact a world-class attorney in Modesto, California, to help in your cycling-related accident claim, reach out to Setareh Law. For a free consultation, call (310) 659-1826 or connect with us online today.

Schedule a Consult at Our Modesto Location

Setareh Law, APLC

931 10th Street, #454
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 273-5860

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