Centrally located in the Northern San Joaquin Valley, Lathrop, California, is ideal for bicyclists. The Valley’s flat terrain, easy bike trails, and popular bicycle events cater to residents and visitors alike.

Avid bicyclists are aware of the dangers on the road and often take safety precautions to prevent a crash. However, bike accidents can still happen no matter how careful they are.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in Lathrop due to a negligent or careless driver, we’ll help hold them accountable for your losses. Call AutoAccident.com today at (209) 227-1931 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

According to the California Vehicle Code 21200, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means cyclists are subject to laws on traffic signals, giving pedestrians the right-of-way and driving under the influence.

Cyclists should be familiar with the “rules of the road.” California law requires that all bicyclists ride with the flow of traffic unless passing, making a left turn, riding on a narrow road, or when the street is closed due to road construction. Cyclists traveling slower than the traffic flow must use the designated bike lane unless passing, making a left turn, or avoiding hazards.

California law allows you to sue the motorist in civil court if you were seriously injured after a bicycle accident due to a driver’s carelessness. If you can prove that the driver’s negligence caused your injuries and other losses, you can file a claim against them to compensate you for the physical and financial harm you suffered.

If the driver was issued a traffic citation or charged with a criminal offense, this could be crucial evidence of negligence. In this case, you do not need to prove that the motorist should have acted differently. This is under a legal theory called “negligence per se.” California courts see a violation of any traffic law as automatically negligent. 

With nearly 40 years of experience representing injured bicyclists in Northern California, the attorneys at AutoAccident.com understand how devastating a bicycle accident can be.

If you are a bicyclist, we encourage you to take the following tips to prevent accidents:

• Wear a helmet: Adults are not required to wear a helmet in most California cities. In contrast, helmets can prevent catastrophic injuries or death on a bicycle if an accident occurs.
• Wear bright clothing: Always wear bright or fluorescent clothes to be more visible to drivers. Wear reflective arm or ankle bands, or add reflective tape to your helmet if you ride at night.
• Equip your bike: Install lights and mirrors on your bike to assist with safe lane changes.
• Signal when turning: Always use hand signals when making a right turn, a left turn, or brake.
• Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to any vehicles and pedestrians in all directions. Never talk on a cell phone or wear earphones while riding. California law prohibits wearing headphones that cover both ears.
• Know the rules of the road: Familiarize yourself with bicycle laws in the areas where you ride. The cycling laws above apply to all California cities and counties. However some cities can determine whether or not bicyclists can ride on the sidewalk.

Driver speeding is the number one cause of injuries and fatalities to bicyclists. Speeding increases a vehicle’s stopping distance and collision force, resulting in a significant risk of death in a collision.

Other top causes of bicycle accidents include the following:

• drivers running a red light
• drivers making a U-turn or illegal left-turn
• drivers not giving bicyclists sufficient space when passing
• drivers entering bike lanes illegally
• drivers opening a car door without checking if a bicyclist is approaching
• distracted driving
• driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol

Other factors that can lead to a bicycle crash include:

• poorly-marked construction sites
• roadway hazards
• sand or gravel on roadways
• construction site debris
• other dangerous road conditions

The city or other government agency may be liable for your bicycle accident in these instances. Do not delay in contacting an experienced Lathrop bicycle accident attorney. The statute of limitations in California is only six months from the date of your crash in a claim against a government entity.

Our injury attorneys have the skills and knowledge to thoroughly investigate your case and ensure you get full compensation for your losses. We know how devastating a severe bike accident can be, and we treat our clients with the respect and compassion they deserve.

We have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our injured bike clients. We are known for successfully taking complicated and challenging cases to trial.

An experienced Lathrop bicycle accident lawyer can help you:

• Navigate the road to recovery after an accident.
• Negotiate a claim with the driver’s insurance company on your behalf.
• Evaluate your case to determine whether legal action may be necessary.

Having an attorney handle your case offers you the best chance of getting the compensation you need and deserve after your bicycle accident.

The YouTube video below provides some crucial tips on finding the best personal injury lawyer to represent your bicycle accident case.

If you have been hurt in a crash as a bicyclist, call AutoAccident.com today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to speak to our experienced Lathrop bicycle accident attorneys. Our legal team has nearly 40 years of experience handling cases like yours. We would happily provide you with free, friendly, and confidential advice. See a list of past cases on our verdicts and settlements page.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 10.2.23] Photo by Martin Magnemyr on Unsplash cha llo [cs 984]}