Seeing bicycles on the road in Sonoma is very common. Although most cyclists take appropriate measures to ensure they are safe, accidents still happen. No one can predict when an accident will occur, but it is safe to say that it will usually result in severe injuries. Most bicycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers, and if you have been hurt, you can file a claim against the person who caused your crash. Filing a claim after a bicycle accident is never easy. Our Sonoma bicycle accident lawyer can handle all the details while you focus on getting better.
What are the Bicycle Laws in Sonoma?The law in California stipulates that all bicyclists in Sonoma have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists on the road. Many motorists, though, are unfamiliar with these laws, or they simply ignore them. Under the law, motorists are expected to leave at least three feet of space between their vehicle and any bicyclist when they are passing them or driving beside them. Motorists are also prohibited from obstructing any bicycle path by stopping or parking in the path.
Just as cyclists have certain rights, they also have many legal obligations. All bicyclists must ride with the flow of traffic. The only exceptions to this are when they are riding on a one-way street, passing on a narrow road, or making a left turn. When a bike lane is available, cyclists must also use them when they are moving slower than the flow of traffic. This law, too, has exceptions, and they include when a cyclist is avoiding a hazard, making a left turn, passing another cyclist, or approaching a right turn.
Who is Liable for Bicycle Accidents in Sonoma?The majority of bicycle accidents are caused by another person’s negligence. Negligence is legally defined as failing to act in a reasonable manner so no one becomes hurt. Identifying the liable party in a bicycle accident is not easy, and even once you do, the burden of proof is on you to show that they caused your crash.
There are many pieces of evidence that can help you prove your case, including police reports, eyewitness testimony, and video surveillance. While you are trying to recover from your serious injuries is not the time to try and collect this important evidence. A Sonoma bicycle accident attorney can collect it on your behalf to prove the other party was negligent.
Sometimes, a violation of the law will cause a bicycle accident. For example, a motorist who drives recklessly can easily crash into a cyclist. In these situations, cyclists are considered ‘negligent per se’ because they did not comply with the law. When a motorist is negligent per se, you do not have to prove negligence, as the violation of the law is enough to show the driver was negligent.
Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Sonoma TodayAt Brod Law Firm, our bicycle accident attorney in Sonoma knows how devastating these crashes are, and how to help victims claim the full and fair compensation they deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or connect with us online to schedule a free consultation.