San Diego Bike Accident Lawyer

Brad Nakase, Attorney


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Cycling is an activity enjoyed by approximately 47.5 million riders in the United States. In reality when we now observe cyclists on the roadway, it seems as though this is nothing out of the ordinary. While it may look like all fun and games for the cyclist, the looming specter of a serious accident truly appears at every turn.  This is because there is an undeniable mismatch of power between a car and a bicycle.

An ordinary small vehicle can weigh between 3k-4k lbs., while sedans and mid-size vehicles can weigh between 4k-4k lbs. When a collision occurs between a car and a bicycle, it’s not hard to imagine why the car is usually the clear winner. The resulting injuries for the cyclist can be very serious, despite the use of a protective helmet.


Table of Content

What are California’s bicycle laws?

Can you get a DUI on a bicycle?

Are bicycles allowed on the freeway or highway?

Is there is a speed limit for bicycles? Can a bicyclist get a speeding ticket?

May a bicyclist travel slower than the speed of traffic?

Is it illegal to not have brakes on a bike?

Is it legal to have flashing bike lights?

Is it law to have lights on a bicycle? Are bike reflectors required by law?

Are bicycle helmets required in California?

Can you wear headphones or earphones while riding a bicycle?

Evaluation of Your Case

Pursuing the Claim Against the Responsible Party


What are California’s bicycle laws?

A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle. (Vehicle Code §21200)

Can you get a DUI on a bicycle?

Yes. A bicyclist may not ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (Vehicle Code §21200.5)

 

Are bicycles allowed on the freeway or highway?

Bicyclist may not be ride on freeways and highways where doing so is prohibited by the California Department of Transportation and local authorities. (Vehicle Code §21960)

Is there is a speed limit for bicycles? Can a bicyclist get a speeding ticket?

A bicyclist may travel at the speed of traffic in the direction of the traffic. A bicyclist must comply with the posted speed limit or adhere to reasonably safe speed for the circumstance; for example, a bicyclist should slow down for rain, traffic condition, pedestrians, fogs, and construction zone. A bicyclist may get a speeding ticket when riding faster than reasonably safe for the circumstance.

May a bicyclist travel slower than the speed of traffic?

A bicyclist traveling less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the road. (Vehicle Code §2120)

Is it illegal to not have brakes on a bike?

Bicycles must be equipped with a brake that will enable the rider to rider to make a one-braked-wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. CVC 21201(a)

Is it legal to have flashing bike lights?

Yes. A red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear that shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. (Vehicle Code §21201)

Is it law to have lights on a bicycle? Are bike reflectors required by law?

Yes. A bicyclist during darkness must have all of the following:

– A lamp emitting a white light that, while the bicycle is in motion, illuminates the highway, sidewalk, or bikeway in front of the bicyclist and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle.

– A red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear that shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.

– A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet.

– A white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, except that bicycles that are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and the rear need not be equipped with these side reflectors.

Are bicycle helmets required in California?

Yes. Bicyclists and bicycle passengers under age 18 must wear a helmet when riding on a bicycle. (Vehicle Code §21212)

Can you wear headphones or earphones while riding a bicycle?

A bicyclist may not wear headphones or earphone covering both ears. (Vehicle Code §27400)

Evaluation of Your Case

The San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorneys  will evaluate your bicycle accident case to determine the best course of action to obtain the maximum compensation and treatment for your injuries. This process begins with a determination as to what occurred, thus causing the accident in the first place. Since cyclists and cars share the roadway, there can be multiple combinations of both cause and effect which lead to an accident. Often there is confusion between the cyclist and driver of a car as to who has the right of way, even though both cars and bicycles are essentially bound to follow the same rules of the road.

Pursuing the Claim Against the Responsible Party

As you can plainly see, determining how your bicycle accident occurred can be a complex undertaking. Once a determination is made as to how the bicycle accident occurred, the San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorneys will work toward pursing your claims against the responsible driver

Since you or a loved one have already experienced the trauma and pain resulting from a bicycle accident, we’ll skip the bicycle safety lecture. After all, that would be like us telling you to close the barn door after the horse has already escaped. Instead, the San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorneys will assure you of our experience and knowledge in pursing bicycle accident claims; and our commitment to work for tirelessly for you to obtain the best possible outcome in your case by:

  • Getting you the proper medical treatment for your injuries
  • Quickly identifying and pursing all possible claims
  • Fighting for your legal rights
  • Obtaining the maximum amount of financial compensation for your injuries

I’d like to hear your story. What happened?

Call or Write for a Free Confidential Consultation

If you or someone you love need an a aggressive and compassionate attorney who will listen and aggressively protect your interest, we invite you to call attorney Brad for a free consultation.

I’d like to hear your story. What happened?

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98% Success Rate

98% of clients’ cases won.

Insurance Insider

I’ve worked at a prestigious international law firm, Bremer Whyte et. al., serving major insurance companies by defending insurance companies and their insureds who were sued for millions of dollars.

I Care

“In both cases, he combined skills and passion to help these clients to maintain their self sufficiency and dignity.” SDLVP

My success is measured in the real differences made to my clients’ quality of life. I focus on achieving the most exceptional and fairest compensation for my clients.

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