Bike Accidents

Bike Accidents

California Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist Should Know

Mar 10, 2025 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

The sun is shining, and the cool breeze hits your face as you pedal through the streets of California. But amidst the joy of cycling, an unexpected incident can leave you questioning your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist. Understanding California bicycle laws helps you stay safe and empowers you to protect your rights if an accident occurs. The Basics of Bicycle Laws in California California’s bicycle laws ensure the safety of cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike. The following is what you need to know about your legal responsibilities and protections as a cyclist in the state: California imposes significant responsibilities on bicyclists. These responsibilities are designed to protect all riders and reduce the likelihood of a devastating accident. Violating these protections can result in fines, penalties, and legal liability. What Are the Bicycle Laws in California Regarding Accidents? In the event of a bicycle accident, California law requires the involved parties to: If you’ve been in an accident, documenting the scene and gathering witness statements can be invaluable for building a potential legal claim. Bicycle Safety Laws to Protect Cyclists California has implemented several measures to reduce accidents and injuries. These measures focus on allowing bicycles to share the road with motor vehicles safely. Some of the more common safety laws include: Following these laws can help cyclists and the motorists they share the road with to reduce the risk of an accident causing serious injuries. Steps Cyclists Can Take to Stay Safe and Protect Their Rights While accidents can happen, you can reduce risks and strengthen your legal position by: Staying proactive and well-informed is essential to prioritizing your safety and safeguarding your rights in case of an accident. How The Beliz Law Firm Can Help Cyclists in California Understanding California law may seem overwhelming if you’ve suffered a bicycle accident. Our firm brings years of experience and a client-first approach to ensure you get the support you deserve. Clients choose us for the following reasons: Our firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. With us, you’re not just a cyclist but a fighter for justice. Don’t Let a Cycling Accident Halt Your Ride Every cyclist deserves to ride confidently, knowing the law has their back. The Beliz Law Firm ensures your voice is heard and your rights are protected. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t let uncertainty keep you from seeking justice. Michael A. Beliz, a trusted advocate with years of experience, can guide you through the legal maze with compassion and determination. Contact us today for a free consultation to begin your journey toward justice. Frequently Asked Questions Can I Ride My Bike on Sidewalks in California? California law allows local jurisdictions to determine sidewalk cycling rules. In many cities, business districts prohibit or restrict cycling on sidewalks. Check your local ordinances to stay compliant. Are Electric Bikes Subject to the Same Laws as Regular Bicycles? Electric bikes (e-bikes) in California are generally subject to the same regulations as traditional bicycles. However, certain classifications of e-bikes may have additional requirements, such as speed limits and licensing restrictions. What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Hit-And-Run While Cycling? If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, report the incident to the police immediately and seek medical attention. Gathering evidence, such as license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions, can help authorities and your attorney.

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Bike Accidents

Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California

Oct 13, 2023 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 2 minutes

California, with its picturesque landscapes and cycling friendly cities, is a haven for bicycle enthusiasts. However, cycling, like any other mode of transportation, comes with its own set of risks. Bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors, ranging from human errors to environmental conditions. Exploring the most common causes of bicycle accidents in California sheds light on the potential liability of another if they caused you harm. What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents? The main cause of bicycle accidents in California involves collisions with motor vehicles. The size and speed disparity between bicycles and cars can lead to catastrophic consequences. Factors contributing to these accidents include distracted driving, failing to yield, dooring incidents, and unsafe road conditions. The condition of roads and cycling infrastructure can significantly impact the safety of cyclists. Common causes of accidents resulting from unsafe road conditions include the following: Confusion regarding right-of-way rules can also cause collisions between bicycles and other vehicles. This is especially true when a cyclist or motorist does not stop at a stop sign, ignores the traffic signals, or takes a turn without properly signaling. Liability and Damages in California Bicycle Accidents Determining liability in bicycle accidents is based on the evidence available in each particular case. Liability is generally based on the principles of negligence. For the most part, everyone owes a duty of care to operate a vehicle or bicycle with reasonable care. When someone doesn’t fulfill their duties, they could be negligent and therefore liable for any injuries or damages they cause to another.  If a motorist’s negligence, such as distracted driving or failure to yield, leads to a bicycle accident, they can be held responsible for the damages. If an unsafe road, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance contributed to an accident, liability may fall on the responsible government agency. In some cases, if a defect in the bicycle or its components causes the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable. On the other hand, if a cyclist contributes to their own mishap through negligence, they may not be able to recover as much compensation for their losses related to the accident. Cyclist negligence might be traveling in the opposite direction of traffic, disregarding traffic rules, or riding under the influence. Alcohol and drugs affect a cyclist’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.Once you determine liability, you can calculate the potential damages and what a case could be worth. Damages that can be recovered in a bicycle accident case include compensation for past and future medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. California Bicycle Accident Lawyer After a bicycle accident, you may suffer losses you never expected. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can be sure you’re maximizing your recovery to recoup your losses. Michael A. Beliz has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney for over a decade. You can be confident the Beliz Law Firm will handle your case professionally and as efficiently as possible. Contact us today.

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Bike Accidents

Do You Need a Helmet in California?

Jul 26, 2018 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 2 minutes

If you ride a motorcycle in California, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the applicable California helmet law and obey all of the rules that apply to you. You also have the right to stand up for yourself in the event you are following applicable rules and you are in an accident that was not your fault. California Helmet Laws California motorcycle helmet law is covered under Vehicle Code Section 27803. California is one of a handful of states that requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. All drivers and passengers must wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards, regardless of age. This law applies to riders on highways as well as rural roads. The helmet law in California does not apply to anyone on a fully enclosed three-wheeled motor vehicle that is over seven feet long and four feet wide. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS), helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing death and 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries. Purchasing a Helmet that Meets Federal Standards When purchasing a helmet, you must get one that meets federal standards, and it should fit snugly on your head. One helpful tip is to look for a DOT, Department of Transportation, sticker, which is a sign that the helmet manufacturer followed federal safety standards. Having someone help fit you in a helmet is good because they can ensure the helmet doesn’t move excessively and is properly fastened with the straps. Approved helmets meet minimum requirements such as: Inner liner at least one inch thick and made of polystyrene foam Nothing protruding more than two-tenths of an inch from the helmet shell Sturdy chin straps that are attached to the helmet shell with solid rivets Approved helmets typically weigh around three pounds or more. Penalties for Not Wearing a Helmet Both motorcyclists and their passengers can be subject to fines and other penalties if they fail to wear a DOT approved helmet in California. Law enforcement officers are entitled to charge an offender with an equipment violation or something greater. Equipment violations carry a minimal fine per the California Vehicle Code, but the California Highway Patrol states any violation of the helmet law is not just an equipment violation as it is an immediate safety hazard. If a California Highway Patrol (CHP) stops you, it could be a $250 fine and a year of probation, versus the $10 equipment violation. The courts tend to side with the CHP position, so it’s best you always wear your helmet as it will likely save you money in addition to potentially saving your life in the case of an accident. If you sustained a head injury in a motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet, there may be comparative negligence of your actions.  This means you may be somewhat at fault for your injuries. Retaining a California Motorcycle Attorney If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, a California motorcycle attorney can assist in answering any questions and addressing your concerns. Depending on the facts surrounding the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries and property damage. Call the Beliz Law Firm at 562-452-3772 to schedule a consultation.

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Bike Accidents

Effects of Lane Splitting on Motorcycle Accidents in California

May 8, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 2 minutes

Lane Splitting and California Motorycle Accidents Motorcycle accidents remain a serious safety problem in California. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that in 2014, motorcycle accidents injured 11,000 people. All too often, the general public simply assumes that bikers must be at fault for their own accidents. There is an unfair perception that motorcyclists often engage in ‘risky’ or ‘dangerous’ behavior. Yet, often, a lack of knowledge on motorcycle operations leads to that position. For example, ‘lane splitting’, which many drivers assume to be dangerous, is actually a safe and legal road practice. Here, our Long Beach motorcycle accident attorneys discuss lane splitting and its effects on California accidents. When Done Properly, Lane Splitting is Safe Lane splitting is the practice of a riding a motorcycle in between the middle of two lanes of stopped (or slowly moving) traffic. Bikers may engage in lane splitting to save time by quickly bypassing the traffic congestion that is all too common in Southern California. The evidence suggests that lane splitting is actually more safe for motorcyclists than is stopping behind vehicles in slow moving traffic. Indeed, in a study of more than 6,000 crashes, researchers from the Safe Transportation Research & Education Center at the University of California Berkeley found that lane splitting riders were less likely to be rear-ended and less likely to suffer concussions, serious torso injuries or death. Lane Splitting is Legal in California Under California law, lane splitting is legal. Riders must be safe and follow certain guidelines, though. The California Highway Patrol instructs lane splitting bikers to be: Reasonable; Responsible; and Aware of road conditions. As a general rule, lane splitting should only be done at a speed that is under 40 miles per hour, and no more than 10 miles per hour faster than the traffic in the other lanes. Motorcyclists also have other duties when lane splitting, such as avoiding erratic movements. Who is Liable for a Lane Splitting Accident? Since lane splitting is a legal practice that can be done safely, motorcyclists are not inherently liable any resulting accidents. Ultimately, liability for these crashes will always depend on the specific facts of the case. Investigators will need to determine exactly why the accident occurred and which, if any, parties failed to operate their vehicle in a safe manner. Many factors can complicate assigning fault in accidents. As a California is a comparative negligence state, sometimes two or more parties may even share liability for the same crash. To protect yourself from an unfair share of accident liability, you need to get your case into the hands of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a lane splitting accident. Get Legal Help Today At The Beliz Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims. Call our firm today at 562-452-3772 to request a free review of your case. From our primary office in Long Beach, we serve communities throughout the region, including Westminster, Riverside, and San Diego.

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