Biked on the sidewalk and got hit in a bike accident? You may still have a case. This article clarifies your rights and how to pursue compensation, even with a citation. Contact GJEL for a free consultation.
California Bicycle Accident on Sidewalk: Injured & Not Sure Who’s at Fault? (GJEL Accident Attorneys)
- Hit by a Car While Riding Your Bike on the Sidewalk in a Bike Accident?
- Legal Rights & Recovering Compensation After a Bike Accident.
- Free Consultation: Protect Yourself with a Knowledgeable Attorney.
Read the full article for a California personal injury attorney’s explanation of your rights after a bicycle accident on the sidewalk. Learn why police citations don’t determine fault and how GJEL Accident Attorneys can help you recover compensation after a bike accident.
This comes up a lot. Theoretically, you’re not supposed to ride your bike on the sidewalk. However, that’s not the end of the story. A lot of times, the safest place to ride your bike is on the sidewalk. There may be no other safe place to ride it. And, even if the police officer gives you a ticket for riding your bike on the sidewalk, that doesn’t mean that you’re at fault for the bike accident.
You can violate a technical law and still be doing exactly the right thing. I’ve had many clients come to me, turned down by other lawyers because the police report says “Well it’s your fault for riding on the sidewalk,” but that’s a mistake the police officers make. Just because there’s a technical violation, doesn’t mean the other person has the right to cut in front of you in a driveway or anything like that.
Even if you were technically violating a local ordinance by riding on the sidewalk, that doesn’t automatically absolve a driver of their responsibility to exercise reasonable care. Drivers must yield to pedestrians and other sidewalk users, including cyclists, before entering or crossing a sidewalk.
A driver who fails to do so and causes a bike accident can be held liable for your injuries, regardless of whether you were cited for riding on the sidewalk. Proving negligence in these situations often requires a thorough investigation, including gathering witness statements, accident scene reconstruction, and potentially consulting with experts.
Whether it’s you on a bicycle, someone pushing a baby stroller, or even a kid running along the sidewalk, if a vehicle is not acting appropriately, they can be held liable. We understand you may have concerns about the cost of hiring an attorney. Don’t let a police citation discourage you from seeking legal help.
Police officers often focus on the immediate violation of traffic law, but they may not have the full picture of the bike accident circumstances. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve. At GJEL, we understand the complexities of these cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
At GJEL, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to pursue justice without the added financial burden of upfront legal fees. We’re committed to helping injured cyclists get the legal representation they need, regardless of their financial situation.
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident on the sidewalk, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and damage to your bicycle. These damages can help you cover the costs of your recovery and get your life back on track.
Contact GJEL today for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and learn more about the types of compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Written by Andy Gillin. Last Updated 04/15/2024