Understanding Liability in a Bicycle Accident

Whether you're the cyclist or the driver of a car involved in a bicycle accident, it's vital to take certain steps to ensure everyone's safety and to handle the situation properly. Given that California bicycle laws are continually evolving, staying up to date on the rules of the road is crucial. Determining fault in a bicycle accident will depend on various factors, including the details of the accident and the applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred.

In today's fast-paced world, cyclists and drivers must understand their insurance coverage and rights in such situations. In the article, we'll walk you through various scenarios to help you know what to do if involved in a cycling accident.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Let's begin with what you should do if you're a cyclist involved in an accident with a vehicle. In the unfortunate event of being struck by a car, it's important to follow these steps:

It's wise to consult with a local personal injury attorney before speaking with any insurance representatives. Avoiding fault discussion might seem straightforward, especially if you believe you weren't responsible for the accident. However, don't underestimate insurance companies and the tactics used by their representatives. They may tempt you with a generous settlement offer, but accepting it without an attorney can be costly. What may seem like a significant sum to you could pale in comparison to the actual losses and damages you've incurred.

Insurance and Liability in a Bicycle Accident

If you are at fault for your bicycle accident injuries or any injuries you've caused to others, you may have insurance coverage that could come into play. For example, if you sustain injuries, your health insurance policy typically covers your medical expenses, regardless of fault. Additionally, if you have personal liability coverage as part of your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, it could potentially cover damages you cause to others.

If there are disputes over liability after a bike accident, legal action may be necessary to resolve the matter. This could involve filing a claim with insurance companies, negotiating settlements, or going to court if a resolution cannot be reached.

What Happens if You Hit Someone on a Bike?

Now, let's talk about what to do after a bike accident if you're the driver and you hit a cyclist.
In the immediate aftermath, you should follow the same instructions outlined above, as they apply to you as well. Offer assistance to the cyclist, such as calling for medical help or providing transportation to a medical facility if needed. Be empathetic, but refrain from admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of liability. Liability in such is determined based on negligence. If the cyclist is found to have acted negligently—such as running a red light or riding recklessly—they may be considered at fault.

Most car insurance policies include liability coverage, which pays for damages to others if you're at fault in an accident. This coverage would typically apply to cover the cyclist's medical expenses, property damage, and other losses they incur as a result of the accident.

North Hollywood Personal Injury Attorneys

If you've sustained bike accident injuries, contact Yepremyan Law Firm to consult with our North Hollywood bicycle accident attorneys or request to speak with one of our Sun Valley personal injury lawyers. They can help you navigate the legal landscape and ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your loss. Our firm works on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters. In other words, we don’t get paid until you do—no recovery, no fee!

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.