Stockton Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Whether you are an avid bike rider or just enjoy riding for fun, you know that cycling is more than a hobby—it is a lifestyle. When you live in a warm, sunny climate, it is perfect for enjoying your favorite mode of transportation. However, bikes must share the road with cars and large semi-trucks, so drivers and riders must be aware of their surroundings to avoid collisions.

Vigilance is essential for cyclists because crashing with a motor vehicle can be significantly more injurious for the rider. A Stockton bicycle accident lawyer from the Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC can help you recover financial compensation for your injuries. You have just as much right to the road as a car, and our personal injury attorneys strive to protect that right for you and other cyclists.

Bicycles and Motor Vehicles

State law regards bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists have all the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars and trucks. For example, riders must follow the same traffic rules, including signaling before turns and stopping at red lights. This also means not cycling under the influence of alcohol.

Some rules specifically apply to bicycles in an attempt to protect them from motor vehicles. Bikes must move in the same direction as all other traffic. They must also stay in designated bike lanes or as far to the right side of the road as reasonably possible if no such lane is available.

Despite these rules, collisions with cars happen. When they do, they are usually caused by driver negligence. The larger size of a motor vehicle can easily obscure a bicycle, making it easy for a driver to miss a rider when making a turn, pulling out of a parking space, or moving through an intersection. As such, it is the driver’s responsibility to be aware of their surroundings. Unfortunately, some drivers do not feel the need to share the road with bikes, and this mindset can cause them to ignore cyclists and their rights.

Although bikes qualify as vehicles in Stockton, their small size and vulnerability usually mean that the driver is at fault for a collision, and injured riders can learn more about their legal options with the help of an experienced attorney.

What Can Victims Do After a Wreck?

Since the risk of serious injury is high, the first thing riders should do after being hit by a car is to report the incident to the police and medical services. The police will arrive at the scene to investigate and issue a report establishing the facts of the accident. Additionally, trained personnel are better equipped to identify hidden injuries that may seem minor at first but become more apparent after the adrenaline wears off.

It is vital to present both the police report and the medical report to the insurance company, as well as in court if it reaches that point. Having evidence of the wreck and your injuries can sway the insurance company to take the matter seriously. A skilled attorney can help injured cyclists in Stockton gather evidence after a crash.

Defend Your Rights With a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Stockton

If a car hit you while you were riding your bike, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries. A dedicated Stockton bicycle accident lawyer at the Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC can work toward getting you the justice you deserve.

From negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company to taking your claim to trial, we have the knowledge and skills to handle your case. Contact the Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC, for a free consultation with a member of our team.