Every cyclist has the same legal right to be on the road as any driver. Yet many drivers treat bike riders as obstacles to get around. This includes passing the cyclists too closely, turning without looking, or opening a door into their path. When a collision happens, the cyclist usually only has a helmet for protection. If you have suffered an accident while riding your bike, a San Jose bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through your options and work to hold the responsible driver accountable.
A serious bike crash can change your daily life for months. You may be facing surgery, time away from work, and the loss of the independence your bicycle gave you. You should not have to manage a legal claim by yourself. An experienced personal injury attorney can handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery.
Bicyclists have formal legal protections. Under California Vehicle Code § 21200, a person riding a bicycle has the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of a vehicle, and drivers must treat you accordingly. For example, the Three Feet for Safety Act, found in Cal. Veh. Code § 21760, specifically requires drivers to give at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist.
Many bike crashes happen when drivers ignore their duties. Common examples include:
When a driver ignores the rules and causes a crash, that violation can be powerful evidence of fault. A San Jose bicycle collision lawyer can show how the driver failed to follow the law.
A common challenge in a bicycle case is the insurer’s effort to blame the rider. They may claim you were not visible, ran a signal, or rode outside the bike lane. Under the state’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, with your percentage of responsibility reducing the amount.
This is why evidence is important. Witness statements, traffic camera footage, and careful reconstruction of the crash can help establish the truth. A bicycle accident attorney in San Jose can help build a strong case and fight attempts to unfairly blame you.
After a serious bike crash, you try to focus on healing, while the insurer focuses on paying you as little as possible. That imbalance makes legal guidance important. The right advocate handles the parts of a claim that are easy to get wrong on your own.
A San Jose bicycle crash attorney can:
If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we can prepare to take your case to court to help prevent an unfair offer from impeding your recovery.
A bicycle accident can lead to a long and painful recovery. With the right support, you can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
For over 50 years, our family-run firm has represented injured riders and held careless drivers accountable. A San Jose bicycle accident lawyer can review your case, explain your options, and guide you at every stage. Contact Dunnion Law today for a free consultation to discuss your options after a bicycle crash.
