Legal Rights of Cyclists: What You Need To Know After a Bike Accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 45,000 cyclists sustain injuries during accidents involving vehicles every year. If you’re ever in one, contacting a bike accident lawyer is one of the first steps you should take after seeking medical attention.

With the right legal representation, you can file a lawsuit against a driver who demonstrated negligence during your crash and aim to collect compensation to cover medical expenses and other costs. But before you do, make sure you know your legal rights and responsibilities as a cyclist.

Learn what you need to know in the immediate aftermath of a bike accident below.

What Are the Legal Rights of Cyclists?

Cyclists have almost all of the legal rights that anyone else out on the road has, including those behind the steering wheels of vehicles. Drivers are expected to share the road with cyclists just like they share it with those driving cars, trucks, SUVs, and even motorcycles.

Cyclists are considered part of the normal flow of traffic in many states and are allowed to ride in the same lanes that vehicles do if they would like. They are, however, usually cautioned against riding in the middle of the road in many places, especially if they can’t keep up with vehicles. They’re instead asked to move over to the side of the road whenever possible while riding in a single-file line when they’re with other cyclists.

Some cities are more bicycle friendly than others and have established bike lanes for cyclists. Still, it isn’t usually mandatory for cyclists to stay in these bike lanes. So, whether you were involved in a bike accident while riding on the road or in a bike lane, you might have a compelling enough case to file a lawsuit through a bike accident lawyer.

Which Responsibilities Do Cyclists Have?

Since cyclists have so many legal rights while riding around in cities on bikes, they also have to keep up with a long list of responsibilities to do their part to keep themselves and others safe. Here are some important responsibilities to keep in mind while cycling:

• You must pay attention to and abide by traffic signs and signals.
• You must yield to pedestrians.
• You must use hand signals when changing lanes or making turns.
• You must have lights and reflectors in the right places on your bike.

If you don’t live up to your responsibilities as a cyclist, it could hurt any legal case you try to file through a bike accident lawyer after a crash occurs. Remember this as you consider whether or not to take legal action if you’re ever hit by a vehicle and injured while on your bike.

When Should You Call a Bike Accident Lawyer?

If you’re ever in a bike accident, you might wonder whether you should consider contacting a bike accident lawyer for help. If nothing else, it’s always worth scheduling a free consultation with an attorney who handles bike accident cases to see whether they can assist you.

Generally speaking, you should look to hire a bike accident attorney following any accident that causes you to sustain injuries. Even if you suspect you might have been partially to blame for a crash, liability could still land on the lap of the driver who hit you. This could enable you to recover damages you can use to pay for medical bills and other accident-related expenses.

Avoid making insurance claims until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney about your bike accident. They can guide you in the right direction as you look into potentially filing a lawsuit against a driver involved in your crash.

How Can a Bike Accident Attorney Assist You?

Personal injury lawyers are excellent resources for those in bike accidents involving cars. They can assist in many different areas while working to help you collect compensation in your case in the form of either a pre-trial settlement or a judgment rendered by a judge or jury.

So, how can a bike accident lawyer lend a hand during your accident lawsuit? Here are a few ways they can help you:

• Examining your bike accident case during your initial free consultation and determining whether they feel you have a viable lawsuit
• Digging up additional evidence while investigating your bike accident further
• Negotiating with the legal representation for the defendant in your case and trying to work out a fair settlement for all parties
• Building a case and presenting it to a judge or jury during a trial

A bike accident attorney can also do all this without charging you any upfront fees in the majority of cases. The average personal injury lawyer will charge a contingency fee at the end of a lawsuit once you’re awarded a settlement or judgment.

Which Lawyer Should You Trust To Handle a Bike Accident Case?

The personal injury industry is filled with more than 100,000 lawyers as of 2024, including many who have experience taking on bike accident cases. This can make locating the right bike accident lawyer to tackle your case challenging.

Look for the following qualities in a bike accident attorney to improve your chances of landing the right lawyer:

• Extensive experience
• Stellar reputation
• Proven track record
• Effective communication skills
• Friendly demeanor

Take advantage of the legal options available by enlisting the personal injury services of the right bike accident lawyer from the start.

Accident Hotline Can Connect You With a Local Bike Accident Lawyer

Are you unsure which bike accident lawyer you should hire to handle your lawsuit? Accident Hotline can provide access to our network of personal injury lawyers, which includes plenty of bike accident attorney options. We also offer a glossary filled with accident report key terms to help educate you on the legalese you might face in the months to come.

Reach out to us if you have any questions about how to find the right bike accident attorney in your area.