Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto helps people that have been injured in bicycle accidents. Modesto is a great place to ride your bike, but that unfortunately comes with the risk of an accident. This is true even though there are laws in place that govern bike riding and what your rights are. To learn more about your legal options after a bike accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

What Are the Bicycle Laws in Modesto?

Like any city in California, Modesto has certain regulations regarding bicycles. A lot of them are designed to keep you or other bicyclists safe, but they also work in conjunction with state laws that are set in the California Vehicle Code (CVC).

Generally though, here are a few of the important bicycle laws in place in Modesto:

  • 3-3.01 – This sets the definition of what a bicycle is. It’s a device that a person can ride, or is operated by human power with belts, chains, or gears. It also sets the parameters of the size, where a bicycle is any device that has at least 20 inch wheels and a frame of at least 14 inches.

  • 3-3.02 – You are required by law to have a bicycle license if you’re riding on any city property, from the street to an alleyway.

 

  • 3-3.09 – It’s illegal for anyone to intentionally damage, remove, or change the serial number on a bicycle frame that is licensed under this law. It’s also illegal to damage or alter any bike license or registration card while it’s still valid. However, this rule doesn’t stop people from adding numbers to bikes that don’t have a readable or clear serial number for identification.

 

  • 3-3.12 – A licensed bicycle can be ridden on any street, alley, or public area in the city. However, bicycles are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks in the city’s business districts.

 

The other part of bicycle laws in Modesto come from the CVC, and apply at any state-controlled area, like a highway. Key laws include:

 

  • CVC 21200 – Bicyclists have the same rights and have to follow the same rules as drivers.

  • CVC 21200.5 – Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.

  • CVC 21202, 21204 – Bikes need brakes, low handlebars, a safe size, lights/reflectors for night riding, and a proper seat. Children under 40 pounds need a safety seat.

  • CVC 21202 – Ride near the right side unless passing, turning, or avoiding hazards.

  • CVC 21203 – It’s illegal to be pulled along by a moving car.

  • CVC 21204 – When riding on a freeway, bikes need proper seats; passengers need their own seat.
  • CVC 21205 – You have to keep one hand on the handlebars at all times.

  • CVC 21207.5 – Motorized bikes aren’t allowed on bike lanes, but electric bikes (e-bikes) are.

  • CVC 21208 – Use bike lanes if riding slower than traffic, unless you’re turning or avoiding hazards.

  • CVC 21210, 21211 – Don’t park or block paths with your bike.

  • CVC 21212 – Riders under 18 must wear helmets, with fines up to $25 for violations.

  • CVC 21650 – When riding along with traffic, you have to ride as far to the right of the road as possible.

  • CVC 21960, 23330 – Bikes may be banned on highways and toll bridges–signs will indicate this.

  • CVC 27400 – When riding a bike, you’re not allowed to have headphones in both ears.

These laws aim to keep you safe, but it’s important to also know what options you have if you are in an accident.

What Legal Options Do You Have After a Bicycle Accident?

While the above laws set the baseline for how you can safely ride your bike in Modesto, and more importantly, how others can be safe when encountering you, the reality is that bicycle accidents still happen. When you’re hurt in an accident because someone else didn’t follow these laws, it gives you certain legal options:

 

  • Insurance claim – This is a simpler process controlled by the insurance company. You file a claim with them, and while it can lead to a quicker settlement, the insurance company decides how much to pay, which often doesn’t cover all your losses.

 

  • Lawsuit – A lawsuit is more complex and takes longer, but since a judge or jury oversees it, you may get more financial support if your case is strong.

 

The goal of a claim is to recover “damages” from the accident, such as:

 

  • Medical bills
  • Costs for ongoing care or permanent injuries
  • Lost wages or reduced earning potential
  • Repair/replacement of your bike or other damaged property
  • Financial support for pain and emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life or companionship
  • Wrongful death expenses if the accident leads to death

Even with these possible damages, recovering from injuries in a bicycle accident can still be challenging. That’s why our team is here to help guide you through the claims process and provide support with any health or financial issues that come up. Remember, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim in California. If you miss this deadline, you can’t recover any damages.

Contact Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto After a Bicycle Accident

Modesto is a great area for biking, with plenty of trails and paths to enjoy. Biking has many benefits, but it can also lead to accidents. Hopefully, if you’re in an accident, it’s minor and doesn’t require legal help.

However, if your injuries are more serious, you might need additional support. Our bicycle accident team in Modesto can help by explaining your options, investigating the accident, and assessing your damages. We’ll guide you through the entire process and make things easier for you. Best of all, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay upfront. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.