Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto can help you when you’re injured in a bicycle accident in the city. You’ll see bicycles throughout the city, even on one of the many sidewalks. With that said, even small cracks can cause large accidents with serious injuries. Our team can guide you through the process of getting better. Set up a free consultation today.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
Any bicycle accident is hard to deal with, but when it happens because of a cracked or broken sidewalk, it’s all the more frustrating. Your tax dollars quite literally are supposed to take care of things like that. But unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. And even worse, when it causes a bicycle accident, you can get seriously hurt. And then there comes questions about legal responsibility and how you can get help.
All of this is usually a good indication that you might need help, and that’s where our team can step in by:
- Looking closely at exactly where the accident happened.
- Figuring out who controlled that stretch of sidewalk.
- Getting and keeping evidence before repairs change the scene.
- Explaining your options clearly so you can decide what makes sense.
Not every bicycle accident in Modesto requires legal help, but when a sidewalk is involved, it complicates things. It doesn’t change your rights, though. It also doesn’t change what you need to do right after the accident happens.
What Information Should I Try to Get After My Accident?
Like most bicycle accidents that happen in Modesto, one that happens on a sidewalk happens in a flash. You’re riding along like you always do, but then you see the crack or the broken slab. You might try to swerve to miss it, or you might not be able to at all. The next thing you know, you’re on the ground and in pain. At that point, your focus should shift to your health. But once you have that taken care of, it’s about getting solid information like:
- Pictures/video of the crack or broken part of sidewalk, taken from a few angles. Include something that shows size and depth if possible, like a water bottle or your bike tire.
- Wide shots of the area, so it’s clear where the defect is located on the road and how visible it was.
- The exact location of the sidewalk, not just the street name—intersections, mile markers, or nearby landmarks help.
- Damage to your bike and gear, before you get it fixed. It’s best to snap a few pictures of it once everything settles down, preferably within a few hours.
- Witness names or contact information, especially if someone saw you go down or noticed the road hazard beforehand.
- If the police come, ask how to get a copy of any report. And once you’re able, write down what you remember. Details fade faster than people expect, especially after an injury.
Every situation is different—even ones with similar circumstances. But what comes next is going to be built on the information you can get in those hours, days, and months after the accident. With that said, a pothole accident is a bit different when it comes to figuring out who’s responsible.
Is the City Responsible If a Cracked Sidewalk Causes My Accident?
It’s here that you’ll see why the exact location of your accident is so important. Not every sidewalk is the responsibility of the city—even though every sidewalk is technically within city limits:
- City streets are often the responsibility of the city
- State highways or parkways may be handled by a state agency
- Private roads, parking lots, or driveways may belong to a business or property owner
The reason this is important is because liability for your injuries comes down to this:
- If the responsible party knew—or should have known—about a dangerous pothole and didn’t fix it within a reasonable time, they’re responsible for any resulting damage.
The challenge is proving this, especially when multiple agencies overlap or maintenance gets outsourced. That’s why these cases often come down to timing, records, and location details—not just whether the pothole existed. But even with all of that, it doesn’t change your rights.
How Does the Claims Process Work in Modesto for a Bicycle Accident Caused by a Cracked Sidewalk?
While it’s true that you can file a claim after a bicycle accident caused by a pothole in Kentucky, the actual process is going to heavily depend on who’s responsible. Basically, there’s two ways the claims process can play out:
- Filing a claim against the state government.
- Filing a claim against the property owner/manager.
If the pothole was on a road or street that the city government is responsible for, you’ll need to file with the California Tort Claims Act (CTCA). This is a state agency that handles injury claims, but there’s a few differences:
- You only have six months from the date of the accident to file.
- There has to be at least $10,000 worth of damages.
- The government has 45 days to respond to your claim.
If the cracked sidewalk was the responsibility of a private person or business, the claims process reverts to normal—where you either file:
- An insurance claim out of court.
- A personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
In either case, your damages are going to come from the same place, being based on things like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost income
- Repair/replacement costs for your bike or gear
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life or permanent injuries
That’s also why where the accident happened matters so much. Certain spots see these kinds of accidents over and over again—and understanding those locations often explains not just what went wrong, but why the crack or broken slab wasn’t fixed in the first place.
Where Do Bicycle Accidents With Cracked Sidewalks Happen Most in Modesto?
Sidewalk cracks and breaks are extremely common throughout Modesto, and it’s not always random. The fact is, sidewalks need to be kept up and maintained to be safe to use. But in certain areas, that’s not always possible. And that’s where accidents happen:
- Paradise Road (West Modesto). This area sees a lot of foot and bike traffic, especially near schools. Parts of it don’t have consistent bike lanes or smooth transitions between sidewalk and street. When the pavement is uneven, it doesn’t take much to throw a tire off line.
- McHenry Avenue corridor. McHenry is busy. There isn’t much separation between cars and bikes in many stretches, and when you add broken pavement edges or abrupt sidewalk changes, it creates tight situations for riders.
- East Hatch Road and Crows Landing Road. These roads move fast. They’re wide, with heavier traffic, and not much protected space for cyclists. Surface issues matter more when you’re riding next to cars going 40+ mph.
- Older residential neighborhoods. This one surprises people. Some of the biggest sidewalk hazards aren’t on major roads — they’re in quiet neighborhoods. Tree roots lift concrete over time, slabs shift, and you end up with small height differences that can catch a front tire quickly.
Again, the main thing with these kinds of accidents is frustration. It goes beyond the injury itself. You expect sidewalks to be taken care of in a way that keeps you and other bike riders safe—especially when they’re supposed to be maintained by the city—and it’s unsettling when something so basic is overlooked. But you have options, and our team will be there to help you through it.
Reach Out After a Cracked Sidewalk Bicycle Accident Leaves You injured in Modesto
At Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto, we understand how difficult it can be to be injured in a bicycle accident. Whether it happens on a sidewalk or a bike lane, you have legal options for getting help. Reach out today for a free consultation today.