Marin County Bicycle Accident Lawyer – San Rafael Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Free Consultations – (415) 251-1680
Attorney Michael Rehm
Being injured in a collision with an automobile when you are walking or riding a bicycle is a terrifying experience. When a car is coming toward you while you are crossing the street, you may only have a fraction of a second to react. Unfortunately, people cannot normally get out of the way quickly enough to avoid an accident. If you were the victim of a bicycle or pedestrian accident, contact Attorney Michael Rehm today for help.
Pedestrians On The Road
Although most pedestrian accidents are caused by automobile drivers, pedestrians can also be at fault in an accident. In California, pedestrians do NOT always have the right of way, a fact insurance companies will attempt to exploit. There is a legal duty by people who are walking to safely cross the road in marked and unmarked crosswalks. In 2018, Marin County reported 89 pedestrians had been injured or killed in accidents. Here are some tips to avoid being hit by a vehicle:
- Always use a crosswalk when crossing the street. Even if there are no lines to mark the crosswalk, the point where two roads meet at a right angle is generally considered the point where a crosswalk would be.
- At intersections with crossing lights, only cross the street when the light is green or says “walk”
- For intersections where there is no painted crosswalk, you must yield to all vehicles close enough to be an “immediate hazard” to you. Only when there are no vehicles nearby can you cross the street.
Bicyclists On The Road
Riding a bicycle on city streets can be just as hazardous as walking, possibly even more so. 140 bicyclists were injured or killed in Marin County in 2018. These accidents are often the result of negligent automobile drivers as well. Many drivers are not aware of the bicycle laws and they don't pay attention or look out for cyclists. While it's everyone's responsibility to operate a vehicle safely, you can protect yourself if you follow the laws applicable to bike riders.
- Bicyclists are required to follow the same rules as vehicles, such as stopping at stop signs and red lights
- Ride in the same direction as vehicle traffic and stay on the right side of the road, even if there is no bike lane
- If there are bike lanes, use them
- Yield to pedestrians
- Use lights and reflectors on your bike at night
- Always wear a helmet
- Do not wear headphones, Bluetooth devices, or anything else that would limit you hearing traffic and other things going on around you
Comparative Fault
California is a pure comparative fault state. This means that even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover compensation if you've suffered injuries or property damage as a result of someone else's negligence or carelessness. If you file a personal injury lawsuit and the court determines that you were 95 percent at fault, you can still recover compensation. Any damages awarded to you will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 and found to be 95 percent at fault, you would receive $5,000.
If You Are Injured on The Road, Contact Michael Rehm Law
It can be confusing to decipher the different laws regarding pedestrians and bicyclists. One or both parties can be at fault in the event of an accident. Knowing your rights is crucial if you find yourself injured and in need of medical care. Attorney Michael Rehm can help explain your rights, assist with finding top medical care, and pursue a just recovery in your pedestrian or bicycle accident cases.
Michael Rehm Law provides representation for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Marin County, California, and all throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Attorney Michael Rehm is licensed in California and New York and has been in private practice for close to fifteen years. Regardless of the type of injury you've suffered, we can help. Free, confidential consultations are available at (415) 251-1680.