If a bike crash occurs due to the absence of headlights, the cyclist may be liable for the damages. However, if the driver shares responsibility in the collision, the cyclist can still file an accident claim for compensation.
In this article, you will understand liability in a California bike crash involving a cyclist riding at night without headlights and what factors affect the outcome of such a case.
How Do Headlights for Bikes Prevent Accidents?
Bicycle lighting refers to lighting devices mounted on bicycles to improve the bicycle’s visibility to other road users, especially in low ambient light. According to an article by the New York Times, more than 7,300 pedestrians died in the United States in 2021. Moreover, 75% of those fatalities occurred in low-light conditions. By using headlights, cyclists can increase their visibility at night and help reduce the number of bike crashes.
There are various types of headlights for bikes that cyclists must understand and use to ensure their safety when sharing the road, especially with large vehicles:
- Front lights: These lights let bikers see the road ahead and alert cars to their presence. These lights are available in various sizes and can be either strobe or steady-state. They range from small, battery-operated lights to more potent, long-lasting rechargeable models.
- Rear lights: By making bicycles visible from behind, rear lights draw attention to their presence from passing cars and pedestrians. Rear lights can be mounted on the seat post or rear rack, among other places. They are typically red. This visibility angle is vital because cyclists frequently don’t see what’s behind them.
Knowing and using the right bike safety lights can significantly improve cyclists’ safety and legal compliance, lowering the likelihood of accidents on the road.
Is It Legal to Ride a Bike at Night in California Without Headlights?
It is illegal to ride a bike at night in California without headlights. According to California Vehicle Code 21201(d), a bicycle used in darkness or night on a highway, sidewalk, or bikeway must have the following equipment:
- A front lamp that emits white light, illuminating the area ahead and visible from 300 feet from the front and sides.
- A red rear reflector or a solid/flashing red light with a built-in reflector, visible from 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of vehicle headlamps.
- A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle, visible from 200 feet from both the front and rear.
- A white or yellow reflector on each side in front of the center, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center, unless the bicycle has reflectorized tires on both the front and rear.
Note that cyclists may opt not to use lights during the day. However, it is generally safer to use at all times.
What to Do When a Car Hits You While Cycling
Bike crashes can result in catastrophic injuries since cyclists often lack protection from unanticipated hazards. This is why you must understand and take the following steps when involved in a bicycle accident in California.
- If you can and it’s safe to do so, move to a safe location. Do not stay in the traffic’s path.
- Inform the police of the collision and, if necessary, request medical attention.
- Check for any injuries on yourself. Try not to move and wait for emergency personnel if you are critically hurt.
- Acquire the driver’s name, contact details, license number, registration of the car, and insurance information.
- Take pictures of the road conditions, your bicycle, the other vehicle, and any visible injuries at the location of the collision.
- Gather the contact details of any witnesses.
- Make sure the incident is appropriately reported in the police report. For your records, request a copy of the report.
- Speak with a California bicycle accident lawyer who can explain your legal rights, help you navigate the court system, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Can I File a Claim for a Nighttime Bike Crash Involving a Cyclist Without Headlights?
In California, you can seek compensation for damages from a bike crash caused by another driver’s negligence by filing a personal injury claim. Usually, you must have evidence to show that their negligent actions led to the collision. This involves establishing the following key elements of negligence:
- The driver had a duty to ensure the safety of all road users.
- They failed to fulfill this duty of care.
- This breach directly caused the accident.
- The accident led to injuries and other damages.
In a nighttime bike crash, if the driver’s actions directly caused the accident, such as drunk driving, they can be responsible for the damages. However, if not using a headlight influenced the collision’s occurrence, the victim’s settlement value may be reduced.
Who Is Liable?
As mentioned, the driver is generally responsible for the damages if their actions directly caused the accident. This generally happens when they commit traffic violations, such as:
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
For instance, a driver was checking their email on their phone and didn’t notice they were already veering towards the bike lane. Unfortunately, you were in the same bike lane, and the vehicle hit you. In this case, the driver is accountable for your damage costs.
However, if you didn’t use any headlights for your bicycle and this contributed to the occurrence of the bike crash, you may share liability in the accident. This means that while you can still file a claim for compensation, you will likely receive a reduced settlement amount.
How Does Shared Liability Work in California?
The concept of pure comparative negligence applies in California. This implies that injured victims can still pursue a personal injury claim for the damages even if they partly caused the accident. Note that in such an instance, their compensation will be reduced depending on how much they contributed to the accident.
For example, a drowsy driver hit you while traveling at night. Unfortunately, you weren’t using any headlights during the crash. Since biking without a headlight translates to negligence, the court decided you were 25% liable for the collision. In this scenario, you will likely receive 75% restitution.
Meanwhile, the driver may also insist on 25% compensation since all victims may file a claim regardless of how much they influenced the crash. This is why it is highly recommended that you hire a California bike accident lawyer who can examine your situation, gather evidence, and prove liability to protect your rights.
What Happens If the Cyclist Is Entirely At Fault?
The cyclist can’t seek compensation for their losses or injuries from other parties involved in the bike crash if they are solely to blame. The law mandates that the party at fault take responsibility for the results of their conduct. For example, if the crash results from the cyclist’s failure to use headlights at night, they may be accountable for the accident.
As such, the cyclist could be held liable financially for any damages to the other involved individuals in the collision. Usually, they can use their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance or personal liability insurance to pay for certain damages. However, this still depends on the policy’s specifications and whether or not coverage for policyholder-caused bike accidents is included.
After the bike crash, speaking with a California bicycle accident lawyer may help you understand your rights and responsibilities in such cases. They can examine the facts of the case and determine the total compensation you deserve depending on how liability applies in your situation.
Lawyer’s Tip: Typically, the initial offer of the insurance provider hardly compensates for the total damages of a collision. However, this may be enticing to injured victims, especially if they are facing a significant financial burden due to the accident. It is best to contact a car accident lawyer who can assess the value of your case and avoid settling with a minimum amount.
How Can California Car Accident Lawyers Help Me?
When determining liability, the actions of both parties before the accident must be analyzed before concluding. However, cyclists often refrain from filing a claim if they think not using a headlight at night caused the bike crash.
A California bike accident lawyer can assess the intricacies of your case and vigorously fight for your rights to receive the justice you deserve. They often do the following steps to win your case:
- Collect sufficient evidence to prove the other party’s negligence.
- Identify who is liable for the accident.
- Evaluate the full extent of the damages incurred.
- Manage communications with the insurance company.
- Comply with all pertinent legal deadlines.
- Take the case to trial if required.
Jacoby and Meyers: The Best Bike Accident Lawyer
At Jacoby & Meyers, we are dedicated to helping accident victims achieve the justice they deserve. We prioritize serving our communities by ensuring access to essential medical care for those affected by accidents.
Our legal team has developed a comprehensive process to ensure you are informed about your legal rights and receive the justice you deserve:
Maintaining transparent and open communication throughout your case.
Skillfully negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation on your behalf.
Assisting in coordinating appropriate medical treatments as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Addressing any additional concerns related to your accident to ease your anxieties.
Protecting your legal rights by establishing liability, assessing damages, and vigorously advocating for your claim.
We offer a free consultation, during which you can receive legal guidance from our team of California bicycle accident lawyers. To explore your legal options, contact us at 800-500-0000.
Jacoby & Meyers. Because You Deserve Justice.
Hear From Our Past Clients
While numerous law firms may make comparable assertions, we can provide robust legal assistance to our clients. Consequently, we urge our past clients to share their positive experiences utilizing our legal services.
“Very helpful! They got me a lot of money, and everyone they sent me to was just as great.”- Jose
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have further questions regarding bicycle accident claims? We got you! Here are some frequently asked questions from injured victims that may help explain some aspects of your case.
- Bicycle Accident FAQs and Advice
- How Can Poor Bicycle Maintenance Affect A Traffic Accident?
- Who Can Be Held Liable For A Bicycle Accident?
- Can I Receive Compensation for an Accident Caused by an E-Bike Fire?
Works Cited
New York Times. Accessed 14 May 2024.
“Bicycle Accidents and Insurance Coverage.” Progressive. Accessed 14 May 2024.
“California Vehicle Code 21201.” California Vehicle Code. Accessed 14 May 2024.
“comparative negligence | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute.” Legal Information Institute. Accessed 14 May 2024.
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