Good for fitness and great for the
environment, biking is one of the cleanest ways to get around. The roads
unfortunately are not always safe for bicyclists, and when an accident
occurs, it is important to know your rights.
The Cyclist’s Rights
In
most states, bicycles have the same rights as automobiles on the road.
They are permitted use of the roadway, regardless of whether there is a
bike lane present. It doesn’t matter that they might be going much
slower than other vehicles. Cyclists are generally required to stay on
the right side of the road but may cross into the center or left in
order to make a turn or avoid a hazard.
The Motorist’s Responsibility
One
of the most dangerous situations is at a right turn. If the bicycle is
continuing straight on, the law requires that the motorist yield the
right of way before turning. It is the driver’s responsibility to check
the mirrors and blind spot for any cyclists. Serious injuries may also
occur when drivers open doors into the paths of cyclists, sideswipe or
rear-end bicycles when passing or even simply yell or honk. Motorists
must respect that a car has far greater mass and can accelerate much
more quickly than any bicycles sharing the road.
Collecting on Your Share to the Road
When
accidents occur, the cyclist is almost never at fault. If the roads are
not on your side, make sure to enlist strong legal representation that
is. For help finding an effective bicycle accident attorney in Jacksonville, visit this website.
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