Bicycle and E-Bike Collisions in Pasadena: Liability When Drivers “Didn’t See” the Rider
Bicycles and e-bikes are a common form of transportation in Pasadena, but unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that drivers are always looking for them. Whether a bicyclist is struck in a residential neighborhood, downtown, or in a business district, it’s common for drivers to miss them entirely because they’re used to looking for cars. Because drivers often claim that the bicyclist “came out of nowhere,” it’s important to work with a bicycle accident attorney throughout this process.
At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP, we aggressively advocate for accident victims who are struggling to fight for the compensation they deserve. Our team includes experienced bicycle accident lawyers like attorney Mark Algorri, who has spent a substantial amount of time representing victims of catastrophic injuries. Learn more about how our Pasadena bicycle accident law firm can help you now by calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464).
Drivers Have a Duty to Look for Bicycles and E-Bikes
Drivers must maintain a reasonable lookout while driving, which often means using side and rear mirrors, watching bike lanes, and slowing down when visibility is limited. When a driver only watches out for other cars, they may miss a bicyclist who is plainly visible to everyone else. Other issues that may lead to collisions include distraction, excessive speed, incomplete stops, and rushed turns. In these situations, “I didn’t see the bicyclist,” is not an excuse. It may even support a claim of negligence.
Common Collisions Caused by Drivers Who Fail to See Riders
There are several common types of collisions we see when drivers don’t notice riders in time. They include:
- Right-turn and intersection accidents: Some bike and e-bike accidents occur when a driver turns across a rider’s path without stopping to check if there’s anyone there. For example, a driver may pass a bicyclist and then immediately make a right turn, not giving the bicyclist time to stop. Intersections can create risks when there are parked cars, landscaping, utility structures, and other obstacles blocking drivers’ view. But limited visibility isn’t a valid reason for a crash; it’s a reason for drivers to slow down.
- Unsafe passing and dooring: Drivers can also strike bicyclists when passing too closely. The California Vehicle Code restricts motorists from passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction as them with less than three feet of clearance. Dooring may occur when a parked driver opens their car door into the path of a rider, either striking them, causing them to fall off their bike, or forcing them to swerve into traffic.
- Lane change accidents: Lane change accidents may occur when a bicyclist is legally using a lane and a driver is not watching out for them. They may change lanes directly into a bicyclist, causing serious injury.
Does It Matter Whether the Rider Was on an E-Bike?
California law recognizes three classes of electric bicycles, each with its maximum speed at which the bike provides motor assistance. This may come into play when investigators are looking at how much time a driver had to react, how quickly a rider may have approached, and any operating restrictions that may be relevant. However, the fact that an e-bike is electric doesn’t directly affect liability. Drivers owe the same level of care to e-bike riders as they do to other bicyclists.
When the Driver Blames the Rider
As bicycle accident attorneys, we’ve seen many drivers and insurance companies blame riders for drivers’ mistakes. Cyclists do have legal obligations, and it’s important to recognize that. For example, in darkness, bicyclists must use approved lighting and reflective equipment to stay visible. However, bicyclists do have rights, and many issues arise because driers simply do not want to share the road with them. Working with a bicycle accident lawyer may help you protect against unfounded claims that paint you in a bad light.
Contact Our Bicycle Accident Law Firm in Pasadena Today
If you’ve been involved in a bike accident in Pasadena and you’re struggling to get the insurance company to take you seriously, you’re not alone. Bicyclists are very vulnerable on the road, and proper compensation may mean the difference between getting the care you need and having to go without. Let’s discuss your options now. Call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) or contact us online now.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
