Expert Anaheim Bike Accident Attorney

With summer in full swing and no school, the city of Anaheim is bursting with activity, from Disneyland to baseball games at Angel Stadium. With a record-breaking 25 million visitors in 2023, the city is undoubtedly one of the busiest in Orange County.

If you are a bicyclist, navigating the constant traffic congestion from cars and public buses can be challenging. Being mindful of vehicles is not just important but crucial to preventing a serious bike accident.

If you are wondering where you can ride your bike in Anaheim, as well as other safety tips, continue reading. For more information, contact our Anaheim bike accident attorney at Katella Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.

1. Riding on Sidewalks Is Legal

It’s important to note that in Anaheim, you can ride your bicycle on the sidewalk as long as you give pedestrians the right of way. Each city is responsible for passing ordinances regarding riding on sidewalks. If you plan to ride elsewhere in Orange County, check the city’s municipal code before you ride.

When you are crossing at a crosswalk, you should walk your bike. While there are no state-specific rules regarding this practice, it is generally a good idea to walk your bike and show courtesy to pedestrians who may be crossing at the same time.

2. Use the Bike Lane

If there are bike lanes where you are riding, use them unless you are making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed. If you are moving at the same speed as traffic, you may use the entire lane.

Planning a safe route away from busy intersections or congested areas can help keep you safe as a cyclist. This helpful map from the OCTA helps riders identify four different bike paths in Orange County:

Class I Bike Path (off-road, paved)
Class II Bike Lane (on-road, striped lanes)
Class III Bike Route (on-road, separated bikeway)
Class IV Bike Boulevard (on-road, separated bikeway)

3. Be Careful of Car Doors

One of the scariest situations for bicyclists is being “doored.” This happens when a driver or passenger opens their car door and hits an oncoming cyclist. The “door zone” is the 3 to 4 feet along the left side of a parked car. Dooring accidents lead to several severe injuries and deaths in Southern California every year.

Always be aware of parked cars and anticipate that doors may open unexpectedly. When in doubt, always leave ample room between you and a parked car.

4. Use Hand Signals

Using hand signals when cycling is essential for communicating your intentions to drivers and other cyclists. Always use hand signals to indicate your intentions when turning or changing lanes. This not only informs others of your next move but also helps to prevent collisions.

Every cyclist should know three basic hand signals when making turns: left turn, right turn, and stop. Refer to this NHTSA infographic for more details on hand signals.

5. Take a Bicycle Safety Course

Riding a bike in dense urban areas like Anaheim requires skill, focus, and agility. If you are a new rider or want to improve your skills, consider taking a bicycle safety course. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) offers courses that can benefit cyclists of all levels.

If you own an electric bike (e-bike), a safety course can teach you how to ride correctly and other safety features.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Bike accidents can lead to various injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries. Aside from helmets, bicyclists have little protection from the impact of a crash. Medical bills can quickly add up after you suffer severe injuries. Some common bicycle accident injuries include:

Fractures and broken bones
Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
Soft tissue injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Road rash
Facial and dental injuries

Wearing a helmet and proper protective gear can help minimize the risk of severe injuries. All riders under 18 must wear a helmet when operating a bicycle.

Even if you were not wearing a helmet when the bicycle accident happened, you may still be able to recover compensation under California’s comparative negligence laws. Speak to an Anaheim bike accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can help you determine liability.

Anaheim Bicycle Accident Attorneys

If you were hit by a motor vehicle while riding your bike, you should contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can help you with your bicycle accident claim. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex personal injury law process and ensure you obtain financial compensation from the other party’s insurance company. A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Our Anaheim bicycle accident lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your bicycle accident case.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact our Anaheim bicycle accident lawyer.