Los Angeles, CA personal injury attorney Narbeh Shirvanian talks about what to do after a bicycle accident in California. He states that when a bicyclist is involved in an auto accident while riding on the street, the bicyclist is considered a vehicle under the vehicle code. This designation means that the same traffic laws that apply to cars also apply to bicycles.

A critical consideration is the direction of travel: the bicycle should move in the same direction as other vehicles on the road. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for safety.

If a designated bike path or lane is available, bicyclists should use it, as it demonstrates compliance with established safety guidelines. In areas without dedicated bike lanes, crosswalks, or bike paths, bicyclists must follow the rules applicable to vehicles. This includes avoiding unsafe maneuvers between vehicles, using hand signals for lane changes, ensuring proper lighting when riding at night, and adhering to speed limits and all applicable provisions of the vehicle code.