I was going the opposite direction on a sidwalk until I could get to the nearest stoplight, when a car came out of a parking lot without looking and hit me causing me to chip a tooth. When I called their insurance they said they are not going to pay for my dental fee because I was going the wrong direction on the SIDEWALK. Do I have a good case to sue them?
2006-11-03 13:13:27 · 13 answers · asked by PrinceofPersia 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Well, I live in california, and I am only 14. I was biking to school. My bike is a 200 dollar one.
2006-11-03 16:55:40 · update #1
Check local laws to see what rules there are about cyclists riding on the sidewalk. I know in my area, bicyclists are allowed to ride on the sidewalk, they can ride in the opposite direction, and must yield to pedestrians and not ride in a reckless manner.
If the driver didn't look and just sped out of the parking lot, then there is some fault to the driver for the accident. It may be worth it to at least consult with an attorney, see if there are any low cost legal services in your area that can help you.
Edit: Where in California? If it's Los Angeles, that's where I live and the laws there do allow bicyclists on the sidewalk. I know an attorney who defended a similar case, and the family of the kid who was hit did recover damages. Definately consult an attorney, and maybe check out the California Bicycle Coalition to see if they have any resources that can help: http://www.calbike.org/about.htm
2006-11-03 15:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by ccmonty 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
regrettably i think of all states are basically like Florida. you basically at the instant are not allowed to journey on sidewalks for each of the justifications which you suggested have been risky. it relatively is extraordinarily unhappy too. If i ought to reinterpret the regulations governing this situation, i might make it mandatory to widen the sidewalks to the place it would be risk-free the two for bicyclists and pedestrians, like in California. greater than a number of the sidewalks in California are extensive sufficient for bicycles to bypass via pedestrians relatively to boot as dropping to highway point at intersections.
2016-10-15 08:43:18 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
according to the bylaw no!
sorry to tell u this u can get a ticket 4 even rideing on the side walk let alone the wrong direction. but sueing the people... not a strong case talk it over with ur lawer first.
but dude u r only 14!!!!
14!!!!!!!
even i am older than that and i cant sue people when i fell like it. seriously kid i dont think it is worth it. chiped tooth. big deal. 200$ bike crap! my suck **** and it is 350. but since u r a kid it makes it hard to say if the case is strong or not.
2006-11-06 11:58:08 · answer #3 · answered by Jason Z 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some o these people are wrong i was hit by a car came out with a broken leg side walks are for pedestrions in some states bikes are aloud but if a copper see's you he might not do any thing cause he'd rather see you on the side walk then out in the street without a helmet and in florida you have to be 16 to ride without a helmet but you have a good case have your parents look up a lawer hope this helps........... p.s after about 6 months i have recoverd and now starting freestyle bmx.
2006-11-05 19:13:24 · answer #4 · answered by colt45gunner 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) Sidewalks do not have directions. I can walk against traffic in the next lane or walk with traffic.
2) I can understand if you are a kid, your parent will nto want you to ride in traffic.
3) I wouldn't sue right away. I might talk to a lawyer or do some traffic law research for your state (Cali).
2006-11-04 10:33:54 · answer #5 · answered by Your Best Fiend 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you were wrong to be on the sidewalk on a bike !!
Sidewalks are for pedestrians ONLY !!
Bikes should always be on the road, riding with traffic.
The whole thing was YOUR fault, admit it, deal with it, learn from it, and move on !!
Have a nice day !
2006-11-03 13:23:25 · answer #6 · answered by BigTip$ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
SideWalk that word says it all
It is a
Walk way
Off to the side of the road
Bikes use the road, unless you are a kid,
You go the wrong direction on the road so car can see you.
2006-11-03 13:22:58 · answer #7 · answered by Wicked 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Check your law. On some states you are not allowed to ride on any sidewalk.
2006-11-03 15:25:09 · answer #8 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk. Bicyclists are supposed to ride with traffic on the road, to the right of the lane they need to be in (at lights).
2006-11-03 13:23:53 · answer #9 · answered by Susan M 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
wow. thats all i have to say...who would do that.. talk with your parents and with your insurance...this is an excellent case...1st because your only 14, 2nd that bike was $200, and third, you chipped a tooth...take it to court.
2006-11-06 07:32:12 · answer #10 · answered by bb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋