As a general rule, bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motorists, but, as different types of vehicles with special risks, they are also subject to a unique set of rules. One rule they do not share with motorists, however, is the need to carry licenses.

No CA law specifically requires bicyclists to carry any form of identification, but they are at significant risk if they cannot be identified after an accident.

Identification Can Potentially Save a Life

To be honest, each Los Angeles accident lawyer at our firm has seen enough injury cases to firmly believe that no people should venture out of their homes without some form of documentation that, at a minimum, identifies who they are and whom to contact in case of emergency. That information would be even more helpful if it highlighted notable medical conditions, allergies and even religious or other beliefs pertaining to medical care.

Even if a state ID card, dog tags or even In Case of Emergency (ICE) information reveals only the identification of an accident victim and provides a contact person, it carries the following benefits:

• Provides someone to notify
• Provides direct health information (allergies and other concerns) either directly through cell phone apps or in writing or indirectly through an ICE contact
• Provides identifying information in police reports, which can be vital for insurance claims or personal injury cases against liable parties

Consider how quickly the administration of normally-helpful medication can injure a patient who happens to be allergic to it. When emergency workers and medical personnel know pertinent facts about a patient, they have a better chance of initiating the right treatment with a reduced chance of causing additional injuries.

Proper Information Also Helps Initiate Timely Injury Claims

When a bicyclist becomes involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, the resulting injuries are likely to be extremely severe. When comprehensive information is available to first responders and medical providers, they have the ability to deliver the most appropriate care. Clearly, this is the most important reason for carrying identification.

When a third party is liable for the accident, however, victims have a right to pursue compensation to cover the often-extensive expenses related to treatment. When emergency workers and medical providers can quickly identify the victims, they can get in touch with individuals who can set the wheels in motion for filing a claim. By working with law enforcement officials who develop accident reports and medical providers who issue vital paperwork that documents the costs of treatment, claims can be well underway even before the victim is physically capable of participating in the process.

It costs nothing for accident victims or their family members to schedule an initial consultation that can help to get the claims process started quickly. Call us at (844) 478-3626 / (844) 4RUDMAN, at our Los Angeles office at (213) 375-3777 or at our Studio City office (818) 769-6969.