A new legislative development has again been made to benefit the bicycle enthusiasts in California. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a law that will oblige cyclists to install lights on their bicycle and use it while riding especially at night. This newly passed law also requires them of setting up reflectors on the rear end of their bikes so that other motorists can see them.
I have waited so long for the passage of this Assembly Bill 478. I have known so many bikers who have been victims of road accidents and I believe that they should not been injured or died if only they are more visible on the road. Moreover, majority of their tragic experiences happen due to the negligence or carelessness on the part of other motorists.
Most of these individuals that I was able to know suffered from serious injuries that resulted to their paralysis. Only imagine how they were able survive such accidents involving bigger and faster vehicles. All I guarantee them is to do my best to protect their rights and try to recover as much damages as we can in order to at least lessen their burden of paying their hospital and rehabilitation expenses.
As the law provides, injured victims are entitled of reimbursements for all their expenses. These include payments for their:
- pain and suffering
- hospitalization
- future medical treatment and rehabilitation
- loss of wages
- emotional and mental agony
- damage to property
- loss of enjoyment
- all other expenses brought about by the accident
Likewise, anyone who has been victimized in any acts of negligence should file their charges immediately. This is because personal injury claims are covered by the statutes of limitation that set the period of bringing a case in court. Failing to file the said claims on time may lessen the possibility of recovery or even prevent the victims from winning their cases.
Finally, we bicycle lovers should commend our state government for doing their best to draft laws that aim to improve our lives without compromising our safety. I just only hope that this will not be the last time that they come up with such beneficial legislative works.