Accident at Power Inn Road and Calvine Road Injures Bicyclist
A bicycle collision injury occurred in Sacramento on July 2 when the rider was struck by a vehicle at a local intersection. The crash occurred at Power Inn Road and Calvine Road around 3:21 in the afternoon, as reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). First responders with the Cosumnes Fire Department transported the injured bicycle rider to Kaiser South Sacramento Medical Center with complaints of pain to the head and hip. The accident is under investigation by the CHP to determine what happened and to assign fault in the incident.
Recovery of Damages Following a Bicycle Injury
When a bicycle injury is caused by a negligent motorist or other entity, the injured person can place a claim for compensation. Damages can be recovered with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Compensation can be recovered for all the medical costs, including out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages and for pain and suffering.
Injuries in a Bicycle Collision
Because bicycle riders have no protection against an accident that involves a motor vehicle, injuries can be severe. In addition, the faster the speed of the motor vehicle, the more serious the injuries and higher the risk of a fatality. Some of the injuries a bicyclist can suffer include:
- Broken bones are among the most common injuries following a bicycle collision. While many heal within about six weeks, more serious fractures may require surgical repair and a longer convalescence.
- Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious and can range from concussions to hemorrhage or a penetrating injury. Even a concussion can take a long time for recovery. However, the most serious types of brain injuries can cause permanent damage or lead to coma or death.
- Spinal cord damage can result in complete or partial paralysis. This means the injured person experiences an extreme change in their quality of life and often needs assistance with daily tasks.
How Bicycle Accidents Happen
Many bicycle accidents happen at intersections. This is due to the high concentration of motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers often say they did not see the bicyclist before the accident happened. This is largely due to driver visual blocking as they look for what they expect to see. Some of the most common types of bicycle accidents are listed below:
- Dooring: This occurs when a motorist, parked along the road, opens their door to exit the vehicle without looking. A cyclist caught in this type of accident often suffers catastrophic injuries.
- Right turns: A driver turning right at an intersection may not see a cyclist coming up alongside their vehicle.
- Left turn: Bicyclists have the same rights as other drivers on the road. That means when they are approaching an intersection, a motorist making a left turn must wait until they have passed.
What Our Investigators Do
We send our seasoned investigators to the accident site right away to collect the evidence needed. Accident reconstruction is performed, and if video footage of the accident is available from traffic and business cameras, the footage can be obtained. The report by the police is checked for mistakes, and witnesses are interviewed. When the evidence has been gathered, our lawyers use it when conducting negotiations with the insurance company or in preparing a strong case to present in court.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. Bicycle riders are at particular danger of injuries when they are involved in a traffic accident. If this happened to you or your loved one, call me at (916) 921-6400. I am here to offer my free and friendly advice. I can also be reached at (800) 404-5400 or online.
For over 38 years, I’ve helped Northern Californians obtain the compensation they deserve in all kinds of traffic crashes. In addition, I handle traumatic injuries, wrongful deaths, and others.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/bicyclist-bicycling-biking-bike-569279/
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