Bicycle Riders Injured in Sacramento Accident
A July 22 accident in Sacramento left two bicycle riders injured after being struck by a vehicle on Norwood Avenue. According to the report of the accident, it occurred at about 11:30 in the evening between Silver Eagle Road and Grand Avenue. Officials with the Sacramento Police Department said that it was unclear whether the bicycle riders were astride their bicycles or walking them when the crash occurred. The accident report was updated to say that two bicyclists were struck by the vehicle after first reporting that only one cyclist was involved. One of the cyclists was injured by the accident and transported to a nearby hospital by paramedics.
Obtaining Help After a Bicycle Accident
It is helpful to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side if negligence was the cause of your bicycle accident injuries. In order for an injured person to place a claim for a personal injury or obtain fair compensation, negligence by the other party must be proved.
Our investigative team will examine existing evidence in the case, which includes checking police report accuracy and eyewitness accounts. We will then proceed to conduct our own investigation. This is done by our investigators at the crash scene as soon as possible by performing accident reconstruction techniques.
For instance, we look for skid marks to see if the motorist tried to stop. Since distracted or impaired motorists might not apply the brakes at all, this gives us an important piece of information. We also check for traffic cameras in the area, which provides us with accident footage. Because evidence can quickly disappear as it is cleared from the scene or be covered up, it is vitally important to contact us as soon as possible. Our legal team will then use the evidence to structure a strong case for compensation either at the negotiation table or in civil court.
Why Have Bicycle Accidents Increased?
Part of the reason the number of cyclist fatalities and accidents have increased is the explosion in the number of bicycle riders on the road. More people are using bicycles to commute to work and school than ever before. Add into that the increasing number of motorists, and it makes sense that more accidents are happening. Both motorists and bicycle riders should be aware of ways to stay safe.
Top Reasons That Bicycle Accidents Happen
Over 770 bicyclists were killed in 2017 with about 45 percent of the fatalities occurring in intersections. Many more cyclists were injured. Some of the reasons bicycle accidents occur are:
- Speeding: Motorists need to understand that driving too fast can prevent them from stopping in time if they see a bicycle rider. Many times, a motorist does not see a bicyclist until it is too late, or if an accident is imminent, they cannot avoid it. Lowering the speed limit is one way communities are redesigning the roads to promote bicycle safety.
- Distractions: Driving and using a cell phone to text or talk has become a national hazard on the roads. Distracted driving is a major cause of bicycle accidents.
- Driving too close to a cyclist: In California, it is the law that motorists must maintain a distance of at least three feet from a bicycle rider. Many motorists do not do this or are not even aware of the requirement. If a cyclist sees something in their path and tries to avoid it, a motorist who is too close will likely hit them.
- Drunk driving: A motorist who is impaired is more likely to cause a bicycle accident due to their lack of cognitive judgment.
- Roadway issues: Potholes and cracks in the pavement are more likely to cause a bicycle accident. If road defects are the cause of the accident, it is possible to hold the government agency responsible.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Being struck by a motor vehicle can leave a bicyclist with serious injuries. This can lead to high medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by the accident. However, when negligence was the cause of injuries, that person may place a claim for fair compensation. Call me at (916) 921-6400 for my free and friendly advice, or contact me at (800) 404-5400 from elsewhere. An online contact form is also available for your use if you prefer.
Information about a law firm can be helpful when you need legal advice. Following are links to reviews by my clients and information about cases my firm has handled in the past:
I am a member of:
- Million Dollar Forum, which awards membership to attorneys who have won in excess of one million dollars for a client.
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, whose members are those who display a high level of excellence.
I have helped Sacramento residents obtain fair compensation for their injuries caused by negligence for more than 37 years, including traumas such as brain injuries, wrongful deaths, and all kinds of motor vehicle crashes.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_93628166_l-2015
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