Watt Avenue Accident Occurs Involving Pickup and Bicyclist
A bicycle crash occurred in Sacramento on April 19 when the rider was injured in a collision with a Ford F-150 pickup. The accident happened in the Arden-Arcade area along northbound Watt Avenue just south of Northrop Avenue around 10:00 a.m. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the elderly bicyclist was found on the ground, and first responders with the Sacramento Fire Department were called to the accident site to assess injuries.
Rider Suffers Minor Injuries in Bicycle Crash
Fortunately, the bicyclist was determined to have suffered minor injuries in the crash. It was not reported whether the rider was taken to a hospital for additional evaluation. The bicycle injury collision is under investigation by authorities to determine fault.
Dangers of a Bicycle Crash
Even a minor bicycle crash with a motor vehicle can cause serious injuries to the rider. Elderly bicycle riders represent a much higher fatality risk than those who are younger as well as worse injuries. Because older riders are not as resilient and have less muscle and bone mass, fractures can occur that wouldn’t in younger riders. Types of injuries that can occur are:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Although bicycle riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet, which protects them from head and brain injuries, adults are not. Opting to wear a bicycle helmet is an easy way to protect yourself from a traumatic injury that can cause you to be hospitalized or even die.
- Bone fractures: Bone fractures are common in a bicycle crash among riders of all ages. However, older riders are more likely to suffer this type of injury because bones become more fragile with age. More serious fractures such as to the pelvis can require surgery and a long recovery period.
- Contusions, road rash, and lacerations: Because a rider is often ejected or falls in a bicycle crash with a motor vehicle, these types of injuries may occur. If the skin is broken, it is important to see a physician or head to the emergency room because there is always a danger of embedded material in the wound and infection.
- Facial trauma: Being tossed off your bicycle or colliding face-first with a vehicle can result in serious trauma, especially to your teeth. If you haven’t been to a dentist lately, you’ll be shocked at how much it will cost to repair. This is one of the reasons it’s important to have an injury lawyer by your side to recover fair compensation for your trauma.
- Back and spinal injuries: Bulging or herniated discs, as well as cracked vertebrae, can occur as the result of a bicycle crash. These types of injuries are often long-lasting and require extensive treatment. In some cases, they can interfere with the injured person’s quality of life and ability to work.
How an Injury Lawyer Can Assist You
Accident injuries can cause high medical expenses, time away from work that is unpaid and pain and suffering. An injury lawyer can help by collecting the evidence needed to support your accident claim, gathering records that show your losses and building a strong case. The lawyer can also negotiate on your behalf with the at-fault party’s insurance company or take the case to civil court if necessary. This allows the injured party to recover in peace from their injuries, knowing they will not also face financial stress. Because injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, you owe nothing until your case has been won.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. When you’ve been injured because someone else was negligent, we can offer you free and friendly advice on whether you can file a claim to recover your medical expenses and other losses. Feel free to phone us at (916) 921-6400. You can also reach us at (800) 404-5400 or by sending us an online message. We would be happy to arrange a free consultation for you virtually or in-person to discuss your case, tell you about options to recover compensation and answer your questions.
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Photo attribution: Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
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