Cyclist Injured in Elk Grove Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident with a motor vehicle in Elk Grove on September 26 resulted in the cyclist suffering a serious injury. According to a representative of the Cosumnes Fire Department, the accident happened along Elk Grove Boulevard at the intersection with Waterman Road at about 6:30 in the morning. The cyclist was transported to a local hospital for treatment and further evaluation. The Elk Grove Police Department reported that the driver of the vehicle said they did not see the rider and was likely at fault.
Reasons That Bicycle Accidents Happen
Drivers often say that they did not see a cyclist in their path after a bicycle accident happens. This phenomenon is called inattentional blindness. This failure to see what is right in front of you occurs when the object is unexpected. The driver simply does not see it. Instead, they are focusing on other objects and navigating through traffic. In one study, participants were asked to look at street scenes, and occasionally, a motorcycle or bicycle was part of the picture. Sixty-five percent of the participants reported not seeing either one although cars and taxis were recognized.
The Brain Filters Information
The brain filters out information regularly. It is impossible to notice everything you see. Try looking around the room you are sitting in, and after a few minutes, name everything in the space. Chances are you will miss many things. The same thing happens when someone is driving. Our brain decides what is most important. Since drivers often claim they did not see a motorcycle or a bicycle in their path, it is possible to say that filtering information is common on the road. Driver education might stress looking for vehicles that are not cars or trucks when driving.
Liability in a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can be deadly or result in serious injury due to the cyclists’ lack of protection. In 2016, 840 cyclists were killed in collisions. This is an increase from 829 fatalities in 2015. Despite efforts to share the road, drivers engage in behaviors that are negligent such as speeding and failing to provide three feet of space between them and the cyclists. Many cyclists are injured when a motorist fails to obey stop signs or red lights. Bicycle accidents involving children are scrutinized by police at a higher level. Drivers are expected to use a higher standard of care where children are concerned.
What an Attorney Can Do to Help
In a bicycle accident, it is vital that the injured party prove that the driver violated their duty of care and the rules of the road, causing injury to the cyclist. Our investigative team is dispatched to the site of the accident to do just that. There they look for evidence, interview witnesses and obtain video footage of the crash from traffic surveillance cams or nearby businesses. They also review police reports for errors. Once this data is garnered, they release it to our legal team who builds a strong case in our client’s favor.
Elk Grove Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove personal injury lawyer. Bicycle riders are especially vulnerable when involved in an accident and can be seriously injured even in a minor crash. If you were hurt by a negligent driver, an injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Phone me at (916) 694-0002, or I can be reached toll-free at (800) 404-5400 or through my contact form online.
Since 1982, I’ve helped the people of Elk Grove obtain compensation for their accidents, whether they involve any type of traffic collision, traumatic injuries or result in the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death.
I’m a California member of:
There are many personal injury lawyers to choose from, and this can make it difficult to decide whom to call when you need legal advice. One way to help you decide is to look over cases the law firm has handled in the past and check out what previous clients have had to say. You are welcome to look over this information about my law office at the following links:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_93628166_l-2015
:cd llo [cs 713]