Bicycle Injury Accident in Sacramento
A bicycle injury accident occurred along Greenback Lane on August 29 in Sacramento. The accident was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as happening in front of the Oaks Professional Business Park at about 12:19 in the afternoon between the rider and a driver in a gray Hyundai. The bicyclist notified police about the collision, and emergency responders transported the rider to Mercy San Juan Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. The CHP is investigating the collision to find out how it transpired. The driver remained at the scene of the crash. There is no indication that alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash
What an Attorney Can Do for You
After a bicycle injury accident, there are questions that need to be answered. These include how the bicycle crash occurred and who was at fault. This is why we send our investigative team to the scene of the accident to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain video footage that captured how the crash occurred. Once we have accumulated the necessary data to prove fault, we turn it over to our lawyers. They use it to build a strong case against the at-fault driver or entity and proceed to build a case that can be used during negotiations with the insurance company or incorporated into a civil lawsuit to obtain damages.
Why Does a Bicycle Injury Accident Occur?
Although there has been a discernible decrease in the number of bicycle accidents in recent years, the number of fatalities is on the rise. One reason for this is the increase in bicyclists who are new to this form of transportation. Another is the fact that cities are slow in implementing road features that keep bicyclists safe, including the presence of bicycle lanes. Finally, drivers are not yet factoring bicyclists into safe driving habits. Some drivers go so far as to say they did not even see the bicyclist in their path. This could be due to their expectations that if a vehicle is not in their space, they are free to move. Some of it is due to the lack of forethought. This factors into situations where drivers will fail to look before opening their vehicle door right into the route of a cyclist. This type of bicycle injury accident can cause serious injury.
Specific Causes of Bicycle Injury Accidents
Some causes of bicycle accidents are as follows:
- Failure to yield: In some cases, both a cyclist and a driver are not sure who should yield. Bicycles are treated as motor vehicles, so the rules of the road apply. A bicyclist should never take for granted that a motorist will yield. Being safe is a better policy when you are riding without any bodily protection.
- Motorist distraction: Distracted driving is a fact of life today. Drivers may be too busy texting or playing with the radio to see a bicyclist in their path.
- Headphone or hands-free devices: Many cyclists are wearing headphones or talking on a hands-free device. Like motorists, this can take their attention off the road. In addition, being able to hear a vehicle nearby is one way bicyclists stay safe.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Bicyclists are vulnerable when involved in collisions with motor vehicles and can suffer serious injuries as a result. If negligence by the motorist was the cause, they may be able to place a claim for compensation for their injuries. You can get in touch with me at (916) 921-6400 around Sacramento or (800) 404-5400 throughout the rest of Northern California for my free and friendly advice. An online form is available also.
Find out more about my law practice by checking out the following links:
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Since 1982, I’ve assisted Sacramento residents in obtaining fair compensation for their injuries and wrongful deaths. I cover all types of motor vehicle crashes, traumas such as brain injuries and other areas of personal injury law.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_187521286_l-2015
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