Accident Near P Street On-Ramp Injures Bicycle Rider
A major injury accident between a motorist and a bicyclist occurred on October 10 in Sacramento. The accident happened around 8:51 p.m. along southbound I-5 at the P Street on-ramp in Sacramento. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a white truck collided with the bicyclist, who was found in the number two-lane.
Bicycle Rider Transported to Hospital With Major Injuries
Medics with the Sacramento Fire Department determined the rider of the bicycle had suffered a major injury and transported that patient to a hospital for additional evaluation and treatment. The on-ramp was shut down while authorities investigated how the bicycle accident occurred.
Accidents Involving a Bicycle Rider
Bicycle riders are vulnerable to accident injuries just as pedestrians are when it comes to a collision with a passenger vehicle. Some of the more common locations and reasons for an injury to a bicycle rider as well as ways to avoid an accident include:
- Intersection accidents: Intersections are dangerous places for all motorists, bicycle riders and pedestrians because of the convergence of traffic. Because intersections are mainly designed with the motorist in mind, a bicycle rider may have to cross a large area of pavement along with motorists, who are on the lookout for other vehicles but not for bicyclists. A bicycle rider who is proactive and alert to their surroundings when crossing an intersection may be able to avoid a collision with a passenger vehicle.
- Drivers making a right-hand turn: Many times, a bicycle rider is injured by a motorist making a right-hand turn. Because the driver is busy looking left for oncoming traffic, they can neglect to check for a bicyclist on the right-hand side. Bicyclists should never assume a driver is going straight just because their turn signal isn’t on.
- Drivers turning left: While making a left turn at an intersection, the driver doesn’t always spot a bicycle rider walking their cycle across the intersection. Because of the dangers of intersections, riders always have to stay alert to avoid being clipped by a passenger vehicle.
- Dooring accidents: A dooring accident occurs when a vehicle is parallel parked at a curb, and the driver or a passenger opens the door without looking for a bicycle rider or motorcyclist coming up alongside. Even if the rider spots the door being opened, swinging left to avoid a collision can result in one with another vehicle. Slowing down may be a better decision.
- Violating the three-foot law: The California Three Feet for Safety Act was instituted to help avoid injury accidents involving bicyclists. It helps prevent motorists from creeping over into the bicycle lane, which gives the rider no place to go to avoid an accident. However, bicyclists have to be aware of surrounding traffic, especially if a driver is erratic. They also have to be aware of those motorists who cut into the bike lane early when planning on making a right-hand turn.
A negligent motorist can cause severe injuries to a bicycle rider. The rider may be able to place a claim for compensation, which will pay their medical expenses, lost wages and reimburse them for their pain and suffering. Over the years, my team of injury lawyers and I have successfully handled many of these cases and may be able to do the same for you. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation in person or virtually to answer your questions, review your case and tell you what options are available to collect damages.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, you may benefit from free legal advice on whether you can file a claim to recover compensation. You can reach us for our free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also contact us by using the online form.
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We’ve helped the people of Sacramento County and surrounding Northern California get fair compensation for their car accident injuries, wrongful deaths, government claims and in other cases since 1982.
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