Bicyclist Injured in 12th Street Collision
A bicycle rider was injured in an accident that occurred on December 10 along 12th Street, near I Street. Emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived at the site around 8:18 p.m., along with officers of the Sacramento Police Department. They discovered a bicycle rider on the ground with his belongings scattered along the railroad tracks. The driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and was cooperating with police in their investigation. The bicycle rider was taken to a nearby hospital. However, the condition of that person has not been disclosed. Because of the collision, the Blue Line was shut down, backing up the trains and interfering with traffic for awhile. Police are actively investigating the accident to determine fault.
Bicycle Accidents
In 2018, 857 bike riders were killed in the United States. This number has increased recently as more Americans are bicycling for exercise and for economic reasons. Concurrently, more motorists are taking to the road, increasing the danger to both pedestrians and bicyclists. Precautions all bicycle riders should take are listed below:
- Always use a bicycle that fits your size. Riding a bike that is too large can be harder to control.
- Never allow anyone to ride on the handlebars. This is a recipe for disaster.
- Check the bike before heading out. Make sure the brakes are in working order, and the tires are inflated properly.
- Don’t try to carry groceries or books with one arm and steer with the other. Use a backpack or satchel strapped to the back of the bike.
- Make sure you are visible to others. This might include using a helmet with reflectors, reflective clothing, and properly working headlights and rear red light. Use reflectors on the bike.
- Make sure shoelaces and pant legs are tucked or tied, so they will not be caught in the bicycle chain.
Helmet Use Saves Lives
Helmet use has been shown to save bicycle rider lives. It is important to purchase the right helmet. Try using the following steps to make sure the helmet you buy is right for you:
- Measure your head and try on several helmets in that size to find one that is comfortable.
- When you wear your helmet, make sure it is level and comes to about two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
- The straps should form a “v” under and in front of your ears.
- Fit the chin straps so they hold the helmet firmly but are comfortable. If you can get one or two fingers under it, it is tight enough. Once fitted, check the fit by imitating a wide yawn. If the helmet pulls downward on your head when you yawn, it is fitted properly.
Who Pays for Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle riders hurt by a hit and run driver are left wondering who will pay for their medical expenses. If the bicyclist has car insurance with uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, it will cover them whether they are driving, cycling, or walking. On the other hand, the bicycle rider may not have this coverage or lack car insurance altogether. In such cases, if a family member living with them has UIM protection, they will be covered too. Your attorney will be able to help you secure compensation through UIM coverage.
How an Attorney Can Help
Our firm demands that our clients’ rights are protected after an accident. We use our skills to help them obtain the compensation they deserve. This process begins when evidence proving fault is gathered. To do this, we send our investigators to the accident site. There, they speak to witnesses and obtain traffic surveillance videos that show the accident happening. They also check police reports for inaccuracies. Once all this data is accumulated, it is provided to our legal team to use in building a strong case for our client.
Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer. Injury due to negligence is never excusable. Let us help you avoid financial injury on top of physical pain. Call our law firm at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach us online.
I’ve helped numerous clients injured in car accidents as well as families facing the wrongful death of a loved one.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates, an organization populated by only those lawyers who have won more than one million dollars for a client. I also belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel that allows only the top one percent of lawyers.
If you would like to learn more about my practice, please visit the following pages:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_132317928_l-2015
:cd llo [cs 787]