Hit-and-Run Driver Flees Injury Accident Scene on Marconi Avenue
A bicyclist injury was reported in Sacramento on July 7 following an intersection hit-and-run accident with a motor vehicle. The crash occurred in the Arden-Arcade area at the intersection of Marconi and Greenwood avenues around 8:41 in the evening. According to the incident report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), first responders with the Sacramento Fire Department were summoned to the scene to assess the rider’s injuries. No further data was released on whether the injured rider was treated at the scene or taken to a hospital for additional treatment. The police are seeking the hit-and-run driver.
Intersections and the Dangers of a Bicyclist Injury Crash
Intersections are notorious for many different types of accidents, especially hit-and-runs. Statistics show that intersections are the site of more than 50 percent of all traffic accidents, including those involving bicyclists. Since most intersections have stop signs or traffic lights to control entrance and exit, running a red light is a frequent occurrence. Many times, a driver will run a red light and continue on rather than face the consequences of hitting a rider and causing a bicyclist injury.
Hit-and-Run Accident Causes
Hit-and-run accidents are happening at a greater frequency than ever before. This is due to the number of drivers who are operating a vehicle without a license or proper insurance. Rather than remain at the site, they often flee to avoid detection.
Drunk or drug-impaired drivers are also more likely to flee an accident site since they know they may face arrest. In a similar vein, people who have outstanding warrants are worried that they will show up, and they too will be arrested. Finally, panic often sets in after an auto accident, and a driver may flee without thinking about the consequences. In such cases, the driver may return to the site or contact the police after they’ve had time to think.
Bicyclist Injury Accidents
Although precautions are being taken to protect bicyclists, it is difficult to teach motorists to have a greater awareness of their presence. Because of this, many accidents occur for the following reasons:
- The driver who is making a left-hand turn often does not visualize a bicyclist legally traveling. Because of this, the motorist hits the bicyclist broadside, causing severe injuries and possibly a fatality.
- Making a right-hand turn can be just as dangerous if a motorist does not take the time to determine if a bicyclist is coming up on the side in the bike lane. If they do not perform a check, there is a 40-percent chance that a collision will occur.
- Speeding is an important factor in a bicyclist injury. If a motorist is speeding through an intersection and strikes a bicyclist, the more likely a serious or fatal injury will happen.
- Drunk drivers do not have the cognitive ability or reflexes necessary to avoid an accident at an intersection if a bicyclist suddenly appears in their path.
- Distracted drivers are focusing on other activities when their focus should be on the road. This is common as drivers fiddle with their GPS, adjust the radio, and text or talk on a cell phone. A distracted driver, already a nuisance on the road, can cause serious or deadly injuries to a bicycle rider.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. When you need free and friendly advice following an accident injury caused by someone else’s negligence, call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can contact us online if you prefer.
We’re proud to be members of the groups that follow: Million Dollar Advocates and Top 1 Percent.
Since 1982, my team of injury attorneys and I have successfully obtained fair compensation for many Northern Californians for motorcycle injuries, all varieties of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and other cases.
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