Accident at Del Paso Road Intersection Injures Bicyclist
A bicycle crash with a motor vehicle resulted in a major injury to the rider in Sacramento on September 26. The accident occurred around 1:43 in the afternoon at the intersection of Del Paso Road and National Drive, as reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). First responders with the Sacramento Fire Department and Sacramento Police were also at the scene.
Bicycle Crash Being Investigated
The bicyclist was transported to a hospital nearby for treatment. It was not reported whether alcohol or drugs contributed to the accident. The bicycle crash is under investigation to determine how the collision happened.
How Bicycle Accidents Occur
Intersections are one of the most common locations where bicycle accidents happen. Many are caused by negligent drivers, in part because they are not conditioned to watch out for bicycle riders or pedestrians. Compensation may be sought by an injured rider if it turns out the motorist involved was at-fault. Some ways in which a motorist can cause a collision with a bicyclist include:
- The driver is distracted by talking on a cell phone, texting, chatting with passengers, or other activities. It has been shown that taking one’s eyes off the roadway for just a few seconds can lead to a bicycle crash.
- Fatigued driver: A motorist who doesn’t get enough rest, has sleep apnea, or falls asleep while driving is a danger to others on the road. Fatigued driving can be proved by using traffic camera footage to show the erratic movements of a vehicle.
- Speeding and other traffic infractions: The actions of a reckless driver are major reasons why accidents occur. Speeding is especially dangerous because the driver might lose control of their vehicle and won’t be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Drunk driving is still a major cause of accidents, including a bicycle crash. Because the drunk driver cannot focus well, process information, and has delayed reflexes, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
How an Injury Lawyer Can Help
When you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash by a negligent driver, it is important to have an experienced lawyer by your side to obtain fair compensation. I have successfully handled many bicycle accident injury cases over the years and can do the same for you.
Investigation of a Bicycle Crash
Bicycle riders often suffer severe injuries in an accident that involves a motor vehicle, and the motorist is often at fault. By conducting an investigation into the collision, the injured rider may be able to obtain personal injury damages that will cover their pain and suffering as well as their lost wages and medical expenses. Our law firm sends investigators to the accident scene to gather the evidence that supports our client’s claim, including:
- The investigators interview the witnesses to the bicycle crash.
- They perform accident reconstruction at the intersection or other areas to determine fault in the collision.
- Road marks are sought, which can indicate whether the driver attempted to stop or was perhaps distracted or speeding.
- They check the timing at the traffic lights and look for poor lighting and other factors that might indicate negligence by the government entity in charge of road maintenance.
- The police report is reviewed to ensure its accuracy.
- If a traffic surveillance camera captured the accident on tape, it can be subpoenaed as evidence.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I am Ed Smith, and I am a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. I offer free and friendly advice to those who have been injured through someone else’s negligence. Phone me at (916) 921-6400, or you can reach me at (800) 404-5400. I can also be reached online.
I’ve helped Sacramentans get the compensation they deserve from traffic collisions, bicycle accidents, and wrongful deaths since 1982.
Following are several organizations I’m proud to be a member of:
Find out how others have been helped by my law firm below:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/bicycle-race-racing-bikes-biker-438855/
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