Sacramento Bicyclist Injury at Intersection
A Sacramento bicyclist injury occurred on January 2 at the intersection of Bowling Drive and Florin Road in front of Southgate Plaza. According to the police report, the accident happened shortly after 6:00 p.m. when an older man driving a Nissan SUV was involved in a collision with the woman on the bike. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene of the accident and waited for officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to arrive at the scene.
Details of the Sacramento Bicyclist Injury
Emergency medical personnel with the Sacramento Fire Department were called to the scene to evaluate the woman’s injuries. Although an ambulance was summoned, it is unknown at this time what hospital the woman was taken to and the nature of her injuries. The accident will be under investigation by the CHP to determine the cause.
Bicycle Accidents in Busy Traffic Areas
Areas around shopping centers, movie theaters, schools, and churches tend to experience heavier traffic, particularly at certain times of the day or season. This makes it difficult for a driver to spot a bicycle rider or pedestrian. Increased traffic can also cause a bicycle rider to have difficulty navigating through the busy area. Since bicycle riders are not as easily seen as those who are in motor vehicles, it is important that they exercise even more caution. Some of the ways they can accomplish this are:
- Wear brightly colored clothing, especially after dark.
- Ensure that the bicycle has the legally required reflectors and lights.
- Stay in the bike lane wherever possible. Only 4 percent of bicycle accidents occur there, so it is much safer.
- Wear a protective bike helmet. Traumatic head injuries can be minimized or avoided by using appropriate headgear.
- Obey traffic laws and pay close attention to traffic at busy intersections.
- Never go out on a bicycle if you have been drinking or using drugs. This can lead to a loss of coordination, judgment and poor visual acuity.
- Some drivers make a turn without using their signal indicator. Watching the direction of the vehicle’s wheels to see where they are aimed may be a better indicator in some instances.
How Motorists Can Help Avoid a Sacramento Bicyclist Injury
Motorists can do their part in helping to avoid injuries to bicycle riders. A collision with a rider is a traumatic experience for both and could seriously injure the bicyclist. The following tips may be helpful:
- Always use turn lights in a timely manner. Signaling too late or not signaling at all can result in a Sacramento bicyclist injury.
- Never run stop signs or traffic lights. This can not only cause a Sacramento bicycle injury but could result in a multiple-vehicle collision.
- Do not speed. Some drivers speed to beat a light that is about to turn red. Waiting a few extra seconds for the light to once again turn green keeps everyone at the intersection safer. Besides, the impact of the vehicle against a bicyclist or pedestrian is greater at a higher speed.
- Yield the right of way. Even if a pedestrian or bicycle rider is in the wrong, motorists should always watch out for them and yield.
- Avoid distractions. Distracted driving such as texting is a major cause of accidents.
Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer. A bicycle collision is a frightening experience and often leaves the rider with serious injuries. If you or a member of your family was injured due to a negligent motorist, I am here to offer you free and friendly advice. My phone number in the Sacramento area is (916) 921-6400, or I can be reached toll-free at (800) 404-5400 if you are phoning from elsewhere in Northern California. In addition, you can find a convenient online form to fill out at my website, AutoAccident.com.
When you are seeking legal advice, it is a good idea to find out about a law firm, which can help you decide who to call. I have attached links below to websites that contain my client reviews and a list of some of our prior cases that I resolved:
I am proud to be a member of both the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Both of these groups were established to recognize the top lawyers in the country. The NADC recognizes those they believe have promoted legal excellence, while MDAF only allows membership from trial lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client.
In my 37 years as an injury lawyer, I’ve been privileged to have represented many Sacramento residents and other Northern Californians in cases involving wrongful deaths, all types of car accidents, and trauma such as brain injuries.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_40390831_l-2015
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