Sacramento Bicyclist Major Injury
A Sacramento bicyclist major injury occurred on December 24 along Elkhorn Boulevard eastbound just west of Don Julio Boulevard shortly before 9:00 in the morning. According to the individual who reported the accident, a bicycle rider was down on the ground and not moving. The cyclist apparently suffered major injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report. It is unknown at this time the identity or medical condition of that person. No information was provided about the driver of the vehicle who struck the pedestrian or the circumstances of the crash.
Compensation for a Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident with a motor vehicle commonly leaves the cyclist with serious injuries and resulting medical bills, time away from work and other expenses. A lawyer experienced in bicycle injuries can help by dealing with the insurance company or preparing a strong case for financial compensation. In this way, the injured person can recuperate with the knowledge that the financial end of their accident will be covered.
Bicycle Crashes with Motor Vehicles
Bicyclists don’t have the protection of being surrounded by metal or having safety features that help prevent a bicyclist major injury. Because traumatic injuries to a bicycle rider are common, motorists need to exercise more caution to prevent them. Some of the reasons a motorist may contribute to an injury include:
- Vehicles ignoring the law: In California, a motorist must maintain a distance of at least three feet from any bicycle rider. This helps to avoid a bicyclist major injury if the rider falls.
- Left-turning vehicles: When a driver makes a left turn without looking carefully for bicyclists, pedestrians or motorcycle riders, it can cause an accident. Even if the bicycle rider or other individual is in the wrong, motorists are expected to yield to them to avoid an accident.
- Opening doors at a curb: In California, it is illegal to open one’s car door if it might interfere with traffic and isn’t safe to do so. In most cases, a motorist will be held at fault for an accident that is caused by opening a car door at a curb. This means the driver will be held liable for injuries to a bicycle rider or another person, including their medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.
- Pulling out onto a street or other roadway: Cars backing out of driveways, alleys and side streets without looking can cause a bicyclist major injury.
- Road defects: Cities, counties and other government entities are responsible for the design and upkeep of roads and streets. When upkeep is neglected or a road badly designed, it can lead to a bicyclist major injury. Obscured signage, potholes, dislodged manholes, and nonfunctioning street lights and signals can lead to an accident.
Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer. Roadway defects and negligent motorists can all cause injuries to a bicycle rider through their negligence. When this happens, the rider may be entitled to claim fair compensation for their injuries. For free and friendly advice, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I can also be reached at AutoAccident.com through our online contact form.
Since 1982, I’ve been working as an injury lawyer, helping those in Sacramento and throughout Northern California with accident injuries to obtain fair compensation in wrongful deaths, all kinds of car accidents and traumas such as brain injuries.
Million Dollar Forum represents nationwide trial attorneys who have garnered a settlement or verdict in excess of $1 million for a client. I belong to this group as a member of California.
Please visit the following links to learn more about my law firm by seeing client and peer reviews, along with how some of our previous cases were resolved at:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_54647385_l-2015
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