Sacramento Bike Crashes On the Rise
Sacramento bike crashes are common, and many are caused by a motorist’s negligence. Bicycling is a great way to get exercise and an inexpensive way to go to work and run errands. However, the likelihood of being involved in an accident may be higher than you think. Most people don’t even think about it until they have suffered an injury or lost a loved one. This is when we hear from them, after they have suffered a personal injury.
Bike Accident Statistics
Accidents with motor vehicles resulted in 783 bicyclist fatalities in 2017, along with 5,977 pedestrians as reported by the Governors Highway Safety Association. One reason may be that both groups are vulnerable to traffic crashes with much heavier and larger motor vehicles. Plus there are more vehicles on the road that can lead to a Sacramento bike crash. During 2003, bicyclists and pedestrians accounted for 12.6 percent of traffic fatalities. In 2017, they constituted 18.2 percent, which is a large jump over the years.
Causes of Sacramento Bike Crashes
California motorists and bicycle riders have responsibilities to each other to stay safe when sharing the roadways. When a Sacramento bike crash happens because they were struck by a motorist, the injured person may be able to claim fair compensation for their injuries. Some of the ways in which a motorist can be negligent include:
- Motorists must stay at least three feet away from a bicyclist in California. If the driver fails to do so and causes a Sacramento bike crash, they may be considered negligent.
- A motorist who commits a traffic infraction at an intersection such as running a red light or making an illegal turn can result in Sacramento bike crashes.
- Speeding by a motorist can mean that they cannot stop in time to avoid a bicycle accident.
- A person who opens a car door parked along a curb without looking for oncoming bicycle riders can cause them to crash into their vehicle.
- Drunk and drugged drivers cause many types of motor vehicle crashes, including bicycle riders. This is because their coordination and judgment are affected as well as their eyesight.
- A vehicle that drifts into the lane reserved for bicyclists can cause an accident due to distracted driving.
- Inattention, when the driver is backing out of a driveway or parking space, can lead to an accident with a bicycle rider.
Filing a Claim for a Personal Injury
When a bicycle rider is injured due to a motor vehicle collision, it must be proven that the driver was negligent. This is why it is so important to have a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. The lawyer can deal with the insurance company for you. If that does not give you the financial relief that you need, the lawyer can prepare a case for civil court. This is done by examining the evidence in the case and conducting their own investigation. Remember that personal injury lawyers do not get paid until and if they win. By having your financial losses covered, it allows you to concentrate on getting back your health without added stress.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. A bicycle crash with a negligent motorist can cause terrible injuries as well as pain and suffering, along with lost wages. Get in touch with me if this happened to you at (916) 921-6400 for my free and friendly advice. A toll-free line is available at (800) 404-5400. Others prefer to get in touch online.
I am proud to belong to a number of groups dedicated to the law. This includes:
- Million Dollar Forum, which recognizes trial lawyers who’ve garnered more than $1 million for a client.
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel, which invites only lawyers they believe uphold the highest legal standards.
Since 1982, I’ve been an injury lawyer, helping Sacramento residents’ rights to fair compensation. Some areas I work in include wrongful deaths, motorcycle accidents and all types of motor vehicles crashes.
I would like to invite you to find out more about my law practice by visiting the following:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_187521286_l-2015
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