Traffic Collision Results in Bicyclist’s Death
A traffic collision in Sacramento left one bicyclist dead on Elder Creek Road on April 23. The crash occurred at 8:40 p.m. when the cyclist collided with a motor vehicle between Stockton Boulevard and 63rd Street in South Sacramento. A Sacramento Police representative said the critically injured cyclist was transported to a local medical facility where he expired. The driver of the motor vehicle had minor injuries. Currently, the Sacramento Police are investigating the accident. There is no indication at this time that the crash was associated with drunk or impaired driving. I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 2015 alone, 840 bicyclists were killed on the roads nationwide in traffic collisions. California crashes account for over 100 of them each year. In addition, 465,000 injuries take cyclists to the emergency rooms annually. Overall, this amounts to more than $10 billion in lost productivity and medical expenses. This number may be low since not all cyclists hurt in a crash seek emergency medical assistance.
Of all cyclists who are killed, those between 50 and 59 have the highest rates. Men are more likely to die and are injured more than women. Alcohol impairment was a factor in 37 percent of cyclist’s deaths. This includes both the bicyclist and the motor vehicle driver. Overall, more bicycle traffic collisions happen in non-intersections in urban areas (71 percent). Children and young people aged 5 to 19 have the greatest number of bicycle accident injuries.
Bicycle Helmets Prevent Head and Brain Injuries
Wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle can help prevent injury to the head and brain. While adults are not required to wear helmets in California when riding a bicycle, they should. Wearing a well-fitted helmet prevents head injury by up to 70 percent. Fatal injuries are reduced by 65 percent. Children under 18 are mandated to wear a helmet by state law. The helmet should fit snugly all around the head. Most helmets are adjustable using rings or pads and straps. The aim is to make sure the helmet cannot easily be dislodged by a blow to the head.
Precautions Bicycle Riders Can Take
There are ways bicyclists can prevent injuries and death:
- Ride a bike that fits you.
- Make sure the bicycle is working as it should.
- Keep your hands on the handlebars.
- Signal when you turn.
- Ride one person to a bicycle.
- Make sure to tuck your pants leg to keep them from getting caught in the chains.
- Keep your shoelaces tied too.
- If the road has a bike lane, use it to avoid a traffic collision.
- Choose roads with less traffic if possible.
Make Sure You’re Visible to Motorists
Conspicuity is a big factor when it comes to bicycle traffic collisions. It is important to be seen during the day and at night. While most accidents happen between dusk and 9:00 p.m., traffic collisions do occur in broad daylight. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Clothing: Use fluorescent clothing. Although their use is usually thought of as a nighttime measure, they work in the daytime too. Studies have shown that cyclists are visible from further away when they wear fluorescent clothes during daylight hours. Bright colors help too.
- Reflective clothing: Reflective tape or clothing helps cyclists to be seen at night.
- Lights: Lights in the front and back help cyclists be seen. Reflective tape on the wheels works well at night.
Wrongful Death Accidents
When a person dies due to another’s negligence or intentional act, it is possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Your injury lawyer will be able to tell you if you are eligible to file. If so, many of the financial concerns grieving family members have can be handled. This includes:
- Some medical costs
- Loss of support due to the person’s death
- Loss of consortium
- Costs of jobs around the home that were previously done by the deceased for which you now must hire someone
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. When a family member dies due to a negligent motorist, loved ones are torn apart. Grief is accompanied by financial losses that may not have been anticipated. A wrongful death lawsuit can help reduce financial worry. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me at AutoAccident.com by using our contact form.
Over the past 37 years, I’ve helped many clients receive the compensation they deserve. Some areas include all types of car accidents, pedestrian deaths, and traumatic brain injury.
Among the many organizations I belong to, I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The first offers membership to those lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client. The second provides membership for the top lawyers around the country who provide legal excellence.
To learn about my practice, go to the following pages:
Ed Smith: Traffic Collision Results in Bicyclist’s Death
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_93628166_l-2015
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