Bicycle Accidents
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Sacramento, California, has a robust cycling community thanks to its ideal weather conditions and picturesque routes. With an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, cycling has become a favored mode of transportation for many Sacramento residents. However, with the increasing number of bicycles on the road, the likelihood of cycling accidents has also risen. As per the data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, there were 846 bicyclists who lost their lives in traffic crashes across the United States. When a bicycle and a vehicle collide, the cyclist is often the one who suffers severe injuries or fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Sacramento, it’s essential to seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure that your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve. The Sacramento bicycle accident attorneys at AutoAccident.com are available to provide free, friendly legal advice. Call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to discuss your case.
Reasons for Bicycle Crashes Caused by Drivers
Here are some common factors that can cause bike accidents in Sacramento while cycling on the road.
Bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles on the road.
Bicycling accidents that involve other motorists include the motorist turning left or right in front of the bike and rear-end collisions.
Many motorists turn from a middle lane, and the bicyclist gets caught between the turning car and the curb. On the other hand, rear-end collisions happen when a vehicle rear-ends a stopped or slower bicyclist or when a bicyclist hits a vehicle that suddenly stops.
Tips for Staying Safe While Riding a Bicycle
To avoid crashes with motorists, bicyclists must be focused and alert on the road. Below are some safety tips that bicyclists should do to prevent a potential collision:
Ride in the same direction as traffic.
Obey all street signals, signs, and road markings.
Never assume the driver can see you.
Look ahead for potentially hazardous situations that can cause an accident.
Don’t text or listen to music when you’re on the road.
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Bike Accidents Due to Other Factors
Apart from other motorists, other factors can also cause bike accidents. Four percent of bicycling accidents happen when a dog is chasing a bicyclist. Additionally, roadway defects also cause many serious crashes. In these cases, it is essential to move quickly. For example, in California, a bicyclist must file claims against government entities within 180 days.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, reach out to an injury lawyer for your legal options.
The following video explains how to avoid potholes and rough roads.
Biking Accidents Due to Bicycle Defect
Many bicycle accidents can be caused by a defective component during the bike’s assembly process. In short, the negligence of other drivers, road defects, or manufacturing problems can cause serious bicycle accidents. Hundreds of bicycles are recalled every year due to defects of the:
- Frames
- Suspension forks
- Tires
- Brakes
- Other bike parts that fail or break
An experienced Sacramento bicycle accident attorney can help you file a products liability claim against the manufacturer.
Bicycle Safety and Education
Many factors can contribute to bicycling accidents. However, bike riders may prevent them by implementing the necessary precautions for safety.
Bicyclists can also improve their riding skills to prevent accidents. Riding your bike safely in traffic requires the same preparation as driving a car. Start by riding your bicycle in a safe location, such as a park or empty parking lot. You can also take a bike riding class. Most classes are offered through your school, local bike shop, recreation department, or bike advocacy group.
Riding a bike on the road has certain risks involved, but knowing some common causes of bike accidents can definitely aid in avoiding them from happening.
If you have been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, reach out to a Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer for legal advice. Most attorneys offer free consultations.
What should I do if I was hit by a hit-and-run driver?
First, call 911 and get medical care immediately. Report the accident to the police and give as much information as possible about the car and the driver. Police can track down the responsible party if they have the license plate number. If police cannot locate the driver, you can file a claim with your insurance company through your uninsured motorist (UM) liability policy if you have one. Reach out to an experienced lawyer who can help you through this process.
Do I still have a case if my accident was caused by a pothole?
The city or municipality is responsible for maintaining and fixing road defects. If your accident was due to a pothole, you might file a claim against the government agency responsible for not fixing the pothole.
Who is responsible for a cycling crash?
Whoever is found negligent in the accident may be responsible. It could be the driver who hit you, the manufacturer or retailer of the bike, the bicycle repair shop, or a governmental entity that maintains the road where the bike accident happened.
Contact a Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a cycling accident caused by another person’s negligence, it’s essential to seek the assistance of an experienced Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer. At our law firm, we have a team of skilled attorneys who are dedicated to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a cycling accident can take on a person and their family. That’s why we offer free, friendly, and compassionate advice to help guide you through the legal process and help you understand your options for financial recovery.
Call our experienced injury attorneys in Sacramento, California, today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Additional Resources
If you are searching for a lawyer to represent you in a car accident case in Sacramento County, look no further. Contact our knowledgeable attorneys today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Our legal team at AutoAccident.com accepts many different types of cases in California, including: