The East Sacramento area is renowned for its breathtaking bike trails that wind through picturesque surroundings. Moreover, the city of Sacramento supports bicyclists by incorporating designated bike lanes on public roads whenever possible. Despite these initiatives, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant risk that bicyclists face when sharing the road with motor vehicles in and around East Sacramento, even within dedicated bike lanes.

In the unfortunate event of a bicycle accident caused by a motorist’s negligence, the injured cyclist must seek legal recourse. A skilled bicycle accident attorney can help navigate the complexities of personal injury law and pursue fair compensation for the damages suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in the East Sacramento area, it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in bicycle accident cases. They can provide the guidance and support needed to protect your rights and seek the justice you deserve. Contact our law office at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case in detail.

The consequences can be life-threatening when a bicyclist is hit by a car. Even if a bicyclist survives a collision, their injuries can be debilitating and have long-term effects on the injured individual. The most common injuries include the following:

• Tibia fracture
• Hand fracture
• Traumatic brain injury 
• Elbow fracture
• Amputation
• Torn ligaments
• Neck injury
• Nerve damage
• Partial or complete paralysis
• Dislocated joints

According to California Vehicle Code Section 21200, bicyclists generally have the same legal rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Unfortunately, many motorists do not realize or accept this fact and act aggressively and recklessly when encountering a bicyclist on a public road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bicyclists are not at fault in most collisions involving a bicycle and a motorist. In most accidents, it is the motorist that is to blame.

Collisions between motorists and bicyclists can occur in a variety of circumstances, but some of the most common scenarios include the following:

• The motorist was distracted (e.g., texting and driving).
• The motorist was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• The motorist failed to stop at a stop sign or red light.
• The motorist parks and opens their car door to a rider lawfully using the road or bike lane.
• The motorist makes a sharp turn into the path of an oncoming bicyclist.

After a severe collision with a motor vehicle, you or a family member will likely recuperate from a significant bodily injury. You should not have the additional headache of dealing with an auto insurance adjuster. It is essential to understand that the insurance company is not your friend. They do not care about your well-being. They focus on paying as little as possible on a personal injury claim. Hiring an East Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer will benefit you in the long run. You get to focus on your recovery while your attorney can handle negotiating with the insurance company. A bicycle accident attorney will file a claim seeking reimbursement of the financial and emotional damages you suffered from the accident, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages as a result of missing work to recover
• Compensation for the emotional and psychological pain and suffering 

An attorney can also assess the available insurance coverage to show you what could be reasonably recovered through an injury claim. For example, if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident and the at-fault driver is never found, you must file a claim under your auto insurance policy through your uninsured motorist coverage.

You only have time to take legal action against the driver who hit you. This is because California has a statute of limitations when filing a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations refers to a state law that artificially limits the time a victim can file a legal claim against the at-fault party that caused the accident.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bicycle collision involving a careless driver, please call our experienced East Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach us online at AutoAccident.com.

See our past cases on our Verdicts and Settlements page.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 5.30.23] Photo by Pixabay sd rey [cs 798]}