Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents in Sacramento are a notable issue that the city has been trying to minimize by expanding a network of bike lanes to push a more sustainable urban environment. This, in turn, can increase the number of cyclists occupying the roads. But, a high volume of cyclists can raise the risk of an accident, primarily with motor vehicles. Since cyclists lack protection against motor vehicles, the outcome can leave them in a severe condition, and will require them to seek extensive medical care.

A cyclist who undergoes such harm may face physical pain, along with emotional and financial burdens. However, if the incident was caused by a negligent individual or entity, a lawsuit can be filed against them to recover compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we specialize in handling personal injury cases, and have a strong track record of delivering client satisfaction. With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, we will protect your rights and advocate on your behalf to ensure you are given a fair settlement.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our deserving clients and we will continue to do our duty to ensure they are made whole in the event of an accident. Whether you have been involved in a minor or severe bicycle accident, our legal team will be there every step of the way and will answer any questions or concerns you may regarding your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until we settle your case. To schedule a free consultation with a Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer, you can reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our easy online contact form.

What Is the Most Common Bike Accident?

The most common bike accident involves a motor vehicle striking a cyclist. It often happens when a motorist fails to comply with traffic laws either due to negligence or recklessness. For example, a vehicle operator did not analyze their surroundings before proceeding with a turn and, as a result, crashes into a nearby cyclist. This may also apply with car doors, because if a motorist or passenger does not observe traffic flow before exiting out of the vehicle, they could directly harm an oncoming cyclist.

Other common bike accidents involving motor vehicles include:

• Right-hook accidents: A vehicle makes a right turn into the path of a cyclist who is headed straight. This usually happens at intersections.
• Left-cross collisions: A vehicle turns left across a cyclist’s path. This decision is made when a motorist does not see the cyclist or misjudges their speed.
• Side-swipes: A vehicle drives by too closely, thus clipping the cyclist. This can affect their balance and cause them to lose control.

What Is the Main Cause of Bike Accidents?

The main cause of bike accidents is driver error. As majority of bike accidents happen when a driver turns left or right without detecting a cyclist in their path. Since road spaces are shared closely between the two parties, multiple factors, seen below, can increase the risk of collisions.

Speeding

When a driver goes past the speed limit, they are reducing their reaction time and are more prone to make poor decisions, which is dangerous when other parties, like cyclists, are nearby. This particular scenario can make cyclists more vulnerable to fast-moving vehicles. In addition, such drivers may inaccurately estimate a cyclist’s speed and distance, primarily at intersections or when making turns, influencing bad choices to be made.

Failure to Yield

Failure to yield happens when a driver does not give a cyclist the right-of-way. This problem usually happens at:

• Intersections
• Crosswalks
• Turns

There could be various factors that could influence a driver to do this. For instance, they could overlook the pedestrian due to distractions or poor lighting. This can create a high-risk scenario for cyclists since they will only be given a limited amount of time to react, thus increasing the chances of an accident.

Impaired Driving

Drivers who are under the influence are expected to encounter the following problems:

• Reduced reaction time
• Poor judgment
• Blurred vision

Drivers who are experiencing either of these are not suited to operate a motor vehicle. Their inability to fully comprehend what they are doing will create an unsafe environment for others close by, like cyclists or pedestrians.

Distracted Driving

Drivers are heavily encouraged to avoid succumbing to distractions for the sake of their safety and that of others. Cell phones or other in-car activities can divert attention away from sudden stops or erratic driving. With less time to respond to such dangerous conditions, a driver is more likely to get themselves into an accident.

Is Biking Safer Than Driving?

In terms of protection, biking is less safer than driving. Since cyclists do not have adequate security, they are prone to sustain severe or life-threatening injuries after impact. Vehicles, on the other hand, have a barrier surrounding the driver, along with seatbelts and airbags to lessen the severity of the injury. However, bicycles are more mobile when compared to cars and if the cyclist notice an immanent danger, they can make more quick and sudden maneuvers compared to cars.  Despite this slight advantage, riding a bike can put your safety at more risk since any crash you get into as a cyclist will result in devastating outcomes. 

Bicycle Accident Safety Tips

Considering the dangers that are naturally associated with bike riding, it is important to prioritize your safety when on the road to have a better riding experience. Whether you are a professional cyclist or just starting out, it is recommended for you to consider implementing the practices listed below to reduce your risks of getting into a collision.

• Obey traffic laws
• Have on protective gear, like a fitted helmet and eyewear
• Wear reflective clothing 
• Use bike hand signals to let others know what your next move is
• Ride defensively and stay alert of your surroundings
• Use your lights and reflectors to increase visibility
• Inspect your bike on a regular basis to make sure it is in good condition before taking it out for a ride

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming. Although you might feel taken aback from what you experience, try to implement the following steps to secure your safety and legal rights.

Contact Local Law Enforcement

If you notice any injuries or damages after a bike accident, you should contact your local law enforcement. First responders will arrive at the accident scene and conduct a police report. You can request a copy of the written document if you are interested in filing a personal injury claim against the responsible party.

Seek Medical Attention

Be sure to seek immediate medical attention after the collision regardless of whether you sustained minor injuries. Your physician will examine the affected area and perform one or more exams to determine what your condition is. Shortly after, they will provide a diagnosis and give you a care plan suited to treat your injury. This may include:

• Medical prescriptions
• Surgical procedures
• Physical therapy

All of your visits will be saved on file. You can request a copy of your medical records to use as evidence in your bicycle accident case.

Exchange Information With All Parties Involved

You will need to share contact, vehicle, and insurance information with all parties involved. Specific details that should be provided include the following:

• Full name, phone number, and residential address
• Driver’s license number
• Driver’s insurance company
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate

Gather Evidence

Try to collect the following evidence:

• Photos of your injuries, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Consult With a Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorney

Should you wish to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party, speaking to a Sacramento bicycle accident attorney can greatly benefit you as you proceed to take legal action against those responsible. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team will explain your legal rights, strengthen your personal injury claim, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you are given maximum compensation. We will handle the challenging tasks while you focus on your recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident?

Liability in bicycle accidents will vary depending on what factors are involved. To ease the process, you should acquire significant evidence and present it to a Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer. Once they have assessed the information provided, they will identify the at fault party and guide you through the legal process.

Possible defendants in a bike accident case include the following:

• Drivers
• Other cyclists
• Bicycle manufacturer
• Property owners
• Government entities

Can Shared Fault Limit a Bicycle Accident Settlement?

Under California’s comparative negligence rule, multiple parties can share fault in a bicycle accident. In this case, the settlement will be adjusted based on the percentage of fault. For instance, if a driver is 80 percent liable for the collision and the cyclist is 20 percent liable, compensation will be reduced accordingly. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Sacramento Bicycle Accident Claim?

In Sacramento, bike accident victims are granted two years from the date of when the incident occurred to file a claim. Be sure to act quickly to ensure you have enough time left to fulfill your legal obligations. If you happen to exceed the deadline, you will no longer be given the opportunity to seek compensation.

Recoverable Compensation in a Bicycle Accident Case

Recoverable compensation in a bicycle accident case will depend on what unique challenges are involved. The court will consider the following factors when determining the settlement value:

• The extent of your injury
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Degree of fault

To understand what compensation you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by inputting the expenses you sustained as a result of the bike accident. However, in most bicycle accident cases, economic damages and non-economic damages are generally awarded to victim. Economic damages are financial costs you sustained from the collision, like hospital fees or lost income. Meanwhile, non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.

Our Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help

If you or a loved one became injured in a bicycle accident due to someone’s negligence or recklessness, it is encouraged to file a bicycle accident claim to secure compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Sacramento bicycle accident attorneys are available 24/7 to navigate you through your lawsuit. With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, we will listen to your needs and concerns as we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

As a result of our dedication, we have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty to ensure that they are properly represented in the California court system. Whether you have been involved in a minor bicycle accident or a severe incident that has left your critically injured, our legal team is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case.

To schedule a free consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.