Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Statistics

The Insurance Information Institute reported 375,797 bicycle-related injuries in 2021. While in the prior year, 38,824 fatal accidents were noted involving bicyclists. The survivable injuries may range from simple scrapes to fractures and traumatic brain damage.

Data from 2020 also shows over 1,260 preventable deaths from cycling accidents in the United States (a 44% increase over the last 10 years).

Sadly, bikers are also disproportionately involved in hit-and-run accidents. Fatal hit-and-runs have been trending upward since 2009. Furthermore, focused data from 2016 found bikers and pedestrians accounted for two of every three victims of the 2,049 hit-and-run deaths nationwide.

The Risks Bicycle Riders Face

While safety measures can save lives, even a helmet can only do so much during severe collisions. When help is not called to the scene immediately, victims’ outlooks become worse.

Bikers are already at a higher risk on:

• Two-lane roads
• Roads with narrow lanes or no shoulder
• Routes with higher speed limits

Immediate emergency response is important for many bicyclists involved in accidents with a vehicle. Especially in the above situations, failure to stop and render aid can be a matter of life or death.

How Bicycle Accidents Happen in Sacramento

Especially when riding on streets not designed for their use, bicyclists may find themselves in a precarious situation. Car doors may be opened directly in their path. Vehicles coming into the roadway may not see them. There’s also the danger we all face from distracted drivers who fail to protect those around them.

One of the most common, if not the leading, causes of bike accidents in California is drivers failing to yield the right-of-way. This may be because a driver believes they have (or should have) right-of-way, or it may be an issue of visibility.

Situations likely to cause accidents include:

• A biker entering the roadway, especially from an alleyway or another low-visibility area
• Drivers entering the roadway, especially if they are backing out of parking spaces
• Drivers missing stop signs and red lights
• Bikers not making it across an intersection before the light turns red
• Drivers turning (either right or left) and not seeing bicyclists crossing the street
• Bikers being blocked from view while crossing a multi-lane road, so oncoming drivers are not aware they should stop

Our bicycle accident lawyers in Sacramento can investigate your crash to determine if any other factors were involved; perhaps a driver was intoxicated, for instance, which shows further negligence.

With the right evidence, we can attempt to sway insurance adjusters during negotiations or demonstrate to a jury that you deserve compensation for your injuries. We will use all our resources to fight for the best outcome for your case.

Who Is Really At Fault in a Car vs. Bike Accident?

In most cases, the car’s driver is found to be at fault because they have more protection and are expected to watch out for cyclists and pedestrians.

However, there are still instances where a cyclist may be found at fault for an accident. For example:

• If the cyclist was not riding in the bike lane when a bike lane was provided
• If the cyclist failed to signal when making a turn
• If the cyclist failed to obey the rules of the road or to yield to oncoming traffic when appropriate

As an experienced cycling attorney, Robert Carichoff offers insight into California’s bike laws and can help you protect yourself from blame following the bicycle accident.

What Should You Do If You Get Hit by a Car While Riding a Bike?

Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident can be difficult, especially if you have been injured or disoriented. At Triumph Law, we want to ensure that all our clients have the information they need to protect their right to financial recovery.

Here are some simple steps to follow if you were recently hit by a car while riding your bike:

• Don’t leave the accident scene or allow the motorist to leave until the police arrive.
• Get the contact information for the driver, as well as their insurance details.
• Keep a careful record of your injuries and any medical treatment you receive (take photos, save billing statements and receipts, and keep a journal).
• Do not repair your bike (this can be important evidence for your case later on and can demonstrate the severity of your accident).
• Reach out to a lawyer about your accident as soon as you are well enough to do so.
• Do not accept any settlement offers from the other party’s insurance company until you have discussed your case with a bicycle accident lawyer in Sacramento, CA.

File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Under California’s Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations sets the time frame for legal action against the defendant. In California, you usually have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain factors could influence the deadline, and you might have less time than you think. Your bicycle accident attorney in Sacramento, CA, can determine the statute of limitations for your case.

Failure to meet the deadline will likely result in your case being dismissed. Also, you may lose the opportunity to receive the compensation you need to rebuild your life. The sooner you seek legal representation, the more time your lawyer will have to strengthen your claim.

Let’s Start Your Sacramento Bicycle Accident Claim Today

Our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers are ready to help you understand your rights after being hit by a negligent driver. There could be ample compensation waiting for you. It is just a matter of filing an effective claim for it, which is where we can step in and take over.

Triumph Law is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured victims in California. We will guide you through the legal proceedings and help you fight for justice. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.