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Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Around 20 percent of all Americans over 18 ride a bike regularly, with 77% of bicycle riders being male. But a bicyclist will face several risks when riding on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 846 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2019 across the nation. When an accident between a bike and a vehicle, the bicyclist is most likely injured.
Did you or a loved one suffer an injury in a bike crash? The Sacramento bicycle accident attorneys of AutoAccident.com are available anytime to guide you through the personal injury claims process. Call our law firm at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
Reasons for Bicycle Crashes Caused by DriversHere 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.
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.
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 DefectMany 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
Contact a Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorney
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.
Sacramento Bicycle Accident FAQWhat 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.
If you suffered injuries or a family member was killed in a cycling crash due to another's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Call our experienced injury attorneys in Sacramento, California, today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to discuss your options for financial recovery. We offer free, friendly, and compassionate advice.
Editor's Note: Updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 3.23.23]
Photograph Attribution: By "Pixabay" via Pexels [cs 906]
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