North Highlands Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A Foothill Ranch Middle School student was fatally injured after being struck by a motor vehicle while riding his bicycle in North Highlands. The 13-year-old boy had reportedly been riding on the sidewalk on Hillsdale. He was tragically hit and pinned under a moving vehicle after turning right on Palm Avenue. The vehicle was exiting a convenience store parking lot when it collided with the young cyclist.

This awful accident occurred near Hillsdale Boulevard and Greenholme Drive. The boy had been riding his bike to school with friends just a block from his home. Unfortunately, accidents like the one described above are quite common. Across the country, hundreds of bicyclists are killed in collisions with motorists every year. Many of these accidents could have been prevented, if only the motorist exercised reasonable care when operating the vehicle. 

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, roughly 213 bicyclists were either injured or killed while riding their bicycles around Sacramento in 2014. To make matters worse, young children are the most commonly injured in bicycle accidents.

Bicyclists Have the Same Rights at Motorists

The California Vehicle Code contains regulations specifying where and how bicyclists are allowed to operate on the streets and roads of North Highlands and other localities in the state. Generally, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.

Three Feet for Safety Act

Motorists must comply with California Civil Code § 21670 (also known as the Three Feet for Safety Act). This statute establishes that a motorist must provide a buffer of at least three feet between the bicycle and their vehicle when the motorist attempts to pass. The law goes on to state that if a driver is unable to maintain at least a three-foot passing distance, they are obligated to slow to a “prudent and reasonable” speed, only attempt to pass when it is safe, and to not put the bicyclist’s safety at risk. If a driver violates the law and causes an accident, they can be held liable for resulting injuries. In the event of an accident, experienced injury lawyers will be able to help preserve evidence and file a claim against negligent parties.

Next Steps After an Accident

If you are physically able, get the insurance information of the driver who hit you. This includes the driver’s full name, their policy number, and the insurance company. You should also try to write down the license plate number of the driver, along with the names and phone numbers of any eye witnesses if possible. Once you have received medical treatment, contact an experienced North Highlands bicycle accident lawyer to help guide your next steps.

Bicycle Accidents Often Result in Debilitating Bodily Harm

Since bicyclists have very little protection in the event of a collision with another vehicle, the injuries they suffer can be life-altering and catastrophic. Examples of injuries suffered by cyclists include:

• Brain damage
• Broken bones
• Back, neck, and knee injuries
• Lacerations
• Amputation of a limb
• Nerve damage
• Paralysis

What You Can Pursue Through a Bicycle Accident Injury Claim

As you can see, the injuries a bicyclist can suffer in a collision with a car, pickup truck, or other vehicle are oftentimes catastrophic. If you find yourself in this situation, California tort law provides a mechanism to pursue financial restitution for your harms and losses.  A personal injury claim enables you to pursue monetary compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Limited Amount of Time to Take Legal Action

One final law that affects your ability to file a claim is the statute of limitations. In California, any lawsuit to recover damages for your bicycle accident injuries must be filed within two years (or six months if a governmental entity is involved, such as a city bus). While there are some limited exceptions to the statute of limitations, failure to file a timely claim can impair your ability to recover damages. An experienced injury lawyer can help deal with legal paper work and the insurance companies so that you can focus on recovering.

I’m Ed Smith, North Highlands Bicycle Accident Lawyer. If you or a family member were injured by a negligent motorist and you need an experienced injury lawyer, please contact me today for free and friendly advice. I can be reached at 916.921.6400, and online at AutoAccident.com.

I have been serving the North Highlands and Greater California community for over thirty years as an injury lawyer. See some of my past client’s reviews on: Avvo, Yelp and Google+.

I am a Million Dollar Forum member. This group is reserved for injury lawyers who have obtained case verdicts and settlements in excess of one million dollars.

See some of my past Verdicts and Settlements here.

Visit AutoAccident.com for additional information on personal injury and wrongful death claims.

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