The American River Bike Trail, formerly known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, attracts bicyclists, runners, walkers, and horseback riders from all over Sacramento and beyond. With its stunning views and abundant wildlife, this 32-mile trail is one of the longest multi-use, paved trails in the United States and sees approximately 5 million visitors each year.
The westernmost end of the trail picks up at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, in Discovery Park, which is just a few miles from Downtown Sacramento. The trail ends near Folsom Lake’s Beal’s Point, just north of the City of Folsom. Unfortunately, this heavy and varied usage for both commuting and recreating also means accidents, which sometimes result in serious injuries.
See how our Sacramento bicycle accident attorneys can help your family.
Multiple Types of Hazards that Lead to Injuries on the American River Trail
As both a recreational and commuting pathway adjacent to both urban areas and wilderness, the trail’s conditions can change rapidly and include:
- Man-made and weather-related hazards and obstacles: Glass, metal barbs, litter, and debris left behind by people on the trail can pop tires and cause falls. Weather-related hazards include fallen trees and limbs, rocks, and gravel.
- Encampments and social issues: Some sections of the trail have experienced their share of conflicts and problems over the years. Some of these conflicts are related to homeless encampments, including altercations, and dogs living in those encampments that are not leashed.
- High-Traffic Volume: Trail usage surges on weekends, and even during weekdays, commute hours can be congested with bicyclists and pedestrians, including children and animals.
Types of Injury Accidents On the American River Bike Trail
Over the last 20 or so years alone, numerous injury accidents, including at least one wrongful death, have happened on or adjacent to the trail. These include a drunk driving-related death caused by a car that entered the American River Parkway (adjacent to the trail), hitting and killing a 76-year-old cyclist; a collision between a cyclist and a pedestrian that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and a multi-million-dollar settlement for the victim; and a 2017 incident where a hit-and-run cyclist collided with a runner, causing a fractured skull. In that incident, the cyclist’s cell phone was dropped and retrieved by witnesses to the accident, leading to his eventual arrest.
What To Do If A Cyclist Hits You or You Are Hit By One
If you are a pedestrian on the American River Trail or anywhere else and you are hit by a bicyclist, or you are a cyclist hit by another bike, don’t delay in seeking help. Take pictures of the accident location, ask for contact information of any potential witnesses, and report the accident to law enforcement. If you are injured, call a bicycle accident attorney. Our firm will start an investigation on day one and guide you through the next steps, including making sure the extent of your injuries is known.
Legal Options if You Are Injured By a Hit-and-Run Bicyclist
Many people don’t realize that if you are injured in a hit-and-run accident by a bicyclist, the uninsured/under-insured motorist clause of your own automobile accident policy may cover your losses, even if a vehicle was not involved. Contact an attorney with experience in bicycle injury accidents and request a free case evaluation.
Other High-Accident Rate Neighborhoods in Sacramento
The American River Trail isn’t the only high-risk area for pedestrians and cyclists in Sacramento. Urban neighborhoods with exceptionally higher-than-average injury accidents include Stockton Boulevard at Fruitridge Road, North B Street at 12th Street, and West El Camino Avenue at Truxel Road.
Hire an Experienced Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorney
To give yourself the best chance for the most successful outcome possible, hire a local attorney who is familiar with Sacramento and who has ample experience in bicycle accident injury claims. Our firm offers free consultations that carry no obligation; if you do hire us, we will not collect a fee until and unless you win a settlement.
Call Eason & Tambornini at (916) 438-1819 to schedule a free, no-risk case review.