Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorneys: Expert Legal Advocacy at Eason & Tambornini

How much does a Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer cost?

Bicycle accident representation at Eason & Tambornini uses a contingency-fee model, meaning you pay no upfront legal fees or out-of-pocket costs. We only get paid if you win; if there is no recovery, you do not owe a fee and will not receive a bill.

We use a contingency-fee model so that all Sacramento residents have access to senior attorneys with decades of experience, such as ours, which holds AV Preeminent status from Martindale-Hubbell. By not imposing hourly rates, we can start the discovery process immediately. We will gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and manufacturing defect records, while managing all communication with insurance companies so that you can focus on your physical recovery.\

What is the Statute of Limitations for a bicycle accident claim in California?

California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. However, if a government entity is involved, the deadline is shortened to 6 months. Failure to meet these strict statutory deadlines usually results in losing your right to seek damages.

Can I file a bicycle accident claim if I am partially at fault?

California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means your recovery reduction is directly tied to the amount of fault you bear. Even if you are 99% responsible, you are legally entitled to pursue a claim for the remaining 1% of your damages.

As an example, if you are awarded $100,000 but assigned 90% of the fault, you may still be awarded the remaining 10%, or $10,000. Many cyclists mistakenly assume they are at fault when they have as much right to the road as any motor vehicle.

The Difference Between Tangible and Intangible Losses

Our attorneys analyze the proximate cause or the legal link between the defendant’s action and your injury, and then we pursue any or all of the following categories of compensation:

Tangible Losses (Economic Damages)

These are verifiable financial costs that can be documented through bills and records:

• Medical Expenses: All costs for ER visits, surgeries, ongoing rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging.
• Lost Income: Wages lost while you are unable to work during your initial recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for a long-term inability to return to your previous job or future earnings.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your bicycle, helmet, clothing, and gear.

Intangible Losses (Non-Economic Damages)

These address the emotional and mental aftermath of an accident, which are known as subjective losses that do not have a fixed price tag:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional or psychological distress.
• Emotional Distress: Damages for significant psychological trauma, such as anxiety or depression, resulting from the crash.
• Loss of Consortium: The impact of the injury on your primary relationships, such as with a spouse or partner.

Navigating Common Neighborhoods for Bicycle Accidents in Sacramento

Unfortunately, Sacramento County consistently ranks among the deadliest for cyclists in California. This is partially due to dangerous intersections and corridors, but also the sheer number of people who ride bikes in the Sacramento area. We frequently handle cases involving:

• High-Injury Intersections: Areas identified under Sacramento’s Vision Zero plan where bicyclists are frequently struck while crossing or in bike lanes.
• Dangerous Corridors: Multi-mode Downtown Sacramento transit zones such as P St, Q St, and 19th St, where separated bikeways were recently removed, leading to increased high-stress interactions with vehicles.
• Recreational Trail Hazards: Notable accidents and hit-and-runs on the American River Bike Trail, which remains a high-risk area for recreational cyclists.
• Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA) is the primary voice for infrastructure change in the region. Among other activities, they maintain the “Regional High Injury Network” and advocate for protected bike lanes on corridors such as J Street and Broadway.

Sacramento County Superior Court Visitor Resources

While biking accidents can occur anywhere in the region, legal proceedings fall under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento County Superior Court. Here is a brief guide for the logistics of visiting:

• Courthouse: Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse
• Address: 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
• Civil Division Phone: (916) 874-5522
• Website: Sacramento Superior Court Civil Division
• Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Parking Recommendation: Use the City Hall Garage at 10th and I Streets or the metered street parking on 9th Street. Avoid small private lots right next to the court, as they often have restrictive rates. Always check online before visiting to see if there are any closures due to construction.
• Security Tip: The Schaber Courthouse utilizes full-body magnetometers for bag and weapons checks of all visitors. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing. Many courtrooms have the same start time, which means many people arrive at the same time.

Immediate Steps After a Bicycle Accident in Sacramento

Insurance providers like to offer lowball offers fast. They will often attempt to settle claims quickly, before a victim is even aware of the full extent of their injuries. We recommend following these guidelines in the immediate hours and days following a bicycle accident in Sacramento:

1. Do not record statements: If an insurance adjuster asks you to record a “simple statement,” refuse. Speak to a lawyer first.
2. Get medical attention immediately: Internal bleeding, concussions, or fractures may go unnoticed at first, so go get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. For UC Davis Medical Center, use the dedicated emergency room parking area off 45th Street to avoid the often-congested main hospital.
3. Protect Evidence: Be sure to safely store emergency room discharge papers, police reports, and any damaged gear, like clothing, shoes, and helmets, for the discovery process. All of your personal belongings that were involved in the accident may be critical to your case.

To speak with a Sacramento bicycle accident attorney, contact Eason & Tambornini at (916) 438-1819 for a free, no-risk consultation. We will answer your questions and explain the process so you fully understand your options.