Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Why You Need a Skilled, Trusted Bicycle Accident Attorney

For more than twenty-five years, our highly skilled personal injury attorneys in Sacramento have been representing clients in personal injury claims involving bicycle accidents. Our attorneys understand the protections that cyclists have under the law, and we will protect your rights to compensation for your injuries, including loss of wages and future earnings.

We are proud members of the Sacramento County Bar Association, Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association (CCTLA), and the State Bar of California.

Bicycle Accident Dangers in Sacramento, California

In 2022, more than 5.3 million people in Sacramento utilized bicycles or scooters as transportation. With Sacramento’s mild weather most of the year, in addition to the rising cost of fuel, our bicycle accident attorneys speak to people daily who have started using bicycles as their usual mode of travel to and from work. With all of the benefits, there are still some drawbacks. Bicyclists are not protected from injury as they would be in a car, which makes it a more dangerous way to get around.

Our personal injury attorneys know from experience how dangerous the roads can be for cyclists. According to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022, Sacramento County ranked eighth deadliest among the nation’s counties, with 3.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

FAQ: What are the most common bicycle crashes in Sacramento?

Our bicycle accident lawyers encounter many types of biking accidents. Unfortunately, injuries and fatalities are not uncommon without safety elements like airbags and seat belts. The most common bicycle accidents our bicycle accident attorneys see include:

• A bicyclist is struck by a car while on the side of the road, including in a bike lane
• A bicyclist is struck by a car while crossing an intersection
• A bicyclist gets rear-ended by a car while stopped at a light or other crossing

Bicycle Accidents Caused by Equipment Defects

Bicycle accidents don’t always involve a vehicle or even another bicycle. Our bicycle accident lawyers have represented many clients whose accidents were due to bike manufacturing defects. Hundreds of bike and bicycle parts are recalled every year due to defective:

• Brakes
• Tires
• Frames
• Suspensions
• Gear

What types of bicycle maintenance can help prevent an accident?

Our personal injury attorneys in Sacramento see many situations where basic bicycle upkeep could have prevented an accident. Regardless of the condition of your bike, if you have been hurt in a bicycle accident and a car is involved, you have a right to be compensated if someone else is at fault.

Here is a short list of essential bicycle maintenance that our bicycle accident attorneys recommend every bike owner should perform regularly:

• Store your bike in a dry place that is free from moisture or rain
• Check your brakes and brake pads regularly for wear
• Keep gear shifters and chain well lubricated
• Before you ride, check for loose handlebars, pedals, and brakes
• Check your tires every time you get off your bike to make sure you did not run over something that could cause a slow leak
• Never ride on tires that are not fully inflated, and keep a tire repair kit with you when you ride

Bicycle Safety in and Around Sacramento

Many cyclists don’t realize that bikes have as much right to be on the road as cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Our bicycle accident attorneys often represent clients who think they may have done something to cause an accident when they haven’t. But with their right to share the road also come responsibilities; in other words, bicycles must obey all traffic laws about them. Conversely, drivers of vehicles must know what they must do to protect cyclists. The bicycle accident attorneys at Eason & Tambornini understand bicycle safety and encourage clients to adhere to all laws.

FAQ: What are some ways to avoid a bicycle crash?

Whether you ride your bike regularly as a mode of transportation to and from work or just occasionally for recreation, on the streets or local bike trails, it is essential always to follow the rules of the road and adhere to all safety laws and recommendations about bikes. Some of the most common pieces of advice that our lawyers recommend to clients include:

• Ride your bicycle in the same direction as the flow of traffic
• Stay in designated bike lanes whenever possible
• Obey all traffic laws and rules, including making a complete stop at stop signs, stoplights, and detour warnings
• Stay alert and scan the road to see potentially hazardous situations
• Use all your senses when riding a bicycle; don’t use your cell phone or wear headphones
• Always use hand signals to let drivers know when you are changing lanes or turning

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

When a bicycle and a 2,000-lb. In a car collision, the driver may not have any injuries, but for the cyclist, the potential for injuries is massive.  Additionally, not all wounds heal at the same rate, and some don’t heal at all; fatalities for bicyclists are much higher than for cars when it comes to car vs. vehicle wrecks. Some of the more common injuries that bicyclists suffer include:

• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Head and neck trauma
• Facial and dental
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Road rash

FAQ: How are damages calculated for bicycle accident injuries?

Calculating damages resulting from bicycle accidents varies greatly. Here are some of the most common factors our bicycle accident attorneys consider when determining damages:

• Medical expenses associated with the accident
• Lost wages due to being unable to work
• Property damage, including helmet or clothing
• Non-economic damages (pain and suffering) awarded as a result of physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement damages
• Insurance coverage of both the cyclist (if applicable) and the other party’s insurance
• Legal fees incurred while pursuing a claim or lawsuit can also be factored into damages

What is the first step to take following a bicycle accident?

If you have been in a severe bike accident, you should be seen by a doctor. Often, internal injuries and even sprains or fractures can go unnoticed at first. Once you have been cared for by a medical professional, it’s a good idea to call an attorney immediately. You don’t want to start talking to attorneys or representatives from the other party’s insurance company before consulting an attorney. Remember, insurance companies will try to limit the amount they pay; therefore, they are not working for your best interests. Our lawyers will fight aggressively for you and handle negotiations with the other party’s attorneys and insurance company.

Don’t Wait — Call Today

As soon as you can, call one of Eason & Tambornini’s personal injury lawyers to schedule a no-risk, free consultation to discuss your case. We will ask questions and allow you to do the same so that you fully understand what you are up against. If we agree to take your case, we will explain the steps and how the process works.

Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys are here to help you reclaim your life and get the trauma behind you as soon as possible. Remember, we charge no fees until you win a settlement.

Please call us today at 916-438-1819 to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced bicycle accident attorneys.