Rider Injured in Vacaville Bicycle Injury Crash With Vehicle

Vacaville Bicycle Injury Crash Occurs on Monte Vista Avenue

A Vacaville bicycle injury crash left one man hurt after being struck by a vehicle on East Monte Vista Avenue, just north of County Airport Road, on December 22. According to the Vacaville Police Department, officers responded to the scene around 4:00 a.m. The driver of a 2010 Volkswagen CC reported to 911 that they believed they had struck something in the roadway, but initially could not locate it. 

Rider Hospitalized in Vacaville Bicycle Injury Crash

While still on the phone with dispatchers, the caller discovered a man lying near a bicycle. Police say the bicyclist was awake and breathing but suffered back pain following the impact. The Volkswagen involved in the crash was towed from the scene as part of the ongoing investigation. Vacaville police continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the collision.

Causes of Bicycle Injury Accidents Caused by Negligent Motorists

Bicyclists face serious risks every day when sharing the road with larger vehicles. Even a momentary lapse in a driver’s attention can result in devastating injuries in a Vacaville bicycle injury crash. Many bicycle injury accidents arise from preventable acts of negligence, such as:

• Driver inattention or distraction: Texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS often causes drivers to miss cyclists in bike lanes or at intersections.
• Failure to yield: Motorists frequently overlook bicyclists’ right-of-way at crosswalks, stop signs, or during left turns.
• Unsafe lane changes: Drivers may drift into a bike lane without signaling or checking their blind spot.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Speeding reduces time to react in an emergency and increases crash severity.
• Opening car doors into cyclists (“dooring”): A parked driver opening a door can seriously injure an oncoming rider.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs affects a motorist’s judgment and ability to react to cyclists on the roadway.

When motorists fail to exercise reasonable care, bicyclists often pay the price with serious injuries such as spinal damage, broken bones, or head trauma.

Establishing Liability in Bicycle Injury Collisions

Under California law, drivers owe a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely and avoid endangering others. When that duty is breached, for instance, through distraction, speeding, or failure to yield, the motorist may be held liable for resulting injuries.

Evidence that can help establish driver negligence includes:

• Police accident reports.
• Eyewitness statements.
• Traffic camera or dashcam footage.
• Expert accident reconstruction testimony.
• Medical documentation linking injuries to the crash.

Recoverable Compensation After a Bicycle Crash

Riders who are injured in a Vacaville bicycle injury crash may pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment).
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property damage for the destroyed bicycle and other personal items.
• In severe cases, punitive damages may be awarded when a driver’s conduct is especially reckless or unlawful.

Learn from attorney Ed Smith how to choose the lawyer that’s right for your needs:

Speak With a Vacaville Bike Accident Lawyer

I’m Vacaville bike accident lawyer Ed Smith. If you sustained a bicycle accident injury caused by a negligent driver, we can help with free and friendly advice. With decades of experience handling serious bicycle injury claims, Ed Smith and his legal team at AutoAccident.com are dedicated to protecting injured cyclists’ rights and recovering the compensation they deserve.

For free, friendly advice, call (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. You can also visit us online to learn more about your legal options today.

Photo attribution: Pixabay

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