Garfield Avenue Site of Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident with a motor vehicle caused a major injury in Carmichael on November 15. The collision occurred on Garfield Avenue just south of Marconi Avenue around 12:17 p.m., according to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Witnesses to the accident were present, and the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash remained at the accident scene.
Bicyclist Suffers Major Injury in Crash
Upon arrival, first responders with the Sacramento Fire Department reported the Carmichael bicycle rider had suffered major injuries. The patient was transported for additional treatment to a nearby hospital. All the lanes along Garfield Avenue were blocked while the accident scene was cleared and emergency responders tended to the wounded individual. The bicycle accident is being investigated by the CHP to discover how the crash occurred.
Bicycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 30 percent of all injuries to bicycle riders occur when they are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. Falls are responsible for 17 percent of bicycle crashes, and poorly maintained roadways cause 13 percent. Only 13 percent are attributed to rider error. When a motorist or other entity is the cause of injuries to a bicycle rider, the injured person has the legal right to place a claim for compensation. Over the past 38 years, our experienced injury lawyers have helped many bicyclists obtain fair compensation and can do the same for you.
How a Bicycle Accident Happens
Most accidents involving bicycle riders occur because of negligence, either by the rider or the driver of a vehicle or other entity. When a motor vehicle is involved, it is often because the bicyclist offers a lower profile and can be hard for a driver to spot until it’s too late. However, it is the driver’s responsibility to look out for riders to ensure their safety. Some of the causes of a bicycle accident caused by a motorist include:
- A driver is distracted by texting, talking on a phone or to passengers, eating or drinking, or additional activities. When a driver is looking away from the road for any reason, it can easily end with a bicycle accident and an injured rider.
- Driving too close to a bicycle rider: California law says that drivers must maintain at least three feet distance from someone on a bicycle for safety. Driving any closer not only increases the risk of a bicycle accident, but also prevents the rider from having room to maneuver to avoid other hazards.
- Fatigue: Drivers who are fatigued increase the risk of an accident, including with bicycle riders. A driver who is tired has slower reflexes, poor judgment and can react in the way a drunk driver might.
- Making an unsafe lane change: Weaving in and out of traffic or entering the bicycle lane to make a turn endangers riders.
- Running a stop sign or red light: Bicycle riders who have the right of way would have difficulty avoiding a driver who is committing a traffic infraction of this type.
- Drunk driving: An impaired driver isn’t capable of making sound decisions, and many times, a bicycle accident involves a drunk motorist.
- Failure to yield: Motorists who refuse to yield the right of way can cause a bicycle accident.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Bicycle accidents can result in traumatic injuries, and if negligence by another was the cause, you need the advice an attorney can provide. Connect with me at (916) 921-6400 or through the toll-free number at (800) 404-5400 to receive free and friendly advice. An online message form is available also.
Our office is experienced in getting you the compensation you deserve for your traumatic injuries, bicycle crashes, wrongful deaths, and any type of traffic accident.
Comments and reviews by former clients and cases handled by my law firm can be found below:
It is an honor for me to belong to:
Photo Attribution: https://www.pexels.com/photo/ambulance-architecture-building-business-263402/
:cd llo [cs 682]