Bicyclist Killed in Sacramento on Route 160
I’m Ed Smith, a bicycle accident lawyer in Sacramento. A crash along California State Route 160 on January 20 claimed the life of a bicycle rider. The drivers of two vehicles that struck the bicyclist stayed at the accident scene and were cooperating with police investigators.
I want to extend my sympathy to Mr. Nelson’s friends and family during their time of loss.
What Happened
The bicyclist, Ricky Nelson, age 40, was riding north along the shoulder of Route 160 on the right side near American River around 10:30 at night. As he tried to cross over the road to perform a left turn onto the Del Paso Boulevard exit, he was struck by a Lexus traveling in the lane on the left-hand side. Nelson was thrown from his bicycle and subsequently hit by a Ford SUV that was in the lane behind the Lexus. The bicyclist died at the accident scene, according to personnel from the Sacramento Fire Department.
Further Details
According to authorities, the driver of the Lexus did not spot Nelson until it was too late and was unable to stop their vehicle. Neither the driver of the Lexus nor the SUV driver appeared to be impaired. A representative of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) present at the accident scene said that charges would not be filed against the drivers.
Who Is Most at Risk for a Bicycle Accident?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain factors such as age, sex and location relate to a higher risk of a bicycle fatality from a vehicular accident. Some of those factors include:
- Males are more likely to die in bicycle accidents (88 percent)
- The risk of dying in a bicycle accident is highest between 6:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m. (20 percent)
- Riding a bicycle or driving with a BAC level of 0.08 percent accounted for 35 percent of fatalities.
- Bicycle riders who died in collisions with motor vehicles had a 0.08 percent BAC level (19 percent).
- Bicyclist fatalities occurred more in urban than rural areas (71 percent).
- In 2014, the average age of an individual who died in a motor vehicle crash was 45.
Injuries Commonly Incurred in Bicycle Accidents
Traumatic injuries are common in bicycle accidents. This is because the rider has little protection from injury when struck by any type of motor vehicle. Types of injuries may include the following:
- Head and brain injuries from concussion to skull fractures, which can require extensive hospitalization, rehabilitation and lost time from work.
- Facial and eye damage from dental and facial fractures to damage to the eyes.
- Damage to the upper and lower extremities, including broken bones and sprains to lacerations and road rash.
- Chest injuries include broken ribs, bruising and dislocations.
- Injuries to the abdomen can include organ damage, internal bleeding and other serious problems.
Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a bicycle accident lawyer in Sacramento. Catastrophic injuries can occur when a negligent driver collides with a bicycle rider. If you have been injured or someone in your family, call (916) 921-6400 for my friendly, free advice. You can also reach me at (800) 404-5400 on through our online form at AutoAccident.com.
When you need an injury lawyer, you want one with experience. I have represented those injured by negligence around Sacramento and in Northern California for 35 years. During that period, I’ve helped many injury victims obtain just compensation for their traumatic injuries and claims for compensation for a wrongful death.
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