Intersection Accident Injures Bicyclist in Carmichael
A Carmichael traffic collision caused major injuries to a bicyclist on May 24 at about 5:08 p.m. The incident occurred at the intersection of Angelina Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a green pickup was involved in the traffic collision. Initially, it was thought that the driver left the scene of the accident, but it was later reported that the vehicle was present and no longer listed as a hit and run.
Aftermath of the Carmichael Traffic Collision
The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital after evaluation by Sac Fire. The condition or the identity of the cyclist has yet to be announced. The CHP is investigating the crash to determine fault, however, no results have been released at this time.
Bicyclist Safety Is a Community Effort
Keeping bicyclists safe from a traffic collision is a community effort that begins with the local authorities who design and maintain the roadways. Design is an important aspect of functionality. If the design is faulty, it is reasonable to expect more traffic collisions. Road maintenance is also an important feature of bicycle safety since hitting a pothole can be disastrous to a bicyclist.
Drivers Need to Be Aware of Bicyclists
Many drivers are unaware of bicyclists with whom they share the road. Besides being one of the rules of the road, it is important for drivers to understand that they must look out for bicyclists as they would a motor vehicle.
Dooring Accidents Are a Common Problem
One of the greatest instances of this is a dooring accident. In such cases, the driver is parked on the side of the road and opens his or her door without looking to see if a bicyclist is approaching. Hitting an open car door can be catastrophic for a cyclist. In many cases, the bicyclist is unable to move away from the car door since doing so would place them in oncoming traffic in the adjacent lane.
Intersection Dangers in a Traffic Collision
Right and left turns are also a source of numerous traffic collisions. A motorist making a right turn needs to be aware of bicyclists in the bike lane as they approach an intersecting street. Left-hand turns by a motorist are equally as dangerous since a bicyclist going through an intersection has the same rights as other motorists.
How Bicyclists Can Help
There are things a bicyclist can do to stay safe:
- Wear reflective clothing when riding in low light.
- Make sure that bicycle lights are in good working order.
- Be aware of vehicles on the road, and use common sense when riding.
- Look for a vehicle applying their brake lights or turn signals when approaching an intersection.
- Try to ride as far away as possible when moving past parked vehicles.
- Be careful when entering parking lots.
Investigating a Bicycle Accident After a Traffic Collision
At our firm, we know the proof is in the details. We immediately send our investigators to the scene of an accident to determine how and why it happened. Our investigators speak to witnesses and review police reports for details and inaccuracies. We use accident reconstruction techniques to obtain vehicle and bicycle positioning. Our investigative team also looks for surveillance cameras on traffic lights to see the accident as it happened.
Once all evidence has been acquired, it is released to our legal team. Our lawyers use detailed evidence to build a robust case for our clients.
Carmichael Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Carmichael bicycle accident lawyer. Traffic collisions involving a bicyclist can cause serious injuries for the cyclist. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online.
I’ve helped Carmichael residents since 1982 with wrongful death cases, car accidents and pedestrian injuries obtain the compensation they deserve.
I am pleased to belong to the following organizations:
Learn more about my practice by using the following links:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/cycling-bicycle-riding-sport-655565/
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