Child Injured in Modesto Bicycle Accident
A child was injured in a Modesto bicycle accident on the evening of June 3, 2019. The bike crash occurred shortly before 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of High Street and Redwood Avenue near downtown Modesto. A 12-year-old boy was riding his bike eastbound along Redwood Avenue when he was struck by a 2005 Dodge Ram that was headed north on High Street. The child was transported via air ambulance to the UC Davis Children’s Hospital in Sacramento for treatment of serious injuries. Officials have said he has remained in critical condition but is expected to survive.
How to Avoid a Modesto Bicycle Accident
Since cyclists are vulnerable to suffering devastating injuries on the road, they must exercise due care while riding. Consider the following safety tips to protect yourself from harm’s way while cycling:
- Avoid using a cell phone while riding a bicycle or pull over and stop if you have to make a call
- Do not use earphones to listen to music while cycling
- Follow the rules of the road
- Increase visibility by wearing bright colored or fluorescent clothing whenever possible
- Perform regular inspections to ensure the bike is in functioning order
- Ride along the right side of the road and signal before making a turn
- Wear a properly fitted helmet and other protective gear to decrease the chance of a traumatic brain injury or fatal trauma
- Use a front light and a flashing red light or rear reflector, mainly when riding near dusk or dawn
Common Reasons for a Modesto Bicycle Accident
Even though a cyclist may be involved in a bike crash anywhere, intersections are the most frequent locations. Following are the common reasons for cyclists being injured by negligent drivers:
- A cyclist crashing into a vehicle door when a motorist or passenger opens it into traffic
- Cars veering into bicycle lanes
- Drivers who ignore traffic lights or signs
- Drugged or drunk driving
- Failure to yield to the bicycle rider
- Inattentive motorists who are reversing out of a parking space
- Motorist distraction due to cell phone use or other reasons
- Not following the Three Feet for Safety Act
- Speeding
What Damages Are Recoverable in a Bike Injury Case?
Cyclists who are injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another driver may be eligible for various types of personal injury damages, including:
- Economic Damages: In a personal injury claim, these are considered quantifiable expenses. These include medical expenses, wage loss, and lost earning capacity.
- Noneconomic Damages: These are intangible losses that are not easy to quantify. They include loss of quality of life, emotional distress, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.
- Punitive Damages: These are only applicable in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as driving under the influence.
The value of a personal injury claim can be affected by various factors. They are discussed in the following video.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Injury Claim?
Under California law, an injured person has a two-year window to bring a claim for a bicycle accident. In personal injury cases involving minors, the statute of limitations may be extended or tolled until he or she turns 18 years old. From that date, the injured party has two years to file for personal injury. If a timely claim is not made, the injured person’s right to recovery may be lost, and the court may dismiss the case.
Should I Hire a Modesto Injury Lawyer?
Knowing what to do after a bike crash can be stressful and confusing. You may think that all you have to do is contact law enforcement or your insurance company to report the accident. However, such collisions often turn out to be far more challenging. This is why it is essential to contact an experienced Modesto personal injury attorney to ensure your right to fair compensation is protected.
Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury lawyer. Injuries suffered in a bike crash can be catastrophic or even fatal in some cases. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a cycling accident due to the fault of another, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
Learn more about our law office by reading our client comments and reviews at:
I am a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates. This forum was established to recognize attorneys who have obtained over $1 million for a client. I also belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, which is available to attorneys with the highest standards in the profession.
To find out more about our law firm and previous cases we have handled, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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