Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyers

We Represent Injured Bicyclists in Sacramento County

Bicycles are not only fun, they are also a great form of exercise and cost-effective mode of transportation. However, because bicyclists have very little protection, they may suffer serious injuries in an accident even when wearing a helmet, such as broken bones, brain injuries, scars & disfigurement, neck & back injuries, or even death.

At Piering Law Firm, our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers are aggressive advocates for bicyclists who have been injured or killed due to driver negligence, product defects & dangerous roads. Our lawyers Robert Allen Piering, John Beals, & Sukhtej Atwal have more than 50 years of combined legal experience.

As avid bicyclists, we are intimately familiar with the issues affecting bikers. We will be there for you when it matters most. Our attorneys handle bike accident claims on a contingent fee basis, which means you only pay us when we successfully resolve your case. We are committed to valuing your case accurately & advocating vigorously to secure the compensation you deserve for both current & future needs.

Learn more about how we can help you by contacting our Sacramento bicycle accident attorneys by calling (916) 476-2399 today!

Bicycle Accident Statistics

Bicycle accidents are a devastating yet surprisingly common occurrence in the United States. According to data from the United States Department of Transportation:

• Bicyclists make up roughly 2 percent of all annual motor vehicle crash deaths. A total of 857 bicyclists were killed in traffic collisions in the United States in 2018 alone.
• Deaths among bicyclists age 20 & older have tripled since 1975, while child bicycle deaths have seen a decline over the years.
• 61% of bicyclists killed in 2018 were not wearing helmets.
• 79% of bicycle deaths occurred in urban areas in 2018.
• 37% of bicyclist deaths in 2018 occurred at intersections

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents occur for many reasons, with the most common being dangerous road conditions such as potholes, debris, & maintenance problems. Careless or reckless motorists may cause bicycle accidents by opening car doors in a bicyclist's path, turning into bicyclists at intersections, or not taking proper safety precautions around bicyclists. Defective products such as bike frames & handlebars also lead to a number of serious accidents.

Regardless of who caused your injury or loved one's death, our attorneys will work hard to help you get the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, & pain & suffering. We will take the time to understand how your injuries have affected your quality of life & pursue compensation that reflects that loss. We will explore all potential avenues of recovery, from your auto insurance & uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to the driver's auto insurance, to ensure you get maximum compensation.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in California

Whether you are an avid cyclist or new to the scene, you probably already know what to do to increase your safety and prevent a traffic accident. However, you can only control what you do. The other half of the equation is the motorist, who can hit you despite all the safety precautions you have taken.

Do you know what to do in this situation? The good news is that the steps to take after a bicycle accident are similar to the ones you would take if you were a motorist, so you may already be prepared. Knowing these steps can significantly support your legal case & ensure your well-being is a priority from the moment an accident occurs.

1. Report the Accident

The first thing to do is call the police, whether or not you have been severely hurt. Making a report can help your case when you pursue financial compensation from the insurance companies. However, do not admit fault to any degree or apologize for anything you did, even if you were partially responsible. Accurate police documentation can serve as critical evidence in your case.

2. Collect Information

At the accident scene, obtain the following information from the driver and provide yours as well:

• Name & number: Ensure you exchange basic contact details.
• License plate number: Record the vehicle's identification to assist future legal inquiries.
• Insurance policy: Secure details about the driver's insurance for future claims.

Also, note the vehicle make, model, & color. Take photos of the accident with your phone & talk to any witnesses for additional information. For serious incidents, an attorney can use professional resources to further investigate & build a robust case on your behalf.

3. Get Medical Attention

You will know when you have emergency medical needs. However, some injuries may not be as obvious. For example, you may suffer a concussion or other traumatic brain injury without realizing it until days later. For this reason, it is wise to seek a medical evaluation as soon as you can. It not only will improve your chances of a full & quick recovery, but also link the accident to your injuries & determine the extent of the damage. This information is necessary for your legal case so you can receive the right amount of awards to cover medical bills, lost wages, & any permanent life changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Prove Liability in a Bicycle Accident?

Proving liability in a bicycle accident involves demonstrating negligence on the part of another party. This typically means showing that the driver owed a duty of care to you and that their breach of this duty directly caused your injuries. Evidence might include police reports, eyewitness testimonies, traffic camera footage, and reconstructions of the accident. Aided by experienced attorneys, such as those at Piering Law Firm, gathering and presenting comprehensive evidence can be greatly facilitated, ensuring a stronger case.

What Should I Do If the Driver Leaves the Scene?

In the unfortunate event that the driver leaves the scene of the accident, it is crucial to stay calm and gather as much information as possible. Note any details about the vehicle, such as make, model, color, and any portion of the license plate. Immediately call the police to report the hit-and-run; they can help find the perpetrator. Contacting an attorney quickly will also enable you to understand your rights and potential compensation routes, such as filing a claim through your uninsured motorist policy.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes, California operates under a comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced proportionately by the percentage of your fault. For instance, if it is determined that you were 20% responsible, you would still be eligible to recover 80% of the total damages. This system ensures that victims are not entirely barred from recovery due to minor fault contributions, allowing fair compensation based on the circumstances.

To schedule a free consultation — on the weekend or in your home, when necessary — with one of our experienced Sacramento bicycle accident attorneys, call (916) 476-2399 or contact us online. Se habla español.