Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorneys

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 and disfigurement, neck and 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 and dangerous roads. Our lawyers Robert Allen Piering, John Beals, and 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.

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 and 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 and 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 by not taking proper safety precautions around bicyclists. Defective products such as bike frames and 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, and pain and suffering. We will take the time to understand how your injuries have affected your quality of life and pursue compensation that reflects that loss. We will explore all potential avenues of recovery, from your auto insurance and uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to the driver's auto insurance, to ensure you get maximum compensation.

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.

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, too, so you may already be prepared.

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.

2. Collect Information

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

• Name and number
• License plate number
• Insurance policy

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

3. Get Medical Attention

You will know when you have an emergency medical situation. However, other 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 and quick recovery, but also link the accident to your injuries and 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 and any permanent life changes.