Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer
It’s safe to say that many Californians these days are striving to be health-conscious and environmentally friendly. They are cutting unhealthy foods from their diets, recycling, and making conscious decisions at the grocery store and other businesses. They are also engaging in activities that are good not only for their bodies, but also for the planet.
Bicycling is one such activity. It provides people with an alternative, greener mode of transportation and exercise. For these reasons, more and more people are taking up the self-propelled two-wheelers; however, this may entail an increase in bicycle injury accidents. Now more than ever, both bicyclists and motorists need to stay cautious while on the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Sacramento bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The experienced personal injury attorneys at the Crowell Law Offices can help you file your injury claim and negotiate a full and fair settlement with the liable party’s insurance. For a free, confidential and comprehensive case evaluation, call us today at 916-303-2800.
How to Avoid Bike Accidents
“Accident” in most crash cases may be a misnomer. The word implies innocence on the part of everyone involved. However, in most cases, this is far from true.
Even if the individual who caused the crash didn’t intend to do so, he or she may still be held liable for damages due to negligence or recklessness. Instances of human error, which is behind most accidents, can be avoided if both motorists and bicyclists stay focused on the road and practice safe habits.
Cyclists can keep themselves from getting injured or worse by adhering to these safety guidelines:
- Ride Defensively – Stay vigilant and remain aware of all the vehicles and other objects around you at all times.
- Make Yourself Visible – Wear bright and reflective clothing. Install front and rear lamps on your bicycle. These are all essential to safe riding, especially in the dark.
- Wear a Helmet – This cannot be said enough. A helmet can make the difference between a minor injury and a life-threatening injury.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
It’s important to remain calm and focused after a bicycle accident. Any misstep made in the aftermath can jeopardize your injury claim, so it’s important to be prepared in the event you are involved in a collision. The liable party’s insurance company will do anything to avoid paying a fair settlement, so make sure you follow these guidelines to strengthen your claim:
- File a Police Report – No matter the circumstances of the accident, make sure to file a police report. Seemingly minor injuries can develop into serious, lifelong disabilities. Drivers who appear apologetic and compliant at first may deny their liability later on. If you were transported to the hospital right after your accident, contact the local police department to determine whether a report was filed. If so, get a copy. If not, then file a report. Family members may be able to file the report in the event that the victim is unable.
- Obtain Information – The more information you have, the stronger your claim will be. Get the liable driver’s name, address, license number, and insurance information. Find witnesses and get their names and contact information. If you are physically unable to do this yourself, ask a bystander for assistance.
- Document Everything – Seek medical attention for your injuries so a report is documented. Make note of all the details surrounding the accident. Take photos.
- Preserve Evidence – Do not take the wrecked bike to a repair shop. Take photos of any damaged property or equipment. Preserve everything—including your clothing—as it was right after the accident occurred.
If you are reading this after already being involved in a bicycle accident, it’s important to do what you can. Requesting the police report, which hopefully includes driver and witness information, documenting everything, and preserving evidence can all help you build a case against the at-fault party.
Seek an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Perhaps the most important thing to do after an accident is to get in touch with a skilled Sacramento traffic accident lawyer. Contact the Crowell Law Offices today to protect your rights and your future.
Crowell Law Offices Client Reviews:
Hendrick and his firm were always available, professional and there to make sure you know someone is in your corner. Hendrick never tried to sugar coat what he could do, he was realistic, pragmatic and gave me best and worst scenarios. Ultimately my case is probably the exception: it was dismissed due to officer no show on trial date…however, the real story is that Hendrick had asked for a continuance and the judge denied knowing that the officer was out for the week. The only reason this happened is the fact that Hendrick has built a solid reputation and a good working relationship with the judge. This is the reason you hire Hendrick for DUIs / traffic infractions / and more serious crimes that he has experience with. A mere civilian has absolutely no chance in this court system. The fact is that judges and lawyers build a working relationship that is respected and professional and you cannot compete with that. if you are facing charges in Hendrick’s area of expertise, call him.
— June
