Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyers
If you were injured while riding a bicycle, you need a trusted Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer by your side. Our lawyers at Cutter Law P.C. are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. With our extensive experience and successful track record, our skilled legal team will fight for you at every stage of your case. Contact us now for personalized and compassionate representation.
Sacramento sees an astounding number of bicycle accidents. The city has the unfortunate distinction of being the fifth deadliest city in the nation for bicyclists. Various factors contribute to these accidents, including distracted driving, failure to yield, inadequate cycling infrastructure, and poor road conditions. If you are a bicycle accident victim, you need an experienced legal team to protect your rights and help you obtain compensation.
Who May Be Liable for a Bicycle Accident in California?
Although several parties may be responsible for a bicycle accident, automobile drivers rank first in the list of liable parties. Legally, drivers who act negligently and cause a crash can be held accountable for the damages and injuries. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless behavior
Government Negligence
It’s also possible for liability for bicycle accidents to fall on the government due to negligence. A few examples of government negligence include:
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes, cracks, uneven surfaces, or lack of proper signage
- Substandard maintenance of the roadway
- Design flaws in the roadway or infrastructure, such as inadequate bike lanes, faulty traffic signals, or improper road markings
Over the past months, government tort claims involving California bicyclists focused on poorly maintained roads. Many streets have potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces that cause accidents and severely injure bicyclists.
For example, heavy rainfall in Northern California, including Sacramento and Oakland, has exacerbated deteriorating road conditions, giving rise to hazardous road defects. Given that it’s the government’s duty to maintain and repair dangerous roads, its failure can lead to government liability.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
Bicycle injury damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic.
Many accident victims suffer measurable financial losses, known as economic damages. These damages can include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
However, some losses are not easily measurable. They are called non-economic damages and include:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or support with a spouse or partner
Determining these damages requires the assistance of a skilled legal team. Contact Cutter Law now to let us help you get fairly compensated for your sufferings.
Bicycle Accident Case Result
$1.895 Million Verdict for Cyclist in Sonoma County
On Sunday morning, July 10, 2016, our client was cycling with her friend. During her bike ride, she hit a large pothole that was partially hidden by shade cast from a nearby tree. Our client suffered significant injuries after riding her bike through the pothole.
During the trial, Attorney Celine Cutter successfully argued the pothole constituted a “dangerous condition of public property.” Despite our client returning to work and appearing to have recovered, Cutter Law diligently interviewed her friends, family, and co-workers to reveal the true impact of her injuries.
As a result, the jury awarded the plaintiff a verdict of nearly $1.9 million, including $1 million for past pain and suffering. Because the jury found the plaintiff 30 percent responsible, the award is reduced by 30 percent to around $1.33 million.
“We are happy with the award. Our client’s medical expenses are covered and the jury awarded significant compensation for pain and suffering. I think the jury recognized that although our client was able to return to work, that she’ll have physical symptoms for the rest of her life.”
How Can Cutter Law Help in Your Sacramento Bicycle Accident Case?
The legal team at Cutter Law has a collective experience of 130 years, and we are here to fight for you and your family at every stage of your case. We have a successful track record of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for our injured clients and their families.
We are adept at navigating complex legal proceedings and securing significant compensation for personal injury accident clients throughout Northern California. Contact us now and get thoughtful legal guidance.
Frequently Asked Legal Questions
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault for the Bicycle Accident?
Yes, California follows a comparative negligence system. Therefore, you may be entitled to recover damages even if you were partially at fault. For example, if you were riding your bicycle out of the designated lane, but the driver failed to yield the right of way, you may recover some damages.
Do I Still Have a Case if a Roadway Defect Caused My Bicycle Accident?
Yes, you likely have a case if you suffered an accident due to roadway defects. Negligence on the part of the city or responsible government entity can be the reason for road problems, such as drainage issues, uneven surfaces, potholes, or cracks. All these issues can contribute to accidents. Get in touch with us so we can help you pursue a claim based on negligence.
Will My Bicycle Accident Case Go to Trial?
Insurance companies are in business to make a profit. They do not make money by being generous with their payouts.
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, it’s likely their insurance will be responsible for paying your claim. A skilled attorney can ensure they pay the full value of your claim.
How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?
Calculating the precise worth of your bicycle accident claim can be complicated, as it relies on several factors specific to your case. However, the following will impact your claim’s value:
- The severity of your injuries
- The effects on your day-to-day life and ability to work
- The responsibility of all involved parties
How Long Does a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in California Typically Take To Resolve?
The duration of a case may differ based on various aspects, including:
- The case’s complexity, especially if the claim is against a government entity
- The severity of the injuries
- The willingness of the parties o reach an agreement
With Cutter Law representing you, you can rest easy knowing that your case will resolve promptly and efficiently with your best interests in mind.
What Does an Attorney Have to Prove in a Bicycle Accident injury Case?
To prove negligent actions, our attorneys have to prove four separate occurrences, including:
- The driver or party that caused the accident owed what’s referred to in the courtroom as a “duty of care.” For example, if you hit a pothole while out riding your bicycle, then the organization responsible for maintaining the roads owed you a duty of care to repair the broken section of rode.
- The driver breached their duty of care.
- The breach of care caused the accident or injury in question.
- The accident caused damages or harm to either party.
What Factors Impact My Cases’ Viability in a Court of Law?
There are a few circumstances and factors that impact your cases’ viability in a court of law. Those factors include:
- Vehicle Driver Negligence: If the vehicle’s driver exhibited any form of negligence, you likely have a case. Some examples of negligence on the part of the driver include aggressive driving, careless driving, and driving under drugs or alcohol.
- Bicyclist Negligence: Some examples of bicyclist negligence include failing to obey traffic laws, aggressive riding, and riding a bicycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (yes, bicycles are vehicles, and riding drunk is a crime).
What Should I Do if the Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?
If anyone representing the opposing party or the opposing party’s insurance company contacts you, it is important that you direct them to your injury lawyer without comment. Insurance adjusters are paid to minimize the compensation insurance companies pay or eliminate compensation altogether.
The adjuster may seem friendly, but this is often an attempt to bring your guard down so you will prematurely accept a low-ball settlement or say something the company can use against you.
Related Bicycle Accident Information
Dangerous Intersections in Sacramento for Cyclists
According to Sacramento’s Vision Zero Safety Report, 85 percent of serious and fatal bike crashes occur at intersections. Although 22 percent of those involved in collisions are pedestrians or cyclists, they account for 48 percent of fatalities and serious injuries.
Some of the most dangerous intersections for bicyclists include the following:
- Marysville Boulevard from North Avenue to Arcade Boulevard
- Broadway from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to 13th Avenue
- Florin Road from 24th Street to Munson Way
California Laws to Protect Bicyclists
California has a few laws to protect and prioritize the safety of bicyclists on the roads. Some notable ones include:
- Three Feet for Safety Act: This law requires motorists to maintain a minimum of three feet of space when passing bicyclists on the road. In case it is not feasible to maintain the three-foot distance due to road conditions, the motorist should slow down and pass at a safe distance.
- Designated bike lane usage laws: Bicyclists should use bike lanes or designated bicycle paths as much as possible. However, they are not obliged to use them exclusively and may use the regular travel lanes if necessary for their safety or to make a turn. Conversely, motor vehicles must stick to ordinary traffic lanes and can be ticketed for driving in bicycle lanes, except in some situations, such as parking and turning.
The skilled personal injury lawyers at Cutter Law are well-versed in these laws and can help you get compensated and back on your feet should you suffer an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. We will provide the legal guidance you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Sacramento Trauma Centers
Trauma centers are best equipped to provide necessary medical attention for severe injuries, such as those caused by bicycle accidents. Sacramento is home to one Level I trauma center and two Level II trauma centers.
The only difference between these two types of trauma centers is that Level I trauma centers have a teaching component. Both types offer acute care and ongoing care.
- Level II for adults: Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center
- Level II for adults: Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento
- Level I for adults and children: University of California, Davis Medical Center
Contact our Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
You can count on the experienced injury attorneys at Cutter Law P.C. to represent your best interests. Our lawyers have received numerous recognitions from our peers, including such prestigious honors as Best of the Bar, Northern California Super Lawyers, and Advocate of the Year.
Whether it involves holding negligent drivers accountable, pursuing government liability for poor road conditions, or maximizing your compensation, Cutter Law will provide reliable, compassionate, and skilled legal representation. Schedule a free consultation with our skilled Sacramento personal injury lawyers today.
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Our Office Location
401 Watt Avenue Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95864
Phone: 916-290-9400
Related Pages
- Bicycle Accidents
- Brain Injuries
- Bus Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Wrongful Death
