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Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle accidents cause devastating injuries, and Sacramento has the unfortunate distinction of being the fifth deadliest city in the nation for bicyclists.  Every year, 100 bicyclists across California are killed, and more than 10,000 are injured. Our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers are here to help. 

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These statistics are unacceptable. California gives bicyclists the same rights to the road as motorists. Therefore, motorists owe bicyclists a duty of care to be aware of their presence. The Sacramento personal injury attorneys at Cutter Law P.C. specialize in holding drivers and insurance companies accountable when bicyclists are injured due to negligence.

The legal team at our law firm in Sacramento is ready to take your call and help you understand your options for recovery. 

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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 Bicycle Safety Laws

California requires bicycle riders who share the roadways with drivers to follow the same traffic laws as motorists. This promotes bicycle safety and helps prevent accidents. 

  • Bicycles must travel in the same direction as traffic and as close to the right curb as possible or in a bike lane.
    • The requirement to drive close to the right curb is waived in the following circumstances:
      • When preparing to turn at an intersection or into a driveway
      • When the road is too narrow to accommodate a bicycle and motor vehicle side-by-side
      • On one-way roads with two or more lanes, in which case bicyclists may also ride near the left curb
  • The provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs apply to bicyclists.
  • Bicycles must be equipped with the following:
    • Brakes
    • A white light when riding at night
    • Red reflectors on the rear 
    • Yellow or white reflectors on each pedal and on each side of the bike forward of center 
    • A red or white reflector on each side of the rear half of the bicycle  
    • As an alternative to the reflectors, reflectorized tires are allowed.
  • Motor vehicles are not allowed to drive in bicycle lanes except to prepare for a turn, leave the roadway or park (where permitted).
  • Bicyclists under 18 must wear helmets.

What are the most common causes of Sacramento bicycle accidents?

According to the Sacramento Police Department,the most common causes of car accidents and truck accidents include:

  • Following too closely
  • Failing to stop for red lights or stop signs
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Speeding
  • Improper left turns
  • Failure to yield the right of way

These violations cause vehicles to collide with bicycles just as they do other vehicles and are usually the most common causes of bicycle accidents as well. Always be aware of the behavior of motorists and assume they do not see you.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bike accidents often result in the following injuries:  

Additionally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2.4% of all traffic fatalities in 2020 were bicycle riders. 

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.

a bicyclist on the streets of Sacramento

How does California define negligence?

Negligence occurs when the following elements are present:

  • Legal duty – The defendant had a legal duty of care.
  • Breach of duty – The defendant breached that duty.
  • An injury occurred – The plaintiff suffered measurable and verifiable harm.
  • Proximate cause – The harm is the result of the breach of duty and not the result of anything else.

How much compensation can I receive for my bicycle accident claim?

Due to the catastrophic nature of bicycle accident injuries, compensation could be substantial. As a rule, the more serious your injuries, the more compensation you can recover. The following types of compensation may be available:

  • Economic damages – Monetary losses such as lost income, medical bills and property damage
  • Non-economic damages – Subjective damages related to quality of life, including pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of society and loss of consortium (husbands and wives)
  • Exemplary damages – Punitive damages awarded as a punishment against defendants whose behavior demonstrated fraud, oppression or malice

Some states place limits on the amount of compensation you can receive. However, California law imposes no such limits.

$240 Million

Trial attorney Brooks Cutter took a lead role in a nationwide case against Boston Scientific and Guidant following a recall of the manufacturer’s pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators.

$7.6 Million

Medical malpractice jury verdict on behalf of a young woman who suffered a spinal cord injury after doctors failed to diagnose a tumor on her spine.

$ 2.4 Million

Brooks Cutter and Margot Cutter won a $2.4 million dollar verdict on behalf of the children of a man who died after a staff doctor at a hospital lied and transferred a patient to another hospital that was not equipped to handle the patient.

$1.85 Million

Attorneys Todd Walburg and Celine Cutter represented a cyclist in Sonoma County, California who suffered a broken jaw and a mild traumatic brain injury after she rode her bike through a large pothole. 

What if I am partly at fault for the accident?

California is a pure comparative fault state. This means you are entitled to file a claim for damages if the other party bears any fault at all, even if you are more at fault than the other party. However, your compensation must be adjusted in proportion to your share of the fault.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Cases

You have two years from the date of the injury to file an injury lawsuit. If you are filing a wrongful death case, you have two years from the date of death to file your case. While this may seem like sufficient time, it is important that you do not put off contacting an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Sacramento. Your attorney will need to access your medical records, conduct a detailed forensic investigation and consult with experts. 

These processes require a significant amount of time. Contacting an attorney early will give the attorney time to identify all liable parties, gather all necessary accident and medical information and build the strongest case possible to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

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. 

You could inadvertently sign away your rights to sue or make statements that harm your case. Insurance adjusters are not representing your best interests but the interests of the insurance company.

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.

We offer free case evaluations and never charge a fee until we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Testimonials

Daniel
Daniel
This is a high quality Law firm. This firm is top of the line and present information clearly and concisely.
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This is a family owned business and extremely friendly. The whole crew is very profession and reputable. They are highly knowledgeable in their trade and bring a top level of expertise to any inquiry. I would highly recommend this Law firm. These are wonderful people and they will help you get the justice you deserve.
Bryan H.
Bryan H.
My experience with Cutter Law has been extremely positive.
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The staff are professional, responsive, and passionate about their clients. Highly recommend this law firm.
Michael D.
Michael D.
Cutter Law is the one to call for sound legal advise and the firm to rely upon for solid support.
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There's this thing about lawyers ... they often forget the first word in their title, Counselor at Law. Well, Margo Cutter practices the full spectrum of her profession. Though she has not represented me in litigation, I have benefited from her kind support and sound counsel regarding a traumatic injury I sustained due the negligence of others and the subsequent unbearable pursuit for justice. Thank you, Margo.
Valerie
Valerie
I had the pleasure of working with the Cutter Law P.C firm recently and it was a very positive experience.
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Their people were professional, thorough, and expressed true consideration in their deliverance. I highly recommend them to anyone.
Miguel O.
Miguel O.
If aggressive, smart attorneys are what you need then look no further.
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CL took on my personal injury injury case without me needing to put in a retainer fee all while making sure I was prepared and on time for my court dates. You can always try submitting a case evaluation to see if they are the right attorneys for you before committing.
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401 Watt Avenue Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95864
Phone: 916-290-9400

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