Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Helping You Pursue Justice for Your Injuries

Riding a bicycle is a convenient, eco-friendly, and enjoyable way to travel through Sacramento’s bustling streets and scenic routes. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents can be devastating, often resulting in serious injuries that have long-term physical, emotional, and financial impacts. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured cyclists navigate the legal process, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, our experienced team is here to help you.

To schedule a free initial consultation of your case with a knowledgeable attorney at our firm, contact us today. Call (916) 297-4468.

California Bicycle Laws

California has a set of bicycle laws that aim to protect cyclists on the road and prevent accidents. As a cyclist, it’s important to be familiar with these regulations to protect your rights and ensure your safety. Key California bicycle laws include:

• Helmet Requirements: Cyclists under 18 are required to wear a helmet when riding. While adults are not legally required to wear a helmet, doing so is highly recommended as it can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in an accident.
• Lane Usage: Cyclists in California have the right to share the road with motor vehicles, and they are encouraged to ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable. However, cyclists can take the full lane if they are moving at the speed of traffic or when the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and vehicle to travel side by side safely.
• Hand Signals: Bicyclists are required to use hand signals to indicate turns and stops. This helps motorists understand the cyclist’s intentions and can prevent collisions.
• Lighting Requirements: Bicycles ridden at night must be equipped with a white front light visible from at least 300 feet away, as well as a red reflector or red light on the rear. This improves visibility and helps reduce nighttime accidents.
• Alcohol Consumption: Just like driving a car, cycling under the influence is illegal in California. Cyclists can be arrested for riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as it increases the risk of accidents.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen in a variety of ways, often due to the negligence of other road users. Common causes of bicycle accidents in Sacramento include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted are more likely to miss seeing cyclists on the road, leading to accidents.
• Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur at intersections when drivers fail to yield the right of way to bicyclists, especially during left-hand turns.
• Opening Car Doors: A common hazard for urban cyclists is “dooring,” where a driver or passenger opens their door into the path of an oncoming bicycle.
• Speeding: Speeding vehicles have less time to react to obstacles, including cyclists, and the impact of a speeding car can lead to severe or fatal injuries for bicyclists.
• Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose a significant risk to all road users, especially cyclists who are more vulnerable to collisions.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause a cyclist to lose control of their bike. In such cases, the government or responsible municipality may be liable for failing to maintain safe road conditions.

Who is Liable for a Bicycle Accident?

Determining liability in a bicycle accident case can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved. Depending on the specifics of the accident, potential liable parties could include:

• The Driver of a Motor Vehicle: In many cases, the driver who caused the accident by acting negligently is held liable for the cyclist’s injuries and damages.
• Government Entities: If poor road conditions, lack of signage, or unsafe bike lanes contributed to the accident, the city or county responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
• Bicycle Manufacturers: If a bicycle defect caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or retailer of the bike could be held accountable.
• Other Cyclists or Pedestrians: In some cases, other cyclists or pedestrians may act recklessly, leading to collisions with other cyclists.

Our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers will examine every angle of your case to ensure that all liable parties are held accountable. We are committed to helping you pursue the full compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

How We Can Help You

At tghe Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we understand the challenges that bicycle accident victims face. From dealing with insurance companies to managing mounting medical bills, the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. Our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

When you choose the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, you can expect:

• Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and develop a legal strategy tailored to your needs.
• Aggressive Representation: Our attorneys are experienced negotiators and litigators, ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
• No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call our skilled bicycle accident attorneys at (916) 297-4468 or fill out our online contact form.