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Bicycle Accident Injuries and Deaths Increasing

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in

bicycle accident injuriesBicycle accident injuries are steadily increasing across the nation. Often, negligent drivers and poor road design contribute to injuries and even death.

The Numbers in California are Grim
According to a report issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the number of bicyclists deaths in the U.S. rose by 16 percent between 2010 and 2012. With a total of 338 fatalities, California had the highest total number of cyclists killed in an accident involving a car in the study. The state also had one of the largest bicycle death increases, second only to Florida.

Stay Safe While Biking
Safety precautions are essential while both biking and driving. If biking, always wear a helmet and reflective gear, have lights while riding at night and ride defensively. Bikers should be aware of what roads are safe for cycling and which are not.

Negligence and Bicycle Accidents
Drivers, bikers, and poor road design contribute to bicycle accidents. In 2010, an alarmingly large number of fatally injured bicyclists over two-thirds were not wearing safety helmets and nearly 30 percent of bicyclists over the age of 16 had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 the legal limit and the level at which a person is impaired.

The GHSA report suggests that roads were primarily built to accommodate motor vehicles rather than cyclists and pedestrians. Furthermore, serious challenges are present when trying to accommodate a growing number of cyclists and pedestrians traveling where motor vehicles are the primary mode of transportation.

Many cities are slowing down speeds on biking routes, adding protective routes for cyclists, and using different colored paint for road lines.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Bicycle accident injury claims can be difficult to navigate. If you have been injured in a serious bicycle accident, and you are in need of legal representation, contact the Arnold Law Firm and schedule a free consultation with a trusted Sacramento personal injury lawyer at our law firm.

Call (916) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.