A 28-year-old man has died from the injuries that he sustained in a bike accident in downtown Sacramento. The incident occurred July 19 when a vehicle that was traveling southbound on 10th Street turned east onto H Street and struck the bicyclist according to the Sacramento Bee. The victim was transported to an area hospital and was initially reported to be in stable condition. But he died July 30 from the severe head injuries that he had suffered in the accident. The motorist remained at the scene, but it is not clear if the driver has been cited or arrested. The investigation is ongoing.
Bicycle Accidents in Sacramento
Sacramento has joined the Vision Zero program, which aims to bring the number of traffic accident fatalities to zero. This initiative by the city is an effort to make its streets safer for bicyclists and pedestrians as well as other road users. City officials say 130 people have died in crashes on city streets in a five-year period between 2010 and 2014, including 48 pedestrians and 13 bicyclists. Another 450 auto accidents have left victims with severe injuries.
Research by cycling and pedestrian advocates shows that the most dangerous streets and intersections in Sacramento are the wide, high-speed streets that run through the city’s neighborhoods such as Del Paso Road in Natomas, Stockton Boulevard, Fruitridge Road, 65th Street and 47th Avenue.
Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death
California law states that when a death occurs due to the negligence or wrongful act on the part of another individual and/or entity, the family members of the decedent are entitled to seek damages by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This applies to auto accident cases where a person was fatally injured due to the negligent act of another motorist. The most common auto accident or bicycle accident wrongful death cases we see occur as a result of motorists who drive drunk, distracted or motorists who break the rules of the road such as running a stop sign or red light, or failing to yield.
Wrongful death lawsuits are usually filed by immediate family members such as a spouse, children, parents or someone who lived with a decedent or was financially dependent on the decedent. These types of claims seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship.
For a wrongful death claim to be successful, plaintiffs (the family member of the victim) must prove that negligence or wrongdoing played a part in the fatal incident. The claims process in these types of cases may quickly become complicated and cumbersome. This is why selecting a knowledgeable lawyer to represent you can make a huge difference to the outcome of your personal injury claim.
Our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers can help you and your family pursue their legal rights. Contact the Demas Law Group P.C., at (916) 444-0100 to schedule a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.
