A Sacramento bicyclist died this weekend after colliding with a minivan. He was identified by the Sacramento Coroner as Thomas Irwin (38), a resident of Lincoln.

The fatal accident occurred around 8:15 a.m. at the intersection of Carlson Drive and H Street, in front of Fremont Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Irwin, suffered multiple traumatic injuries and was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene. The woman who was driving the minivan was not injured.

One witness apparently reported that the minivan had a green light at the intersection at the time of the crash.  Although further details of the accident are still under the investigation, a spokesperson for the Sacramento Police Department reports that drugs and alcohol were not a factor.

Our deepest condolences go out to the to the family and friends of Thomas Irwin.  Unfortunately, this tragedy is a reminder to both motorists and bicyclists of the importance of driving safely.  The California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System shows that, in 2008, 11,683 people were injured in bicycle accidents.  131 of those bicycle crashes were fatal, and 11 of the victims were between 35 and 44 years old.

Our sympathies also go out to the driver of the minivan.  Regardless of fault, the survivors of a fatal crash often experience significant guilt and emotional distress.

We do not know who was responsible for causing this tragic Sacramento bicycle accident. The police report may provide some of the information needed to determine who was at fault.  However, follow up investigation is often necessary to get all of the relevant details, including the layout of the intersection, the location of the vehicle versus the bike, and relative visibility.

Bike traffic is known to be heavy at the intersection where this occurred because several bike paths and routes converge in the area.  In these situations, it’s possible that faulty construction, design or maintenance of the intersection by the responsible  government entities played a role in creating a dangerous condition for bicyclists at the intersection.  These type of dangerous conditions can be the result of poor design, inadequate lighting, improper placement of signs, road markings and traffic signals, or poorly maintained trees or vegetation.

Anyone injured in a bike versus auto collision is urged to consult with an experienced Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney. It is always important to act quickly so that all legal rights are protected. A knowledgeable Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer will investigate the circumstances of the collision and evaluate the roadway for dangerous conditions that may have causes or contributed to this fatal accident. If a public or governmental entity is liable, for instance the City of Sacramento, the County of Sacramento, or CALTRANS, the California Government Code requires that a claim be filed against the proper entity within 180 days of the accident or injury.

The Demas & Rosenthal personal injury law firm is not currently representing anyone mentioned in this article at the time it was posted. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your legal rights and options, call us or another well recognized and respected personal injury law firm. Please do not rely or act solely upon the information provided in this article. Please consider getting a consultation immediately. The best personal injury law firms will provide a free consultation. Demas & Rosenthal will provide a free, confidential consultation to the persons who were not at fault named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.