Long Road to Recovery for California Bicycle Accident Victims

The California Bicycle Coalition notes that bicyclists generally have the same rights as the drivers of motor vehicles. Bicyclists do not, however, have the same level of protection.

As a result, accidents involving bicycles and automobiles usually end very badly for the bicyclist. Victims in these cases often sustain catastrophic injuries that can involve several months, years, or even a lifetime of recovery. Some injuries can even be fatal.

Did you suffer severe injuries or was your loved one killed in a bicycle accident in California? Contact the Los Angeles Injury Group at (310) 954-7248 to have our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer see how our firm can help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Types of California Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicyclists are not afforded the same kind of protection inherent to motor vehicles. As a result, bicyclists are susceptible to much more serious injuries than drivers or passengers involved in crashes.

In many cases, victims are actually thrown from their bikes, possibly several feet. In some cases, victims may strike or land on stationary objects, worsening the severity of their injuries.

Some of the most common kinds of bike accident injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Road rash;
• Fractures (broken bones);
• Internal organ damage;
• Nerve damage;
• Dental injury;
• Disfigurement;
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI);
• Spinal cord injury;
• Paralysis; and
• Death.

People who are fortunate enough to survive bike crashes can still face extraordinary challenges in their recovery efforts. Some people are never able to completely be restored to full health.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California

While drivers are required to share roads with bicyclists, many bicycle accidents in Southern California are the result of some kind of driver negligence. In many cases, motorists have improperly gauged the speed or location of bicyclists.

Many accidents involve motor vehicle making some kind of turns. Left-turn accidents typically involve automobiles turning in front of oncoming bicyclists, while right-turn accidents usually involve cyclists traveling in the same direction as the motor vehicle.

In some case, cars may strike bikes at intersections or the entrances to certain parking lots. One of the most common kinds of accidents in many urban locations in California is the so-called “dooring” accident.

In a dooring crash, the occupant of a motor vehicle swings open the door to the automobile without looking for oncoming cyclists. Bicyclists are then powerless to avoid colliding with the doors, and they may be thrown from their bikes.

Find a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

If you sustained severe injuries or your loved one was killed in a bicycle crash in Southern California, it is in your best interest to quickly seek legal representation. You will want to contact the Los Angeles Injury Group for help protecting your rights and holding the negligent party accountable.

Our firm will work tirelessly to help you possibly obtain compensation for all economic damages relating to out-of-pocket expenses as well as nonecomic damages such as your pain and suffering. Call (310) 954-7248 or contact us online to have our attorney provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free consultation.