Overview of Bicycle Accidents in California
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 818 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2015. California had the second highest total of any state with 129 bicyclist fatalities.
Did you suffer severe injuries or your loved one was killed in a bicycle accident in California? You will want to contact the Los Angeles Injury Group as soon as possible. Call 310) 954-7248 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation that will allow our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to review your case and discuss all of your legal options.
Types of Bicycle Accidents in California
Many bicycle crashes are the result of some kind of negligence by the drivers of motor vehicles. A few of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Speeding
- Violation of local or state traffic laws
- Left turn in front of oncoming bicyclist
- Right turn into bicyclist traveling same direction
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and/or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
Another very common kind of incident in more urban areas in and around Los Angeles is the so-called “dooring” accident. In these types of events, motor vehicle occupants swing open automobile doors without first looking for oncoming vehicles or bikes, and bicyclists can be powerless to avoid colliding with the doors.
Bicycle Accident Injuries in California
The simple truth is that bicyclists are not afforded the same kind of protection that is inherent to most automobiles. Thus, collisions between these two type of vehicles often end very badly for the person riding the bike.
A bicyclist could suffer any one of a number of highly serious injuries in a collision. Some of the most common include, but are not limited to:
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Paralysis
Following a bicycle crash, the victim can face a very long and challenging road to recovery. Certain victims can require full-time assistance with all kinds of basic everyday needs.
When a person injured in a bicycle accident is unable to return to his or her job or possibly even maintain any gainful employment, the negligent party can be liable for that lost income. The victim could also be entitled to compensation for all of his or her medical care and rehabilitation.
It is important to keep in mind that no matter how clear-cut a driver’s fault may seem, that driver’s insurance company is still very likely to accuse the victim of somehow being at fault for his or her injuries. For this reason, you will want to retain legal counsel that will fight to protect your rights.
Find a Bicycle Accident Attorney in California
If you sustained serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a bicycle crash in California, it will be in your best interest to quickly seek legal representation. Contact the Los Angeles Injury Group right now.
Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can fight to help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. You can have our firm provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call (310) 954-7248 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.