Home » Practice areas » Personal Injury » Bicycle Accidents
Table of Content
Bicycle accidents are relatively common in California, which has a large number of cyclists and a high volume of traffic. According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 11,471 bicycle accidents in California in 2019, resulting in 155 deaths and over 10,000 injuries. These numbers have remained relatively consistent over the past several years, indicating that bicycle accidents continue to be a significant concern for cyclists in California.
Several factors contribute to the high rate of bicycle accidents in California, including the state’s mild climate, which encourages year-round cycling, and the large number of cars on the road. In addition, many California cities have a culture of cycling, with bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and other amenities that encourage cycling as a mode of transportation.
Despite these challenges, there are many steps that cyclists and motorists can take to reduce the risk of bicycle accidents in California. By following traffic laws, staying alert, and being aware of their surroundings, both cyclists and motorists can help make California’s roads safer for everyone.
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to severe, life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common injuries from bicycle accidents include:
It’s essential to seek medical attention following a bicycle accident, even if you don’t immediately feel pain or notice any injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical care can help prevent complications and ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to severe, life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common injuries from bicycle accidents include:
It’s essential to seek medical attention following a bicycle accident, even if you don’t immediately feel pain or notice any injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical care can help prevent complications and ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are relatively common after a bicycle accident, particularly if the cyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 22% of all bicycle-related injuries treated in emergency rooms in the United States are traumatic brain injuries.
TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries that can have long-lasting effects on a person’s physical and cognitive abilities. Symptoms of a TBI can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and changes in mood or behavior.
Wearing a properly fitting helmet can significantly reduce the risk of a traumatic brain injury in a bicycle accident. According to the CDC, helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85%. In California, helmets are required by law for all cyclists under the age of 18 and are recommended for all cyclists.
It’s important to seek medical attention after a bicycle accident, even if you feel fine or do not notice any symptoms of a traumatic brain injury. Some symptoms may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical care can help ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
An attorney with experience in bicycle accident cases can help determine fault by investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident and gathering evidence to support your claim. Some ways that an attorney can help include:
It’s important to choose an attorney with experience in bicycle accident cases and a track record of success in representing clients who have been injured in similar accidents. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after a bicycle accident.
An attorney with experience in bicycle accident cases can help determine fault by investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident and gathering evidence to support your claim. Some ways that an attorney can help include:
It’s important to choose an attorney with experience in bicycle accident cases and a track record of success in representing clients who have been injured in similar accidents. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after a bicycle accident.
Traumatic spine injuries are also a concern after a bicycle accident, particularly in accidents involving high speeds or significant impact. These injuries can range from mild strains and sprains to severe spinal cord injuries that can result in partial or complete paralysis.
According to data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, bicycle accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for approximately 8% of all new spinal cord injuries each year.
Symptoms of a spine injury can include pain, numbness, or tingling in the limbs or torso, difficulty breathing, loss of bladder or bowel control, and muscle weakness or paralysis.
Wearing a properly fitting helmet can reduce the risk of a spinal cord injury by protecting the head and neck in the event of an accident. However, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of spinal cord injuries in a bicycle accident.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident and are experiencing symptoms of a spine injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can help prevent further damage and improve your chances of a full recovery.
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident, or you may be barred from bringing a claim in court.
However, there are some exceptions to this general rule, and the statute of limitations may be shorter or longer depending on the specific circumstances of your case. For example, if the accident involved a government entity or employee, you may need to file a claim with the appropriate government agency within six months of the accident, and the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit may be shorter or longer than two years.
It’s important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after a bicycle accident to ensure that you do not miss any deadlines and to begin building a strong case to support your claim. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
There are several reasons why you may need an experienced attorney after a bicycle accident:
Ultimately, working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after a bicycle accident and can help you focus on your recovery and moving forward with your life.
Content, including images, displayed on this website is protected by copyright laws. Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy