There’s certainly something special about riding a bike along San Diego’s beautiful coastline. And while bicycling is relatively safe – thousands of San Diegans bike without incident every day – accidents can still tragically happen. Given that a bicycle lacks the safety features of a vehicle, and considering the vulnerability of the body and head, a cyclist involved in an accident can experience a range of personal injury. Common injuries may include broken bones, concussions, internal injuries and other forms of catastrophic injury. Sadly, some injuries can even lead to wrongful death.

There’s no doubt that a bicycle accident can cause a tremendous amount of stress and worry. An individual might face a lifetime of uncertainty following an accident. Families may be forever affected with the loss of a loved one if a bicycle accident results in wrongful death. It goes without saying that accident injuries can cause a domino effect of outcomes. Right now, you need a good lawyer to get your life back on track.

The San Diego bicycle accident attorneys at Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC are nationally-recognized experts in representing people just like you. Our attorneys are specialists in bicycle accident injury law. And, we’ve helped countless people in filing successful claims against the responsible party. We can help you, too. For a completely free and confidential consultation, call us today, 24/7, at 1-858-551-2090 and speak to a lawyer now.

COMMON SAN DIEGO BICYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES

San Diego’s cooperative weather lends itself to more bicyclists on the road compared to other cities in the United States. Fortunately, most cyclists remain safe but others are tragically struck by careless drivers. Sadly, when a cyclist is struck by a motorist, the injuries can be catastrophic given the lack of protection on a bicycle. Most commonly, our lawyers help injured individuals who experience:

  • HEAD INJURY. Even though helmets help to prevent personal injury, they are not 100 percent effective all of the time, especially if a cyclist was involved in a high-impact collision. Even if a helmet remains intact on the head following an accident, there are a multitude of injuries that can occur including concussions, hemorrhaging, and brain bruises. Tragically, some bicycle accidents can leave an individual with a traumatic brain injury, which may include loss of bodily function and cognitive impairment.
  • BROKEN BONES AND OTHER PHYSICAL DISABILITIES. Broken bones and other physical disabilities can result if a cyclist is ejected from their bicycle. In some cases, catastrophic injury can also lead to amputation and emotional trauma such as depression or anxiety disorders.
  • INTERNAL INJURIES. Bicycle accidents can sometimes result in internal damage such as lacerations, punctured lung(s), organ damage, or internal bleeding. Some of these injuries may result in physical disfigurements or permanent scarring.

BICYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

About a half a million bicycle injuries occur every year according to the most recent data at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 1,000 individuals a year tragically experience wrongful death as a result of these accidents. According to the CDC, bicyclists face a higher risk of injury and deaths compared to drivers and occupants in motor vehicles.

Bicycle accidents occur for a variety of reasons, including:

POOR VISIBILITY

Bicycles are difficult to see, especially if a cyclist rides in the early morning or at dusk. The implications are even greater when a bicyclist rides in the evening hours. Given that a cyclist is harder to spot on the road, careless drivers can collide with a rider despite all the safety precautions that rider may take.

DRIVER ERROR

Careless drivers can collide with a bicyclist, especially when making a right turn. Sometimes, cyclists can be struck in intersections or crosswalks. In other cases, a driver may run a red light, striking a bicyclist who legally uses the roadway for travel.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

Distracted drivers can lose control over their vehicles, inadvertently hitting bicyclists by merging into the bike lane. Or, if a bicyclist is using the roadway, the motor vehicle may careen into the bicycle by rear-ending, side-swiping, or otherwise colliding with the cyclist. Distractions can be caused by a myriad of reasons, but most commonly, our lawyers tend to find cell phone use – either texting or calling – a primary reason of bicycle accidents caused by distraction.

INTOXICATION

Drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are incredibly dangerous on the roadway. When a drunk driver collides with a bicyclist, the implications become even greater. Sadly, drunken driving is entirely preventable, and yet, our San Diego personal injury lawyers represent innocent people who are struck by drunken drivers all too often.

FAQ FOR SAN DIEGO BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

Most people turn to a lawyer to help them recoup damages for lost wages, medical bills, or pain and suffering. Commonly, injured people want answers when it comes to complex questions such as:

WHO WILL PAY MY MEDICAL BILLS? Injured bicyclists may be reluctant to use their own health insurance to pay for medical bills for a variety of reasons. However, if you need medical treatment, use your health insurance if you are able to in order to get the treatment you need. Let our lawyers sort out the financial details of your claim once you are on the road to recovery and able to speak to us. You may be entitled to financial compensation including payment for medical bills once you file a legal claim against the responsible party.

If, however, you do not have health insurance, we may be able to set up a medical lien that can be paid back later with your settlement if we win your case.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY MEDICAL RECORDS? Be sure to keep all of your medical records following a bicycle accident. Any medical treatment that you received may be used as part of your legal claim, so it’s important to keep documentation and allow your San Diego personal injury lawyer to have access to it. If you have pre-existing injuries that were exacerbated by the accident, let your personal injury attorney know right away.

CAN I FILE A CLAIM FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING? In many cases, yes. There’s no doubt that a bicycle accident can cause a considerable amount of pain and suffering. Our lawyers can assist you in filing a claim that may include pain and suffering as part of your damages against the responsible party.

AM I ENTITLED TO FILE A CLAIM FOR MY LOST WAGES? In many cases, yes. Our attorneys are experts at filing claims that include loss of earnings. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, and you’ve missed work, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

GET LEGAL HELP NOW – FREE CONSULTATION & NO OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and you suspect it was the fault of a careless driver, we can help. Call the legal experts at Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC and speak to a qualified bicycle accident attorney today, 24/7: 1-858-551-2090.

You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. And, our top-rated, proven attorneys will fight for the maximum amount allowed by law. Don’t settle with the insurance company until you speak with us. We can help you get the financial compensation you need to get on with your life.

Right now, you need the best lawyers to help you get your life back on track. Speak to a San Diego personal injury lawyer who can help secure all of your legal rights before time runs out. You only get once chance at justice – make it count with San Diego’s most trusted law group. Call or email us today.