As bicycle riding grows in popularity, the frequency of incidents involving collisions between bikes and automobiles has also increased. When bicycles are struck by automobiles, even at relatively “low” speeds, the outcome can be catastrophic. Bicyclists have only their helmets (if they are wearing one) to prevent or lessen any injury they may sustain in an accident. Passenger automobiles have a vast array of safety devices and mechanisms in place to protect the occupants — cyclists do not share this luxury. After a cyclist is struck by an automobile they can be thrown from their bike, pinned under a car, or even land in oncoming lanes of traffic. The extent of the injuries that a cyclist can incur after being struck by a car can be so severe that their impact can last a lifetime. Consulting with an experienced Los Angeles bike accident lawyer after you are hit is the best recourse a person can take in procuring compensation for their injuries.
Being the most populous city in California, Los Angeles experiences a majority of the bicycle accidents that occur in the state. According to the California Highway Patrol, in 2008 there were 3,315 bicycle involved accidents in which someone was injured. That same year, 33 people lost their lives after being struck by an automobile on their bike. Nine people are injured every day on their bikes in accidents with cars and nearly three people will die each month. The type of injuries that a person can sustain in a Los Angeles bike accident can include:
• Broken or fractured bones
• Extensive bruising, cuts, and scrapes
• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Loss of limbs to amputation
Bicycle accidents have the potential to cause serious injury and demand serious, professional legal representation to match. If a negligent driver caused your injury, or if a negligent driver took a loved one from you in a wrongful death, then consult a top Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer right away to discuss your options. Medical bills associated to bicycle injuries can be extensive and potentially last a lifetime; victims and families of victims will need compensation to match. And while no amount of money may bring a loved one back, it can certainly alleviate these bills and help families start to recover from this hard time.