Now that the warmer months are upon us in Southern California, more and more riders are taking to the streets on their bicycles. Unfortunately, bicycle crashes occur more often in the warm summer months, as more people ride their bicycles for leisure and even to commute to work.
Most bicycle accidents occur because careless motorists are not looking out for bicyclists or obeying the laws of the road. There are several hundred bicycle crashes reported in Orange County each and every year, and officials believe that many bike injuries and crashes go unreported.
Bicycle accidents in Mission Viejo and throughout Orange County can cause serious and even fatal injuries. When a cyclist is hit by a car, the force of the crash can throw the bicyclist off the bike and onto the hard pavement or pinned against the car or a wall. This type of accident can leave a cyclist with catastrophic injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Facial lacerations
- Hip fractures
- Internal injuries
- Head trauma
- Brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
Some injuries, such as road rash and broken bones, do not affect a cyclist for the long term, since they heal fairly well. However, other injuries like head trauma or brain damage may leave a victim with lifelong disabilities.
If a cyclist is injured after an Orange County car and bicycle crash, he or she may be entitled to damages. Financial compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, other types of therapies, lost wages, and more may be received by pursuing a lawsuit against the negligent party.
If you have been injured by a negligent driver while riding your bicycle in Southern California, contact the Law Offices of John P. Burns today. You will receive a free legal evaluation by a skilled Mission Viejo personal injury attorney who will answer your legal questions and provide you with your next steps. Call (877) 320-1338 today.
There is also valuable information about how the process works, what to do, and what to avoid saying to the insurance company in 9 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Accident Case, a book by John Burns. Request your free copy today.