Northern California Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyers
Northern California Bicycle Accident Injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2008, more than 52,000 cyclists were injured in traffic crashes, which was approximately two percent of all people injured in traffic collisions during that year. Bikes offer cyclists absolutely no protection from an impact with a motor vehicle, which is why cyclists are more likely to suffer a serious injury in a crash with a car, SUV, semi, mid-size truck or bus. Serious injuries can affect any part of a cyclist’s body, including the head, which is a common injury for cyclists.
If you have suffered a serious injury or know someone who was severely harmed in a northern California bicycle accident, it is recommended that you retain an experienced bicycle accident injury lawyer who is aggressive and uncompromising in negotiations with insurance companies and defense counsels. The northern California bicycle accident injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger are well qualified to handle your case and know exactly what to do in a serious injury case.
Northern California Bicycle Accident Injuries
Head injuries
Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of acquiring a serious head injury, but unfortunately, many cyclists choose not to wear a helmet. Not all head injuries are visible to the human eye. Brain swelling and tissue damage is internal and without an examination by a medical professional, may go undetected. Signs and symptoms of a head injury include headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, stroke or loss of consciousness. Penetrating head injuries, or open head injuries as they are also referred to, can result in immediate, severe symptoms. Any type of head injury can be potentially life threatening, however, penetrating head injuries carry a higher risk of complication due to the exposure of brain and brain tissue.
Bone fracture injuries
Bones are meant to bend under pressure but they are not designed to withstand extreme forces. In a collision with a vehicle, a cyclist’s bones can be crushed, twisted, snapped into pieces, bent and driven through the surface of the skin. Bone fracture injuries can take several months to heal and in most cases, must be stabilized with a cast, orthopedic brace or sling to ensure the bone heals correctly. Reduction of a bone, which is a procedure used to align the bone, is commonly used and can be very painful without the use of anesthesia.
Road rash
It is very common for cyclists to be inflicted with road rash, which is abrasions, scrapes and cuts on the skin from contact with asphalt or any other rough surface. Road rash can be very painful because of the many nerve endings that are exposed. If the road rash is bleeding profusely, it’s best to have a doctor clean and examine the wound.
Amputation injuries
When a cyclist loses an arm, leg, hand or foot in a bicycle accident, a cyclist may go into shock. The loss of blood and trauma of the incident can cause a cyclist to lose consciousness, become lightheaded, feel weak and become less alert. Cyclists in shock may not be able to respond to questions and can become confused and fearful of surroundings. A cyclist experiencing shock must see a doctor immediately.
Northern California Bicycle Accident Compensation
Recovery from a serious injury can take years and place financial hardships on injured cyclists. Paying for surgeries, medicine, medical devices and rehabilitation can be financially straining for cyclists who may have been forced to take time off of work because of their injury. At Estey Bomberger, our northern California bike accident injury lawyers can help injured victims obtain monetary compensation from the party responsible for their injuries. A negligent automobile driver, motorcycle rider, truck driver or bus driver may be financially liable for a victim’s medical expenses, lost earnings from time missed at work, disfigurement, and pain and suffering.
Northern California Bicycle Accident Consultation
At the law firm of Estey Bomberger, our results-driven approach in representing injured cyclists has produced substantial settlements. To learn more information about our firm and what we can do for you and your family, call (800) 890-6722. You will not be charged to talk to one of our northern California bicycle accident injury attorneys and when represented by us, you will not be charged until we win your case.