Car & Bicycle Crashes
At Gruenberg Law, we not only understand the law, but we also understand the sport of cycling. We understand that motorists sometimes fail to pay attention to cyclists on the road and can cause serious bicycle accidents. Hazardous conditions on public and private property often lead to bicycle accidents. There are many circumstances that can result in serious bicycling accidents.
What sets our law firm apart from most other personal injury attorneys that handle bicycle accident cases is the fact that we fully understand the sport and the dangers associated with cycling. Josh Gruenberg and the attorneys at Gruenberg Law are committed to ensuring that every client receives the personal care and attention that their case deserves. We take our role in representing injured cyclists seriously, and we strive to make sure they obtain the best possible results available under the law. We are aggressive in our pursuit of every bicycle accident case we undertake and committed to serving our clients by providing the highest quality legal representation available.
The Emerging Popularity of Bicycling
Bicycling is one of the most popular forms of transportation, sport and leisure in the United States, particularly in Southern California where we enjoy great weather year-round. In the past two decades, interest in cycling has grown exponentially and as a result more communities have increased their efforts to encourage car drivers to “Share the Road” with bicyclists by widening streets and establishing designated bike lanes to help keep cyclists safe.
Despite all of the awareness and support for increased safety on San Diego roads, more bicyclists on the roads means more opportunities for bicycle and automobile collisions. Unfortunately, when bicycles and automobiles collide, the consequences can be deadly; in fact, California’s fatality rate for cyclists in traffic accidents is one-and-a-half times the U.S. average.
Bicycle Injuries and Their Effects
Cycling injuries can be very serious; mainly because bicyclists are exposed to harsh elements such as asphalt, concrete and metal. Any collision or fall suffered while riding a bike has the potential to be severe or even fatal. From scrapes and cuts, to broken bones, to head trauma, the consequences of suffering an injury while cycling can be lasting and permanent.
This is particularly true when a cyclist suffers a severe head injury during an accident. A traumatic brain injury may occur when the brain experiences a sudden physical impact, such as the type of impact a cyclist can sustain in a collision or fall. Cyclists who have suffered a closed head injury during an accident or fall can experience headaches, difficulty with focusing on or completing tasks, fatigue, changes in personality or energy level, and more.
Legal Rights of Cyclists in California
People who ride bicycles on streets and highways have all of the same legal rights and privileges as motorists. Cyclists who are injured while riding on public roadways may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. While the cause of the accident is critical to legal recovery, the law protects those who are injured through the negligent acts of others.
Holding Negligent Parties Responsible for Bicycle Accidents
Sometimes, in spite of a cyclist’s best efforts to legally and safely ride their bicycle on public roadways, he/she can suffer injuries due to the negligence of another motorist. In 2009, over 51,000 cyclists were injured and 630 cyclists were killed during traffic accidents in the U.S. The most common causes of bicycle traffic accidents include alcohol/drug impairment of the motorist or cyclist, visibility, and failing to follow basic traffic laws such as signaling before making a turn or changing lanes.
Cyclists can also be injured on public roadways which are not properly maintained by local or state authorities who are responsible for keeping streets and highways in a safe condition. Injuries can also be caused when a bicycle manufacturer, retailer or repair facility either makes or fails to correct a defective bicycle or its component parts.
To discuss a possible bicycle accident personal injury claim Contact Gruenberg Law. San Diego Personal Injury Attorneys for over 25 years.