Maison Law is an advocate for safe bicycle rides for all Ridgecrest riders. Our Ridgecrest bicycle accident lawyers are committed to helping bicycle collision victims secure the recovery support they need after being struck by a reckless driver. To find out what you should be demanding from an at-fault driver’s car insurer, contact a skilled, local lawyer and schedule a free consultation. It’s a no-risk way to determine what your injury is worth and how to hold a careless driver fully responsible.
Bicycle Accident Dangers in Ridgecrest
Bicyclists can stretch their legs around parks like Leroy Jackson Park or challenge themselves along the Brady Trail. They can take advantage of bike lanes around Ridgecrest along roads like Drummond Avenue, but there are also times when riders will be sharing the road with local drivers.
Cyclists looking for a long ride or trying to get to work or class on time can find a street that has no bike lanes and be forced to share the lanes with cars, SUVs, and large trucks. Families with young children may also be riding on neighborhood streets without a buffer from motorists in a rush.
California law grants cyclists the same rights to the road as any motorist on most routes, but drivers don’t always show riders the caution they should. Drivers can try to pass a bicyclist without proper room to do so. They can also make left and right turns directly in front of a cyclist they didn’t check a blind spot for.
These dangerous decisions put defenseless riders at risk of devastating accidents. In an instant, an adult rider, or, unfortunately, even a precious child can be knocked from a bike and left in the path of other vehicles. Once an injury has been suffered, it’s critical that cyclists get the best medical care available and receive the full support to pay for that care. A Ridgecrest bicycle accident lawyer also fights to get victims everything they need so they can support their families and pay their bills while they must miss work.
Common Injuries After a Bicycle Accident
Emergency room doctors at the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital treat many different types of bicycle accident injuries.
They see lots of bone fractures, particularly in the arms and legs. Victims can throw their hands out in front of them when knocked off their bikes. This can lead to broken hand and finger bones, and broken wrists. Neck, back, and chest injuries are also common. Victims can land on their faces and lose teeth and suffer broken noses and jaws.
Protecting the head and brain is the most critical thing in a bicycle crash. Even when bicyclists wear helmets, head injuries are often severe.
These are a few of the most common head injuries possible in California cycling accidents:
- Skull Fracture – This is a break in the bones that form the skull (cranial bones). Pieces of the skull often wind up in the brain. The jaw, eye sockets, and other facial bones are considered part of the skull.
- Blood Clots – Clots can form between the brain and the skull or result when the brain is bruised. Blood flow to the brain is cut off to cause strokes.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – A serious injury caused by the rapid movement of the brain back and forth inside the skull. Victims experience memory loss, seizures, and a loss of control of certain parts of the body. They may have trouble speaking and communicating.
- Concussions – A concussion is a mild form of TBI. A loss of brain function is common but usually temporary.
- Skin and Scalp Damage – A rough landing on a road surface is often enough to tear skin from the head and scalp. Deep skin damage might develop infections and permanent disfigurement. Hair does not always grow back after a severe laceration.
Compensation Available After a Ridgecrest Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accident victims must see to their safety first. They must get to a safe spot along the road if possible and call 911 if they are injured.
If bicycle accident victims are left strong enough to move around, they should try to get pictures on the scene of their accidents. They should take photos of the damaged bike, the damage to the car, and any visible injuries. They should show a bicycle helmet if they are wearing one. Victims should also get contact information from all witnesses.
This valuable evidence will be key in holding an at-fault driver and the driver’s car insurance company fully liable. A bicycle accident attorney will present this evidence in a claim to back up the request for compensation for every hardship the victim and the victim’s family have suffered.
These and other damages are all considered when negotiating the size of a bicycle accident settlement check:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost earnings
- Any permanent disfigurement
- Any permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life while unable to ride
- Repairs to bicycle or replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family receive support after losing a loved one to a fatal bicycle accident?
Yes. Families should file a wrongful death claim against an at-fault driver. This claim seeks assistance with burial costs and in paying the remaining medical fees. Close relatives must also get help in replacing the income the victim can no longer provide.
What Kind of Support do Children need after a Ridgecrest bicycle accident?
Your lawyer would be fighting to get full compensation to pay for the best care available for your child. Your lawyer would also seek support for the years ahead. A bicycle injury can affect the child’s development in the future and surgery and therapy could be required.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident injury claim?
The statute of limitations on a bicycle crash injury is two years. If you wait longer to file a claim with an insurance company, the insurer is usually allowed to reject it. Your recovery bills could be your full responsibility.
What if I can’t afford to pay a Ridgecrest bicycle accident lawyer?
You can still afford to hire a Maison Law attorney to safeguard your case. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check you receive.
Contact a Ridgecrest Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Contact Maison Law to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an actual Ridgecrest bicycle accident lawyer. We want to hear what happened to you. We’re going to answer your questions and make sure you are fully aware of the benefits available to you and your family.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, has worked for major corporations and dealt with some of the biggest insurers in the world. He now uses his inside knowledge to make sure Kern County bicycle accident victims aren’t taken advantage of at such a vulnerable time.
