Major Head Injuries Reported in Merced Bicycle Accident
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. A bicyclist suffered major head injuries after he was struck by a pickup truck in Merced on July 12, 2018. At approximately 3:00 in the afternoon, a 52-year-old man was riding his bicycle along G Street in the vicinity of Park Avenue when he was hit by a Toyota Tacoma traveling in the right lane. Medical personnel were called to the scene to transport the man to an area hospital for treatment of serious head injuries described as non-life-threatening. An update on his condition has not yet been released by officials.
Accident Investigation
The cause of the bicycle accident is unknown as an investigation by the Merced Police Department is underway. Officials do not suspect that alcohol or drugs played as factors in the collision.
Bicycle Helmets
The severity of a head injury resulting from a bicycle accident can be severe and life-changing. Finding a helmet that best suits you is a worthwhile investment in all your future bike rides to come. If you are unsure what to look for in a bicycle helmet, here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help guide you in the right direction:
- Size: Helmets come in a wide array of sizes, which can vary among manufacturers. To find your size, measure your head and try on a few helmets within your size range to find one that fits perfectly. Once you have found the right helmet, place it on your head and adjust the fit ring or sizing pads until it is snug;
- Position: Helmets should sit level on the forehead with one to two finger-lengths above the eyebrow;
- Side Straps: When buckled properly, the side straps should form the shape of a “V” under the earlobes;
- Buckles: The left buckle should be centered underneath the chin. A majority of bicycle helmets have straps that can be adjusted from the back of the helmet, which can be altered easily with the helmet off;
- Chin Strap: The chin strap should be buckled and tightened to a snug fitting with no more than two fingers fitting underneath the strap.
Consequences of Bicycle Accidents
The consequences of a bicycle accident are endless due to a cyclist’s lack of physical protection against a motor vehicle. Below are national statistics surrounding the incidence of bicycle accidents:
- In 2016, there were 835 bicyclists left with fatal injuries in collisions with motor vehicles, accounting as an overall increase of one percent from 2015. Approximately 87 percent of these bicyclist fatalities were among those ages 20 and older (according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety);
- Males are four times as likely to suffer injuries and die six times more often while riding a bike in comparison to the female population (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention);
- The total cost of bicycle-related injuries for 2012, the year for which comprehensive data is available, was $2,876,300,000. This number includes productivity and wage losses, medical costs, property damage to motor vehicles, administrative expenses and uninsured costs of employers (according to the National Safety Council).
Types of Injuries in a Bicycle Accident
A bicyclist who has been involved in an accident with a motor vehicle may face any of the following injuries:
- Bone fractures, which may be simple or complex in nature, causing joint discomfort and nerve damage;
- Dental injuries can require extensive treatment in repairing chipped or broken teeth;
- Head injuries are devastating as brain cells can be damaged, leaving an injured individual with a lengthy path to recovery or even permanent disability as a result;
- Internal injuries may be caused by penetration or blunt trauma, which can lead to organ damage and massive bleeding;
- Spinal cord trauma ranging from loss of mobility and sensation to paralysis;
- Fatality.
How a Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help
Injuries caused by bicycle accidents can lead to mounting medical bills and time lost from work. When the accident is caused by the fault of a negligent motorist, those expenses and other damages can be recovered. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, it is essential to seek legal representation promptly. An experienced bicycle accident attorney in Merced can take action to protect your rights and communicate effectively with insurance companies to reach a favorable recovery on your behalf.
Merced Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. Bicycle accidents cause many serious injuries and fatalities each year. If you or your loved one has suffered injuries in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent party, I am here to provide you with free, friendly legal advice on your situation. Please feel free to give me a call at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
Since 1982, I have helped many families of Merced and throughout Northern California in obtaining fair compensation for personal injury and wrongful death cases.
To learn more about my law practice, read my client reviews and ratings at:
As a member of the Million Dollar Advocates, I join other trial lawyers who have obtained one million dollars or more in a case verdict or settlement for a client.
Go to our Verdicts and Settlements page to find a list of some of our previous cases and their results.
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