Man Critically Injured in Stockton Bicycle Accident
A man was critically injured in a recent Stockton bicycle accident near Sonora Street and Sierra Nevada Street. The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. when a driver of a Chevrolet Impala crashed into a man riding his bicycle in the area. The Chevrolet motorist continued north without checking on the cyclist, the Stockton Police Department reported. The bicycle rider was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. An update regarding his condition has not yet been released by officials.
How to Stay Safe as a Bicyclist
Visibility plays a significant role in bicycle safety. Cyclists should consider wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing for improved visibility when riding at night. Reflectors or lighting devices should be mounted on the front or rear of the bike. Since bicycle riders are held to the same standards as other motorists, they must always ride with the flow of traffic. Cyclists who fail to do so may find themselves involved in a bicycle crash.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Injuries in a bicycle collision can occur for a wide array of reasons. They are generally caused by driver error, roadway hazards, or manufacturer defects. Motorist negligence may include improper passing, speeding and distracted driving. Dangers in the roadway such as road debris, loose gravel, or potholes. Manufacturer defects may consist of poor bike assembly or defective brakes or chains. No matter the cause, injuries suffered through these types of accidents tend to be catastrophic. These include spinal cord trauma, broken bones, facial scarring, head and brain injuries, nerve damage, and dental injuries. Internal injuries can prove fatal if aid is not rendered to the injured bicycle rider promptly.
What Type of Insurance Covers Hit and Run Accidents?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection is a type of coverage you may add to your own insurance policy. Although it is not required to carry in California, it is there to protect you and members in your household if you find yourselves involved in a car wreck caused by someone who has little to no insurance to cover your losses. This type of coverage may also cover damages incurred in a hit and run accident depending upon the language of the contract. Conversely, it may also extend to reimburse losses suffered in a bicycle or pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver.
What Can Be Recovered in a Bicycle Injury Claim?
A cyclist who has suffered injuries as a result of the negligent acts of a motorist is entitled to economic and noneconomic damages. These include:
- Disfigurement, including the cost of cosmetic surgery to revise the scarring
- Cost to repair or repair a bicycle, equipment, and clothing
- Future loss of earnings may be claimed if an injured cyclist is unable to earn wages due to permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for the spouse of the injured cyclist
- Lost wages to compensate an injured party for the time he or she missed from work to recover from an injury or to attend an appointment with a medical professional
- Pain and suffering to cover the mental and physical anguish caused by the accident
- Past and future expenses for medical treatment, including costs of travel to and from medical appointments and necessary medical appliances such as a wheelchair
To learn about the factors that may affect the value of a claim for personal injury, watch the following video.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
Dealing with insurance companies, even your own, may seem like a daunting task. Personal injury claims are often undervalued by insurance adjusters. In other cases, they may be denied for reimbursement altogether. Having an experienced Stockton personal injury lawyer at your side is crucial in these situations. An attorney can help determine the value of your claim and communicate effectively with insurance companies to obtain fair compensation on your behalf.
Stockton Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury attorney. A bicycle accident can result in catastrophic injuries that affect every aspect of the injured cyclist’s life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of another driver or entity, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly legal advice.
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