Yreka Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Yreka offers many exciting biking trails for bicyclist enthusiasts. Some of the best trails around Yreka include Bear Creek Greenway, Great Shasta Rail Trail, and Lithia Park Trail.

There is always the potential for accidents when bicyclists ride near vehicle traffic. When an unfortunate accident occurs in Yreka, an experienced Yreka Bicycle Accident Lawyer can protect the legal rights of the injured cyclist.

If you or a family member has suffered severe injuries in a bicycle accident, call our injury lawyers for a free case evaluation at (530) 392-9400.

Cyclists face danger on the road daily. A collision with a motor vehicle can result in serious injuries or even wrongful death. Statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that over 840 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents, and about 417,000 bicyclists were treated in the emergency room in 2019. This does not include the actual number of injuries since many bicycle accidents go unreported, and the injured person does not seek medical attention.

Bicycle accidents can occur in many ways. Among them are road defects caused by poor road maintenance and defects in the bicycle. However, most accidents between vehicles and bicyclists are due to driver error. When the motorists are at fault in a crash, the injuries suffered by the cyclist can be financially compensated.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bicycle versus motor vehicle accidents are commonly caused by one of the following scenarios:

• Distracted driving such as texting or talking on the phone.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• The vehicle driver fails to yield or stop at a stop sign or red light.
• A vehicle occupant opening a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist.
• The driver turning into the path of an oncoming cyclist at an intersection.
• The driver is speeding.

Most bicycle accident injuries occur in the legs and arms. Bicyclists can suffer minor injuries such as road rash and abrasions to more severe traumatic injuries that can cause temporary or permanent disability. Some common injuries caused by bicycle accidents include:

• Abdominal injury
• Back and neck injury
• Broken bones
• Chest trauma
• Concussion and post-concussion syndrome
• Deep abrasions
• Eye injury
• Head injury
• Lacerations
• Loss of limbs
• Musculoskeletal injury
• Nerve injury
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injury
• Torn tendons and ligaments
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Wrongful death

Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about the common injuries bicyclists can suffer in an accident with a motor vehicle.

Following a collision with a vehicle, the bicyclist will likely have a long period of recovery. Healing from catastrophic injuries takes energy and time.  You should focus on regaining physical health during the recovery period rather than arguing with an insurance adjuster.  The insurance company is only interested in paying little to no money on your injury claim.  A seasoned Yreka bicycle accident lawyer knows the tricks of insurance adjusters and can fight to protect your legal rights and financial interests.

Damages that you may be able to recover after a bicycle accident include:

• Medical bills
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Wage loss

An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Yreka will work on your behalf to get maximum compensation for your damages while you focus on recovering.

California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury matters.  That means that your claim must be settled, or a lawsuit must be filed before the second anniversary of the accident.  The time limit is much shorter in accidents that involve a public or government agency.  The statute of limitations is also different when the injured person is a minor.  Protecting these time limits is crucial. That's why it makes sense to consult with an experienced Yreka bicycle accident attorney.