La Mesa Motorcycle and Bicycle Accident

What do pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders have in common? In a collision with another motor vehicle, they will suffer more serious injuries. They are also perceived by juries as being at fault for the accident more than half the time.

The inescapable facts are that bikers, cyclists, and pedestrians are less visible and they have no protective shell surrounding them. There were at least three accidents involving pedestrians between September 2014 and May 2016.

• September 8, 2014

– A 61-year-old La Mesa man was fatally struck by an SUV when he attempted to cross Broadway Road outside a marked crosswalk, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office and the California Highway Patrol.

• May 16, 2016

– The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that a pedestrian was killed as he attempted to cross El Cajon Boulevard near Jessie Lane. The 70-year-old man was transported to a trauma center, where he later died of his injuries.

• May 25, 2016

– According to Channel 7 in San Diego, a was struck by a red car early in the morning near Baltimore and Fletcher Parkway.

Common injuries in pedestrian accidents

Spinal paralysis, crushed bones, and brain injures are more common among pedestrians and cyclists they are in people in cars. Cyclists and pedestrians are more likely to suffer internal bleeding, degloving injuries, and puncture wounds, and they are more likely than passengers or drivers to die from injuries inflicted in a car accident.

Medical expenses

Victims in a pedestrian or bicycling accident are likely to incur higher medical expenses. Along with the prospect of multiple surgeries and extended hospital stays, they may require specialist nursing care for weeks or even months after they are discharged from the hospital. Injuries to the brain and spinal cord often necessitate prolonged stays in neuro-rehab units.

There are frequent fees for physiotherapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, and other ancillary health professionals. Even after extensive stays in hospital and lengthy rehabilitation, patients may still be left with permanently debilitating injuries.

If they are lucky enough to be discharged into the community, they may require costly equipment and specialist care just to be able to manage their basic day to day activities. Others will be unable to return home and will spend the rest of their days in care homes.

The long-term economic impact of cycling and pedestrian accidents

Medical and rehabilitative expenses can run into hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Accident victims are socked with these devastating bills at the same time they are losing months or years of income.

In the state of California law, when residents are killed or injured in an accident that was caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of another individual, they may be in a position to submit a claim for financial damages. Such claims must be filed in a court within a specified amount of time, called the statute of limitations.

How La Mesa Motorcycle and bicycle accident Attorneys can help

In many cases, the full costs of an accident won’t be known at the time of trial. For this reason, among many others, plaintiffs need the help of an attorney who focuses on these types of accidents. Such lawyers may be able to project the actual expenses the plaintiff will face in the years to come.

Another advantage of hiring a La Mesa bicycle accident lawyer is he will not be subject to the intense emotional pressures as victim and family. He or she is in a position to deal with practical matters while others concentrate on healing.

In many cases, a lawyer can negotiate a settlement without having to go to court. Where necessary, an attorney can represent the injured party and their family in court.

The best time to contact a La Mesa bicycle accident lawyer

The best time to consult an attorney is before the accident occurs. Take advantage of the free consultations that many firms offer to make sure you are on the same wavelength with someone who could represent your interests during a delicate and difficult time. Call us at 888-539-6810.