A San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorney Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of the Injured/Bereaved
San Diego and the surrounding countryside is one of the most popular havens for bicycle enthusiasts in the whole state of California. The cost-savings, exercise, and especially the beautiful scenery are all contributing factors that convince cyclists to venture out regularly and in great numbers. Trails traversing rugged mountain terrain or winding along the seashore parallel to the Pacific Coast Highway are perfect for scenic biking, many cyclists commute to work and back in the metropolitan areas, and the year-round mild climate ensures that bikes are almost always present on/near the highway.
We at the Law Offices of Ronald B. Laba understand the popularity and risks of bicycling in the San Diego area as well as the laws and court processes relevant to winning bicycle-accident personal injury cases. We know the rights of bicyclists and how to effectively defend those rights in the courtroom. Like auto and pedestrian accidents, bicycling accidents frequently result in severe bodily injury, emotional trauma, and an excessive financial burden.
Ron Laba and his staff are always ready to listen as you explain the details of your case, offer sound legal advice to help you sort through your options, and fight tenaciously and skillfully to secure for you full compensation for all losses sustained.
San Diego Bicycle Accidents: Causes and Effects
In San Diego, North County, and adjacent counties, collisions between bicycles and automobiles are alarmingly commonplace, but they can also be life-changing or even fatal. Such accidents tend to occur quickly and unexpectedly, taking both motorists and cyclists completely by surprise.
Unfortunately, the attitude of many drivers and insurance companies is a knee-jerk reaction that says, "The driver failed to see the cyclist, therefore, the cyclist must be at fault." In reality, however, there are many situations where the driver would be at fault, including:
- The driver did not respect the cyclist's right of way, wrongly assuming that cars/trucks always have the right of way.
- The driver, while he was changing lanes, side-swiped the cyclist.
- While turning left, the driver hit the cyclist head-on or rear-ended him.
- The driver was distracted, perhaps by a cell phone.
- The driver was intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
The consequences of drivers' negligent and/or overly dangerous actions are often sever injuries for cyclists, including such things as:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Loss of eyesight, whether total or partial, whether temporary or permanent
- Badly fractured bones in the limbs or the torso
- Facial disfigurement and lacerations where the cyclist contacted the vehicle or the pavement
Any of these (and other) common bicycle accident injuries can bring with them great pain and suffering, heavy medical expenses, loss of income, a career change, and a forced lifestyle change. Sometimes, the injuries are fatal, potentially leading to a wrongful death suit as opposed to a personal injury suit.
How to Get Expert Legal Help Following a Bicycle Accident
Sadly, bicycle accidents are far from rare in San Diego County—in 2010, the county had were 904 injuries and 8 fatalities resulting from bicycle accidents. Since 2010, statewide, bicycle fatalities have increased by 19%.
If you or a loved one has been injured/killed in a bicycle accident, time is not on your side. It is important to take legal action as soon as possible after the accident to increase your chances of a successful outcome for your case. Additionally, your right to file a tort action will expire two years from the date of the accident according to California's statute of limitations.
Contact us today at the Law Office of Ron Laba by calling 24/7. You can discuss your case with an experienced bicycle accident attorney located right here in San Diego during a free, hour-long consultation. We will also be happy to answer any legal questions you may have and to help you explore your options.
