Bicycling is a great way of getting some exercise and avoiding rapidly increasing gas prices. Bicycle accidents in Echo Park are all too common. Between the Echo Park traffic congestion and the drivers who are aggressive, some negligent drivers don’t see bicyclists until it is too late.
When a bicyclist is injured in Echo Park, it is essential that they seek medical treatment and consult with an Echo Park bicycle accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Echo Park
When a bicyclist is hit by the driver of a motor vehicle, one of two driver behaviors is usually present. The driver was either operating aggressively or inattentively. Here are some common causes of bicycle accidents in and around Echo Park:
- Failure to check blind spots when changing traffic lanes.
- A driver sideswiping a bicyclist who is sharing the same lane of traffic.
- Turning into the path of an oncoming bicyclist.
- Making a right or left turn into a bicyclist.
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist at a red light or stop sign.
- Opening a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist.
- Rear-ending a bicyclist.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Other than maybe a helmet, bicyclists don’t have any physical protection in the event that they’re in a crash with a motor vehicle. That’s why their injuries are often serious or sometimes even fatal. Here are some examples of common injuries that bicyclists suffer in accidents with motor vehicles:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries, even when wearing a helmet.
- Traumatic spinal cord injuries with resulting paralysis.
- Multiple severe fractures.
- Medical or traumatic amputations.
- Damage to vital internal organs.
- Facial and dental injuries.
- Deep cuts and dangerous road rash.
- Wrongful death.
Bicycle Accident Hit-and-Runs in Echo Park
Los Angeles County has the highest hit-and-run rate in the nation. Most people don’t realize it, but if they’re on a bike and injured as a result of the negligence of a hit-and-run motorist, the bicyclist’s uninsured motorist coverage from their car insurance could be triggered. It might also be triggered if the victim was a pedestrian who was walking a bicycle through a busy intersection. If you do have uninsured motorist insurance, it probably also covers your spouse and any family member who is a blood relative and a resident of your household.
What to Do if You’re the Victim of a Bicycle Accident in Echo Park
In the event of a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, you should proceed the same way that you would if there were two drivers. Call 911 and ask that police and paramedics be sent to the scene. Police can investigate the accident and write up a report. Paramedics can treat you at the scene and take you to a nearby emergency room. They’ll write up their own report too.
Then, call the Echo Park Bicycle Accident lawyers at Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC right away. No matter how pushy the insurer for the person who hit you might get, don’t give a statement of any kind, even if you’re told that your case file will be closed. We know how to make them open it again quickly. California doesn’t require you to help the opposing insurer build its defense against you.
When you hire us, we have only one objective, and that’s to obtain the highest settlement or award on your behalf that you deserve. Remember, call 911, get to an emergency room and call us. We’ll arrange for a free consultation and case review.