Have you been injured in a cycling accident? Do you live or were you injured in Orange County? Then here’s what you need to know right now.
Forget Disneyland — if you’re a cyclist, Orange County is one of the happiest places on earth. Thanks to gorgeous local scenery and an abundance of roads and trails, Orange County riders have no shortage of options, from Fullerton Loop Trail to Quail Hill and Shady Canyon and beyond. Add in beautiful weather and you have a true mecca for dedicated cyclists.
Unfortunately, an enjoyable ride can turn into a life-shattering incident in a matter of seconds. All it takes is one collision.
A total of 455 California cyclists were killed in accidents between 2016 and 2018 — a significant increase over previous years. California is dealing with record numbers of cycling fatalities (one in five U.S. cycling deaths occur in the state), which makes Orange County one of the more dangerous areas in which to ride.
According to the Orange County Register, 14 cyclists were killed in Orange County in 2018. On average, 16 cyclists are killed in Orange County each year. Hundreds more suffer serious injuries.
While local and state officials have worked to make cycling safer, it’s essential to know how to protect yourself as well. This means exercising good situational awareness, donning helmets and the required safety gear, using hand signals etc.
The sad truth, however, is that no matter how careful and conscientious you are, one mistake by a car or truck driver can leave you with devastating lifelong complications.
With that in mind, let’s discuss what you need to know if you are involved in a cycling accident.
Cycling accidents are responsible for roughly 900 deaths, 23,000 hospital admissions, 580,000 emergency department visits and more than 1.2 million physician visits per year. This makes them the most common cause of injuries outside of sporting events.
Some of the most common types of cycling-related injuries include the following:
If you are unfortunate enough to be in a collision, it’s imperative you know what to do next. Follow these steps to ensure that you remain safe — and preserve your legal rights:
Working with an experienced attorney in Orange County area should also be a top priority. Bicycle accident litigation can be quite complex, so it is important to work with a legal advocate who is a specialist in this field.
The right attorney can also help ensure that you are not taken advantage of. Navigating the insurance process can be tricky, and claims adjusters are paid to keep costs down. Experienced legal counsel can help ensure that you are fairly treated.
Gary Brustin is one of the most experienced and specialized bicycle lawyers in Orange County. In fact, he has handled nothing but bicycle injury cases for over twenty years. He’s also an avid cyclist.
If you need help, contact us for a fast, free consultation.