Berkeley Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Berkeley Bike Accidents
According to a report published by the Oakland Tribune, Berkeley is the most dangerous city in California for cyclists. Out of 55 similarly size cities, Berkeley ranked the highest in cyclists' injuries and deaths. Local law enforcement has attributed the high number of cyclists' injuries and deaths to the large amount of cyclists in the area and driver negligence or carelessness.
The Berkeley bike accident attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger have handled numerous cases involving cyclists harmed by a negligent driver. We have dedicated a large percentage of our practice to assisting injured bike riders and their families. Our case results include a $1,035,000 settlement for neurological injuries sustained by a cyclist who fell from a bicycle while riding on a street closed to the public during roadway construction.
Motor Vehicle Driver Negligence
Even the smallest error committed by a motor vehicle driver can put a cyclist in harm's way. One of the more common errors made by drivers is opening a car door in front of a cyclist's path. If drivers simply looked before they swung open a car door, many cyclists would be spared serious injury or worse, death. Other forms of driver negligence include:
- Overtaking a cyclist on the side of the road
- Backing up into a cyclist
- Turning directly in front of an oncoming cyclist
- Violating a cyclist's right of way
- Not obeying speed limits or traffic signals
- Hitting a cyclist while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Bicycle Accident Related Injuries
Even with the use of a helmet, cyclists can sustain serious head injuries. Oftentimes, a helmet cannot withstand the impact of a force, leaving the cyclist vulnerable to skull, scalp and brain injury. Head injuries are a potentially life-threatening injury that can leave victims with permanent cognitive, behavioral, speech and physical disabilities. Another potentially life-threatening injury is a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries can result in incomplete or complete paralysis, which causes many other serious complications, such as bedsores, osteoporosis, respiratory issues and spasticity. In addition to head and spinal cord injuries, victims can sustain bone fracture injuries, amputation (loss of limb) injuries, internal organ injuries, road rash and death.
Seasoned Advocates for Injured Berkeley Cyclists
As seasoned advocates for the injured, the Berkeley bike accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger will fight aggressively for your legal right to fair and just financial compensation for injury expenses. Through exhaustive case preparation, we can help victims establish negligence on the part of the motor vehicle driver. Victims may be entitled to financial compensation from the driver and any other third parties involved in the accident (if applicable). Compensation may include funds for hospital stays, surgeries, in-home care, assisted living facilities, medicine, lost earnings, disfigurement, physical pain and mental anguish.
No Fee Unless We Recover Compensation
When you hire a Berkeley personal injury attorney at Estey Bomberger, you will enter into a contingency fee arrangement. This arrangement means you will not be charged any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. If we do not recover compensation, you owe us nothing. We can meet you at your home, in your hospital room or at any other convenient location to discuss your potential case. Phone our firm today at (510) 978-4380 for a free consultation.