Bicyclist Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries in Flinn Springs Accident

A 58-year-old bicyclist was seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle in Flinn Springs. The accident occurred in the afternoon on Olde Highway 80. According to the California Highway Patrol, CHP, a Toyota Sienna drifted to the right out of its lane and hit the bicyclist who was also traveling in the same direction. After the driver hit the bicyclist, she ran into a metal sign, a mailbox, and a parked truck.

Bicycle Accidents are Often Serious
As in this case, bicycle accident often result in serious injuries to the rider. Bicycles have little protection against motorized vehicles. Injuries are often severe, especially when the vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed.

In this case, the cyclist was riding according to the law, on the right shoulder of the road. The specific injuries the bicyclist incurred are not known at this time, but head, neck, and back trauma are common in these types of crashes. Even when wearing a protective helmet, head injuries can occur. When they do, they can be life-threatening and may result in a traumatic brain injury, or TBI.

Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury is an extremely serious injury that can range from mild to severe. When a person suffers a sudden and hard blow to the head, the brain can become bruised. This bruising can cause bleeding and swelling. If not immediately treated, the patient could likely die. Even with treatment, a patient could suffer permanent brain damage.

When bleeding occurs in the brain, it cuts off the oxygen supply. This causes affected parts of the brain to die. The sooner treatment is rendered, the better the outcome is likely to be. In some cases, emergency surgery is necessary to relieve pressure on the brain and stop swelling.

What to do After Suffering a Serious Bicycle Accident Injury
A serious bicycle accident can require immediate medical attention. Recovery from such an injury might be a long and difficult process. The injured person may never fully recover and as a result, could face extensive medical and care costs. It is advisable to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

The negligent party should be held responsible for any costs associated with the injuries including medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, future medical care, and medications. In addition, you may be entitled to compensation for other damages such as lost wages and pain and suffering.

In this case, the CHP officer noted that there was no known reason that the driver left the roadway and hit the bicyclist. The driver was likely negligent and responsible for the damages she caused. In cases such as this, your attorney will work to negotiate a settlement with the negligent party’s insurance company. If a settlement is not possible, the matter can be brought to court.

If you or a loved one was the victim of a bicycle accident, contact the skilled legal team at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea to discuss your case today.