A Man Injured in a Bicycle Accident 11 Years Ago Has Died

 Posted on November 07, 2024 in Personal Injury

In March 2013, a San Jose bicyclist was struck by a car, sustaining severe injuries. After being released from the hospital, he spent his remaining years in a long-term care facility until his death on October 22. The injuries he sustained 11 years ago are the presumed cause of death. If you doubt that bicycle accidents can have catastrophic consequences, this tragic case proves otherwise.

Why are bicycle accidents likely to cause severe injuries? What damages are available? A compassionate lawyer from Fuller Law Firm can help victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve.

Why Are Bicycle Accidents So Deadly?

Even if cyclists wear helmets, they have minimal protection against the impact of a car hitting them. The zone of the initial impact is likely the hips, legs, and knees, with secondary injuries potentially occurring when the cyclist is thrown onto the car’s hood or the ground. Unfortunately, some bicyclists are thrown directly into the path of a vehicle’s tires. Even at slower speeds, the injuries sustained can be life-threatening, such as:

• Organ damage

• Skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries

• Multiple broken bones

• Spinal cord injuries

• Road rash

• Extensive bruising, scrapes, and cuts

• Nerve damage

• Amputations

• Facial injuries that could lead to disfigurement, vision loss, and broken teeth

Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons; sometimes, the cyclist shares the fault. Common driver errors that lead to bicycle accidents include inattention and driver distraction, failure to check blind spots before merging or switching lanes, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, running red lights, and reckless or aggressive driving. These negligent behaviors provide the grounds for filing a compensation claim. In California, you are eligible to collect accident-related damages from at-fault parties even if you are partially responsible for causing your collision.

What Damages Are Available After a San Jose Bicycle Accident?

Your hospital and medical bills will likely be extremely high. Like the 2013 victim, you could require long-term care. Your injuries might leave you unable to work, possibly preventing you from ever working again. The emotional and mental toll can diminish your quality of life. Your eligible damages could include:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Current and future lost income

• Ongoing care costs

• Property damage

• Pain and suffering

• Inconvenience

• Disability and disfigurement

• Losing the ability to enjoy life

• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD

Eligible survivors of fatal bicycle accident victims may also obtain compensation through a wrongful death action. Your dedicated attorney from Fuller Law Firm can help you collect the highest amount available.

Call Our Experienced San Jose, CA Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Many challenges can stand between you and the maximum compensation that you deserve. Fuller Law Firm can handle your case effectively while you focus on recovery. Call us at 408-234-7563 to schedule your free consultation with our skilled Santa Clara County, CA personal injury attorney.