Bicyclist Injured in Stockton Hit and Run Accident

Bicyclist Injured in Stockton Hit and Run Accident

Bicyclist Injured in Stockton Hit and Run Accident

I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. A bicyclist was struck by an oncoming vehicle that left the scene in east Stockton on the night of June 23, 2018. At approximately 8:30 in the evening, a man was riding his bicycle along Pleasant Avenue in the vicinity of Waterloo Road when an unknown vehicle swerved into him and caused him to fall off his bike. The suspect vehicle, reportedly driven by a middle-aged man who failed to render aid to the injured bicyclist, was last seen traveling southbound on Pleasant Avenue. The bicyclist was taken to a local hospital to be treated for unspecified injuries. An update on his condition has not yet been released publicly by officials.

Bicycle Accidents

The number of injuries and deaths in bicycle accidents has increased throughout the nation in recent years. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were 772 bicyclist deaths in 2006 compared to 2015 with 818, accounting for an overall increase of 6 percent. An increase of 2.3 percent was also noted in the trend of estimated bicyclist injuries during those same years in question. According to the National Safety Council, the total damages associated with bicycle injury and fatality is over $4 billion annually.

Bicycle Injuries

Bicyclists are more likely to suffer serious injuries in an accident due to their lack of physical protection against a moving vehicle. When a bicycle rider is struck by a car, the injuries he or she may face include:

  • Amputations or loss of limb;
  • Bone fractures in the bicyclist’s hands, legs feet or arms;
  • Bruises and internal bleeding;
  • Crush injury;
  • Pelvic and groin injury;
  • Puncture wounds;
  • “Road rash”, scrapes, lacerations or cuts;
  • Spinal cord damage;
  • Traumatic brain injury.

Safety Tips in Reducing Bicycle Accident Risk

To ensure your well-being as a bicyclist, follow the safety tips listed below:

  • Abide by all traffic laws and posted signage;
  • Always wear a helmet that fits well and rests on top of the head in a level position;
  • Exercise caution and ride defensively;
  • Install a light on your bicycle when used for night travel;
  • Keep an eye out for traffic, distracted motorists, pedestrians, and other bicycle riders;
  • Ride with the flow of traffic and stay along the right side of the roadway;
  • Use hand signals before turning;
  • Wear reflective, bright-colored clothing when riding during dawn or dusk;
  • Watch for parked vehicles.

Compensation in Hit and Run Accidents

Accidents involving hit and run drivers present a unique set of legal issues to those involved. If the victim was riding a bicycle at the time of the collision and the responsible driver is not located, they may still be able to recover through their own automobile insurance carrier so long as they have Uninsured Motorist Protection (UM). This type of coverage protects those injured in hit and run accidents in covering all trauma-related expenses and extends to other relatives living within the same household. For more details, contact an experienced attorney.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Hit and run accidents often leave victims and their families with devastating effects. If you or a member in your family have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek legal representation promptly. An experienced personal injury attorney in Stockton can evaluate your case and determine what compensation is available to cover incurred losses such as medical expenses, time lost from work and other damages attributable to the accident. By retaining legal counsel, you can be assured that your right to fair compensation will be protected.

Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. When a bicyclist suffers injuries in an accident due to the fault of a negligent driver, the consequences can be catastrophic. If this has happened to you or someone you love, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.

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