The Press-Enterprise reported in a recent article, about a bicycle incident in Redlands. On Saturday, Jan. 20 at about 7:25 p.m. deputies responded to a call from a witness to come down to Palm Avenue south of Third Street. When police arrived at the location they found a 34-year-old Redlands man suffering from life-threatening injuries after he was involved in a head on collision. The 34-year-old man, later identified as Brandon Mayberry, was riding his bike down Third Street when 46-year-old Thomas Youngwirth driving a 2005 Chevrolet truck north on Palm approaching Third Street, collided into Mayberry. Police are still looking into the incident and would like any witnesses with any information to come forward to help sort out the incident.

Riding bikes to work, to school, to the supermarket, it is becoming more of a trend to help save strain on the planet from traditional fossil fuels, reduce commuting costs as well as to stay physically fit. Many people feel safer riding a bike to their next destination than a car because they feel more in control and less dependent on technology. However, their small size compared to the vehicles on the streets can bring them a larger chance of being struck by passing vehicles. Bicyclists tend to get lost in a driver’s blind spot, and with no horn to honk or any turn signals, it becomes even harder for drivers to determine a biker’s next move. When a biker is struck by a vehicle, it could bring serious damages and life threatening injuries to the victims. Some cyclists are left with a great deal of pain and a substantial amount of debt to pay off from doctor services and medical bills. Other times, when a family loses a loved one to an auto vs cyclist collision accident, they are left to pick up the pieces of the accident while struggling to move on from the loss of a loved one.

When accidents happen in California, victims have rights to compensation for recovery from the damages and pain caused by reckless or negligent drivers. Insurance companies may try to hurry along the process and settle, but you can get the compensation you deserve with the help of an experienced auto vs cycle injury accident attorney. Attorneys can file claims and then take settlements, or even go to jury trials to ensure that the largest compensation for their clients is worked out and reached. They can also break down the process so that any confusion is cleared up and also to ensure that their client does not feel alone in this difficult process, they understand victim’s rights and want to help their clients protect their rights under California law.

If you or anyone you may know is going through this difficult process, it is a good starting point to do your research to find a local and experienced attorney that has the knowledge and involvement with bicycle vs auto injury accidents. The cyclist in the article above will be facing many injuries that can be costly, by looking to retain an attorney that is willing to dedicate their time and effort into sorting out his case, could ensure the best outcome possible. Justin H. King is an experienced personal injury attorney that represents victims in Fontana, CA who have suffered injury as a cyclist from the result of negligent drivers. His firm, the Law Offices of Justin H. King provides representation for victims involved in serious and traumatic accidents pertaining to auto accidents and wrongful death claims as well. Mr. King vigorously and compassionately represents his injury victims against insurance companies as he has achieved numerous six and seven figure results for his clients. You can visit his website, schedule a consultation at his office located at 3633 Inland Empire Blvd., # 250 Ontario, CA 91764, or call the following number 1 909-297-5001 for a free consultation.

A spinal cord injury is one of the most serious injuries one can sustain in an accident. Many spinal cord injuries results in paraplegia, which is an inability to move the lower part of the body, or even quadriplegia, the inability to move the body at all. Even if a patient recovers some movement after rehabilitation, they may still have long-term medical issues to deal with for the rest of their lives.

When dealing with a lawsuit involving a spinal cord injury, it’s crucial to understand the long-term effects of the injury. The majority of these injuries can cause lifelong physical and financial issues, and these need to be taken into consideration if you are thinking about filing a lawsuit. People with spinal cord injuries are often eligible for higher settlements because of the catastrophic nature of their injuries.

The effects of spinal cord injuries depend on where on the spinal cord the injury occurred.

High Tetraplegia

An injury to the C1 to C4 vertebrae impairs the ability to move or feel from the neck down, also known as total body paralysis. These types of injuries typically require assistance for breathing, bladder, and bowel function. People who have sustained these injuries typically also need help with day-to-day life activities. Lifetime financial expenses each year for high tetraplegia average $178,000, after an initial $1,000,000 for the first year. Keep in mind when we talk about financial expenses, it doesn’t include loss of wages or productivity.

Low Tetraplegia

People with injuries to the C5 to C8 vertebrae may have partial movement in the shoulder, elbow, or hands. They may breathe unassisted, but may need assistance with bladder and bowel care. Patients may still be unable to walk. Lifetime financial expenses can start out around $740,000 the first year and $109,000 each year after.

Paraplegia

Injuries to the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae are called paraplegia, and typically allow upper extremity function to remain normal. Impairment remains below the waist and some patients can walk short distances with assistive devices like a walker. Financial expenses are usually $500,000 for the first year and $66,000 each year after.

And, incomplete motor function at any level can also have damaging financial effects—$334,000 for the first year and $40,500 each year thereafter [NJCISC].

Long-term health effects

Those with spinal cord injuries also have more long-term health issues to worry about. They may suffer from bladder infections and kidney stones. Osteoporosis also develops early for those who suffer spinal cord injuries. Other issues are muscle spasticity and syringomyelia, a numbness and weakness in the extremities.

Spinal cord injuries can be catastrophic and life-altering. The Chattanooga spinal injury lawyers at Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law provide compassionate and experienced representation, and will advocate for the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We serve clients in Chattanooga and Cleveland, TN, in North Georgia, and all surrounding counties. Call us today at 423-799-3532 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.