If you sustained a concussion in an accident someone else caused, do not hesitate to contact Tiemann Law Firm. We might be able to represent you in a personal injury case against the negligent party. You could recover financial compensation for your injury.
Bicyclists can get head injuries in accidents despite wearing a helmet. The violent impact of a collision can eject the rider from the bike and knock them to the ground.
Concussions can cause debilitating symptoms that interfere with a person’s daily routine. The headaches, nausea, and dizziness could last for weeks. Some people experience severe symptoms that prevent them from working, driving, and completing basic tasks.
The Northern California bicycle accident attorneys of Tiemann Law Firm understand the challenges you face after a bicycle accident. We are ready to help you hold the at-fault driver liable for your concussion. Call us for a free consultation at (916) 999-9000 to learn more about your available legal options.
Symptoms of a Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. It results from a sudden blow, jolt, or bump to the head. It can also occur if the head or upper body shakes violently.
The sudden movement of the brain within the skull can change the shape of brain tissue and damage brain cells. The damage can also extend to nerves, blood vessels, and other parts of the brain.
Typically, the effects of a concussion are temporary. Symptoms should resolve within days or weeks. The most common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Trouble concentrating
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Memory issues
- Changes in personality and mood
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Ringing in the ears
- Insomnia and other sleep-related problems
Signs of a head injury that require emergency care include:
- Fluid or blood draining from the ears or nose
- Repeated nausea or vomiting
- Changes in behavior
- Difficulties with physical coordination or mental function
- Weakness in the legs or arms
- Loss of consciousness for longer than 30 seconds
- Convulsions or seizures
- Ringing in the ears that won’t resolve
- Appearing pale for more than an hour
- Changes in physical coordination, such as clumsiness or stumbling
- Disorientation or confusion
- Slurred speech
- Vision or eye disturbances
- Worsening symptoms over time
- Recurrent or lasting dizziness
You should go to the hospital immediately after a bike accident if you notice any symptoms of a concussion. The doctor can examine you to determine whether you have a concussion and recommend a treatment plan.
Most concussions heal with minimal medical intervention. Resting at home and avoiding strenuous activity is beneficial. You could take an over-the-counter medication for any pain you feel.
Severe concussions that cause brain swelling or bleeding might require surgery. Complications could also arise that lead to long-term problems. You could regain normal brain function and avoid permanent damage with prompt and adequate care.
Compensation for a Concussion from a Bicycle Accident
State law requires California drivers to purchase car insurance with these minimum liability limits:
- $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage
You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance carrier to seek a settlement for your injury. You might also be able to file a lawsuit. Whether you decide to pursue a claim or lawsuit, the compensation you recover could compensate you for your:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Ambulance service, emergency room visits, hospitalization, and other medical treatment costs
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Damage to personal property
Exemplary damages are also recoverable in a lawsuit against the at-fault party. You must provide clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s oppression, fraud, or malice for the court to make this award to you.
Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident
In California, the statute of limitations allows a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit for injuries you suffered due to someone else’s wrongdoing. That means you must file your lawsuit against the at-fault party within two years from the date of the bicycle crash. If the timeframe passes before you file, you could lose your right to pursue compensation for your concussion through the court system.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Case for a Fatal Concussion
Severe brain injuries could cause a bicyclist’s death. If your loved one died from a concussion after a bike accident, you might be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their misconduct.
In California, these family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Children
- Grandchildren
Anyone entitled to the deceased’s property by intestate succession is also eligible to pursue a wrongful death case if there isn’t a surviving person in the line of descent.
Additional relatives allowed to pursue legal action for wrongful death who can show financial dependence on the deceased include:
- Putative spouse
- Putative spouse’s children
- Stepchildren
- Parents
- Legal guardians if the parents are not alive
Compensation recovered in a wrongful death case might compensate surviving family members for:
- Loss of the deceased’s guidance
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Loss of love, care, companionship, affection, moral support, comfort, assistance, society, and protection
- Financial support the deceased could have provided to surviving family
- Lost benefits or gifts family would have received if the deceased survived
- The reasonable dollar value of household services the deceased can no longer provide
- Spouse or partner’s loss of enjoyment of intimacy
The California statute of limitations for wrongful death allows a two-year timeframe for pursuing this type of case. You have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file your lawsuit.
Contact Tiemann Law Firm
Tiemann Law Firm has fought for injured clients in Northern California since 1998. We know how to hold careless individuals responsible for the harm they cause. You can depend on our legal team to aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf and try to reach the best possible result.
Our Northern California personal injury lawyers believe everyone deserves quality legal services and representation without facing financial struggles. We take cases on contingency, so you don’t have to worry about how to pay us. We don’t collect our legal fees unless and until we secure compensation for our clients.
If you sustained a concussion in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, call us at (916) 999-9000 for a free consultation.
