The city of San Diego will pay one local cyclist a whopping $4.85 million following an early settlement in March of 2017. The settlement is one of the largest ever paid to a cyclist in the state after Clifford Brown was injured as a result to the Southern California city’s poorly maintained sidewalks.
How did it Happen?
On a normal San Diego day in 2014, Brown was simply cycling to visit a friend. Suddenly, he was thrown from his bike when he hit a tree root that had grown under the sidewalk and fractured the pavement.
In the fall that sent Brown 28 feet from where he made contact with the tree root, the cyclist tore ligaments in his spinal cord. He also sustained cuts, bruises and lost several teeth. When Brown landed on his head, doctors believed he may have had a stroke as well.
In all, the injuries led to a month-long stay in the hospital, 60 days of rehabilitation and constant in-home care that lasts to this day.
Who was Liable?
Brown’s attorney argued that the city was responsible for the cyclist’s injuries due its cuts in sidewalk maintenance. The city of San Diego agreed to the settlement before going to trial as the amount due to Brown could have been considerably more if a jury was involved.
Los Angeles Cyclist Killed
In early May, Los Angeles City council agreed to a settlement of its own after a man was killed in Eagle Rock. Edgardo Gabat was riding with a cycling group when he hit uneven pavement and was sent flying off his bike in 2014.
Like San Diego, the city was sued for not maintaining its sidewalks. The area that Gabat had been riding in was labeled as “bicycle friendly,” but it was anything but safe on the night of his death. Gabat’s fall was so brutal that the helmet he was wearing was not enough to absorb the impact of the pavement on the back of his head.
LA is said to have a number of deteriorated streets that have been forgotten about by the city council. These streets are now injury and wrongful death traps waiting to claim more victims.
Cyclist Deaths and Injuries
According to WeLoveCycling.com, California ranks as seventh in the United States in cyclist deaths. Every day, millions of Californians cycle to work, school or to see friends, yet some of the state’s roadways are far from safe due to poor maintenance. To improve these cities for cyclists, joggers, and walkers, it may take more large personal injury lawsuit settlements for changes to be made.
Flahavan Law Offices | Westlake Village Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has experienced an injury from a cycling accident, contact Flahavan Law Offices. Flahavan Law Offices specializes in personal injury law and can give you advice on the compensation you deserve. Flahavan Law Offices is here to help with all your personal injury law needs.