As a young adult, Bryant’s life changed when he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in Huntington Beach. Bryant and his friend were riding bikes to the waterfront to watch the sunset when a vehicle suddenly veered into the bicycle lane and struck Bryant from behind. The driver refused to admit he caused the collision by entering the bicycle lane and hitting Bryant’s bicycle while it was completely within the lane.
Bryant suffered a concussion, lower back injury, and wrist injury as a result of the collision. He underwent lumbar fusion surgery for his lower back injury. He also received treatment from a neurologist for the concussion.
Bryant was an avid exercise enthusiast before the collision. He regularly spent hours exercising, including lifting weights at the gym, running, playing basketball, and riding his bicycle. He was in excellent physical condition before the collision. After the collision, he was unable to exercise at the same level due to his injuries. Although Bryant has made progress with his physical fitness routine, his injuries continue to affect his ability to return to the level he was at before the collision.
Bryant had recently started community college at the time of the collision. His injuries and treatment caused him to miss significant class time, and he withdrew from his classes after the collision.
Overcoming Legal Challenges
Two big hurdles we encountered in the case were: (1) the defendant refused to admit he caused the collision by veering into the bicycle lane and striking Bryant from behind, and (2) Bryant was not wearing a helmet when the collision occurred. During the litigation process, the defendant driver refused to admit he caused the collision. He claimed not to know whether Bryant was completely in the bicycle lane at the time of the collision or whether his vehicle veered into the bicycle lane to collide with Bryant.
Our firm was able to track down a witness who was driving behind the defendant driver. We arranged the deposition of the witness, who confirmed that the defendant driver suddenly swerved into the bicycle lane and collided with Bryant.
The defense attempted to undermine Bryant’s concussion by arguing he would not have suffered a concussion if he had been wearing a helmet. Our strategy to combat that argument was to acknowledge that it is not wise to ride a bicycle without a helmet; however, there is no legal obligation for an adult to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle in California. More importantly, Bryant would not have suffered a concussion if the defendant driver had not veered into the bicycle lane and struck him from behind. Lack of a helmet was not what caused his concussion—it was caused by a negligent driver.
M&Y was able to establish that the defendant driver was negligent and caused the collision through third-party witness testimony. M&Y was also able to successfully rebut the defense’s attempt to minimize and undermine Bryant’s concussion and other injuries. M&Y employees provided support, comfort, and guidance for Bryant while he navigated treatment for his injuries and the complicated litigation process. The attorney working on Bryant’s case spoke with him regularly and was always available to address any questions or concerns about his injuries and the progression of the legal case.
The Outcome
After extensive litigation and mediation, the case settled for a confidential amount. Written discovery, depositions, defense medical exams, and expert work were completed before settlement. The defense fought every step of the way, but M&Y’s preparation and advocacy helped bring the case to a successful resolution.
Verdicts & Settlements
M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers has helped injured clients recover meaningful compensation after serious accidents. To learn more about additional results, visit our Verdicts & Settlements page.
