California Bicycle Accident Wrist Fracture Lawyer: Get Maximum Compensation

Wrist fractures occur in approximately 25-30% of all bicycle accidents involving falls or collisions. When cyclists are struck by vehicles or forced to swerve suddenly, the natural reflex is to extend the arms to break the fall. This protective instinct often results in the full force of impact being absorbed by the wrists, causing [fractures to the radius, ulna, or small carpal bones](/broken-bones-fractures).

The most common wrist fractures in bicycle accidents include distal radius fractures (Colles' fractures), scaphoid fractures, and ulnar styloid fractures. These injuries range from simple, stable fractures that may heal with casting to complex, comminuted fractures requiring surgical intervention with plates, screws, or external fixation devices. Recovery times vary from 6-8 weeks for simple fractures to 6-12 months for severe injuries requiring multiple surgeries.

Many cyclists don't realize the full extent of their wrist injury immediately after an accident. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some fractures—particularly scaphoid fractures—may not show up clearly on initial X-rays. This is why it's critical to seek comprehensive medical evaluation after any [bicycle accident](/bicycle-accidents), even if you think your injuries are minor. Delayed diagnosis of wrist fractures can lead to complications like avascular necrosis, nonunion, and permanent disability.

Driver negligence is the leading cause of bicycle accidents that result in wrist fractures. Common scenarios include drivers failing to yield to cyclists at [intersections](/intersection-bicycle-accident-lawyer), making unsafe lane changes without checking blind spots, opening [car doors into bike lanes](/dooring-accident-lawyer) (dooring accidents), and turning right across bike paths without looking. When drivers violate California Vehicle Code sections that protect cyclists, they can be held liable for all resulting injuries.

Road hazards also contribute to bicycle accidents causing wrist fractures. [Potholes](/pothole-bicycle-accident-lawyer), uneven pavement, debris in bike lanes, and poorly maintained road surfaces can cause cyclists to lose control and crash. In these cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance may be liable under California Government Code Section 835, though special notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines apply to claims against public entities.

[Distracted driving](/distracted-driving) has become an epidemic on California roads, with drivers texting, using navigation apps, or engaging with in-vehicle entertainment systems instead of watching for vulnerable road users. When distracted drivers strike cyclists or force them to take evasive action, the resulting crashes often involve high-energy impacts that cause severe wrist fractures requiring extensive medical treatment.

Initial treatment for wrist fractures typically begins in the emergency room with X-rays to identify the fracture type and location. Simple, non-displaced fractures may be treated with closed reduction (manually realigning the bones) and immobilization in a cast or splint for 6-8 weeks. However, many [bicycle accident wrist fractures](/bicycle-accident-broken-bones-lawyer) are displaced, unstable, or involve joint surfaces, requiring surgical intervention.

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the most common surgical treatment for complex wrist fractures. This procedure involves making an incision, realigning the bone fragments, and securing them with plates, screws, pins, or wires. Recovery from ORIF surgery typically requires 3-6 months of healing, followed by extensive physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength. Some patients require hardware removal in a second surgery once healing is complete.

Scaphoid fractures present unique challenges because this small carpal bone has limited blood supply, making healing difficult. Untreated or improperly treated scaphoid fractures can lead to avascular necrosis (bone death) and permanent disability. Treatment often requires prolonged immobilization or surgical fixation with a screw. Your medical records documenting the severity of your wrist fracture and the treatment required are critical evidence in your [personal injury claim](/personal-injury).

Even with optimal treatment, many bicycle accident victims who suffer wrist fractures experience long-term complications. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop years after the initial injury, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced grip strength. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as reflex sympathric dystrophy, is a devastating complication that causes severe, burning pain and can result in [permanent disability](/catastrophic-injury).

Permanent range of motion limitations are common after wrist fractures, particularly those involving joint surfaces. Many patients never regain full wrist extension or flexion, which can significantly impact their ability to perform work tasks, recreational activities, and daily living activities. These permanent impairments must be thoroughly documented by medical experts and factored into your compensation claim.

The psychological impact of permanent wrist disability shouldn't be underestimated. Cyclists who can no longer ride due to wrist pain or weakness often experience depression, anxiety, and [loss of enjoyment of life](/bicycle-accident-pain-suffering-claim). Professional cyclists or those whose careers require manual dexterity may face career changes or reduced earning capacity. California law allows you to seek compensation for all these non-economic damages in addition to your [medical expenses](/bicycle-accident-medical-bills-claim) and [lost wages](/bicycle-accident-lost-wages-claim).

To recover compensation for your wrist fracture, you must prove that another party's negligence caused your accident. This requires establishing four elements: duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. In bicycle accident cases, drivers owe cyclists a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow all traffic laws. When they fail to yield, follow too closely, or violate other traffic laws, they breach this duty.

Evidence is critical to proving liability. Our attorneys immediately begin gathering police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident scene photographs. We work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and cyclist injuries to demonstrate how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Cell phone records may prove a driver was texting at the time of the crash.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often try to blame cyclists for their own injuries, claiming they weren't wearing helmets, weren't visible, or violated traffic laws. Our [experienced attorneys](/lawyers) aggressively counter these defenses and fight to minimize any fault attributed to you.

Economic damages in bicycle accident wrist fracture cases include all past and future medical expenses related to your injury. This encompasses emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medications, physical therapy, assistive devices, and any future medical care you'll need. We work with medical experts to project your lifetime medical costs, ensuring you're compensated for all future treatment, not just what you've incurred so far.

Lost wages and diminished earning capacity are also recoverable. If your wrist fracture prevented you from working during recovery, you're entitled to compensation for all lost income. If your injury resulted in permanent impairment that limits your ability to perform your job or forces a career change, you can recover damages for reduced future earning capacity. Vocational experts can calculate these losses over your expected work life.

Non-economic damages compensate you for pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or disability. While these damages don't have a precise dollar value, California law allows juries to award substantial compensation for the physical and emotional toll of serious injuries. Our attorneys present compelling evidence of how your wrist fracture has impacted every aspect of your life to maximize your non-economic damages.

Insurance adjusters will contact you soon after your bicycle accident, often while you're still in pain and uncertain about your prognosis. They may seem friendly and concerned, but their goal is to minimize your claim or get you to accept a quick, lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never give a recorded statement to an insurance company or accept a [settlement offer](/bicycle-accident-settlement) without consulting an experienced bicycle accident attorney.

Insurance companies use various tactics to devalue bicycle accident claims. They may argue that your wrist fracture was pre-existing, that you didn't need surgery, or that you're exaggerating your pain and limitations. They'll scrutinize your social media posts looking for evidence that contradicts your injury claims. Having an attorney who understands these tactics and knows how to counter them is essential to protecting your rights.

California law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 per person for bodily injury. Unfortunately, this is rarely sufficient to cover the full damages from a serious wrist fracture requiring surgery. Our attorneys investigate all available insurance coverage, including the at-fault driver's policy, your own underinsured motorist coverage, and any umbrella policies that may apply. We fight to maximize recovery from all available sources.

The actions you take in the days and weeks following your bicycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover full compensation. Evidence disappears quickly—surveillance footage is recorded over, witnesses forget details, and accident scenes change. Our attorneys begin investigating immediately, preserving critical evidence before it's lost. We also ensure you're seeing the right medical specialists and getting the treatment you need.

California's two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit. While two years may seem like plenty of time, complex bicycle accident cases require extensive investigation, expert analysis, and negotiation. Waiting too long to hire an attorney can jeopardize your claim. Additionally, if a government entity is potentially liable for road hazards, you must file a claim within just six months.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all case costs, including expert fees, investigation expenses, and court filing fees. This allows you to pursue justice against well-funded insurance companies without worrying about upfront legal costs. Your [initial consultation is completely free](/bicycle-accident-lawyer-free-consultation), and we'll give you an honest assessment of your case.

If you're able to do so safely, document the accident scene with photographs showing vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic controls, and your bicycle damage. Get contact information from the driver and any witnesses. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. A police report creates an official record of the accident and can be crucial evidence in your claim.

Seek immediate medical attention, even if your wrist pain seems manageable. Some fractures aren't immediately apparent, and delayed treatment can lead to complications and give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries weren't serious. Follow all treatment recommendations from your doctors, attend all appointments, and complete your prescribed physical therapy. Gaps in treatment will be used against you by insurance adjusters.

Keep detailed records of everything related to your accident and injury. Save all medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and documentation of lost wages. Keep a pain journal describing your daily symptoms, limitations, and how your injury affects your life. Take photographs of your injuries, surgical incisions, and any visible scarring. This documentation will be invaluable when building your compensation claim.

At Hurt Advice, we're passionate advocates for cyclists' rights. We understand the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face, from bias against cyclists to insurance companies that undervalue their claims. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex bicycle accident cases involving serious orthopedic injuries like wrist fractures. We've recovered millions in compensation for injured cyclists throughout California.

We take a comprehensive approach to every case, working with top medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and economists to build the strongest possible claim. We're not afraid to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements. Our [track record of successful verdicts and settlements](/results) speaks to our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation for our clients.

[Our clients](/testimonials) appreciate our personalized attention and clear communication throughout the legal process. We'll keep you informed at every stage of your case, answer your questions promptly, and ensure you understand your options. We handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. [Contact us today](/contact) for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your bicycle accident wrist fracture case.

California has some of the most comprehensive laws protecting cyclists in the nation. The Three Feet for Safety Act (Vehicle Code Section 21760) requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists, or slow to a safe speed if three feet isn't possible. Violations of this law that result in accidents establish negligence per se, making it easier to prove liability.

California Vehicle Code Section 21200 grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means cyclists have the right to use public roads (except where specifically prohibited) and drivers must treat them as legitimate road users. When drivers fail to yield to cyclists who have the right of way, they violate this law and can be held liable for resulting injuries.

Local jurisdictions throughout California have implemented additional protections for cyclists, including protected [bike lanes](/bike-lane-accident-lawyer), bike boxes at intersections, and traffic calming measures. When drivers violate these local traffic controls and cause accidents, they can be held liable. Our attorneys stay current on all state and local laws affecting cyclists to build the strongest possible case for your compensation.

Below are answers to common questions we receive from bicycle accident victims who have suffered wrist fractures. If you have additional questions about your specific situation, [contact Hurt Advice](/contact) for a free consultation with an experienced California bicycle accident attorney.