Orange County Bicyclist Killed in Bus Accident

Officials in La Habra have identified a 49-year-old woman killed in a recent La Habra bicycle accident as 49-year-old Annette Ferrin-Rodgers. The Whittier Daily News reports that the fatal bicycle versus bus crash occurred when a Foothill Transit bus was turning from Beach on to La Habra Boulevard the evening of April 20, 2010. The driver said he did not see the bicyclist riding in the crosswalk until it was too late.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Annette Ferrin-Rodgers for their terrible loss. The report states she leaves behind a daughter and was a long-time employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Tragic! This grieving family will be in my prayers.

Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 255 injuries involving car accidents in La Habra, California. In Orange County as a whole, traffic accidents resulted in 152 deaths and 13,414 injuries were reported during the same year.

Laws for Bicyclists

If the details in this news report are accurate, it appears that Ferrin-Rodgers was riding her bicycle in the crosswalk. Under California law, riding one's bicycle in the crosswalk is not necessarily illegal. California courts have consistently held that it is not illegal to ride a bicycle in a crosswalk. A 2009 amendment to California Vehicle Code section 21650 (g) states that the law does not prohibit bicyclists from riding on a sidewalk, bicycle path or in a crosswalk. Unless a city ordinance prohibits bicyclists from riding in a crosswalk, it is not illegal. In this particular case, the city of La Habra does not have such an ordinance.

Who is Liable?

If the driver is determined to have been at fault here, then he and his employer, the transit authority – could be held liable for the accident and resulting death. Investigators should also look into how well this intersection was lit at the time of the fatal collision. Officials say the bicycle did not have a light. Did this claimed lack of a light and/or reflectors contribute to the accident? Should the bus driver have seen the bicyclist anyway? Was there insufficient lighting at the intersection which prevented the bus driver from seeing the bicyclist?

If a dangerous condition at the intersection caused or contributed to this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

What are the most dangerous intersections for bicyclists in your city?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.