Student Severely Injured in California Bicycle Accident

A 21-year-old Chico State University student who was seriously injured in a car accident after her bicycle was hit by a vehicle the morning of January 7, 2010, has been identified as Kelsey LeBoeuf. The Chico Enterprise-Record reports that LeBoeuf was riding her bike near the intersection of First and Walnut streets when she was struck by a pickup truck and then dragged with her bicycle for nearly 100 feet. LeBoeuf suffered a compound fracture to her right leg. She underwent surgery, but is said to be in fair condition. An investigation is ongoing.

I sympathize with Kelsey LeBoeuf and her family for what they're going through. I wish her the very best for a speedy recovery from her injuries. She will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 32 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Chico, California. In Butte County, one fatality and 60 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Bicycle Laws and Liability Issues

California Vehicle Code Section 21200(a) states: "Every person riding a bicycle has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division." What that means is bicyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as drivers of other vehicles. Based on this news report, we don't know exactly how the collision happened? Was LeBoeuf following the rules of the road? Did the driver of the pickup truck yield right-of-way to the bicyclist? I trust traffic investigators are looking into these and other issues to determine who was at fault for this injury accident.

If the driver of the pickup was at fault, LeBoeuf could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, therapy and rehabilitation. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options in such cases.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.