Personal Injury Lawyer Report » Bicycle Accident

San Diego Car Accident Injures Bicyclist

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:54:21 +0000

A bicyclist was injured in a San Diego car accident the morning of July 28, 2010, 10news reports. San Diego County Sheriff's officials said the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Imperial Beach Boulevard and Florence Street. The injured bicyclist was transported to an area hospital. The extent of the bicyclist's injuries is not known. An investigation is ongoing.

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My heart goes out to this injured victim and his or her family. I hope the bicyclist in this case did not suffer catastrophic injuries. I wish the victim the very best for a quick and full recovery.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 355 injuries as a result of bicycle accidents in San Diego. Countywide, seven people died and 959 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this bicycle versus car accident occurred. There are still several unanswered questions here. Where was the bicyclist riding at the time of the collision? Was he or she crossing the street or riding along the side of the roadway? Was the motorist impaired, distracted speeding or otherwise negligent at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the incident? I trust officials are looking at these and other issues in order to determine what occurred and why.

Fault and Liability

If the motorist is determined to have been at fault, then he or she could be held financially responsible for the injuries caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of compensation, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages.

Victims or their families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

San Diego Car Accident Injures Bicyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Oakland Bicycle Accident Proves Fatal

Lorraine — Fri, 21 May 2010 23:41:45 +0000

A man who was killed in a bicycle accident in Oakland on May 19, 2010, has been identified by officials as 35-year-old Erik Fitzpatrick. According to a KCBS news report, Fitzpatrick had just gotten out of an AC Transit bus and started riding his bicycle, when a woman who suddenly opened her car door knocked him off his bike. Fitzpatrick was then thrown onto the roadway where he was hit by the same bus he had exited moments ago. The accident occurred on MacArthur Boulevard near Patterson Avenue. Fitzpatrick was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. Charges are pending against the woman as an investigation if ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Erik Fitzpatrick. What a sudden, shocking and devastating loss for them! Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.

Bicycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 34 fatalities and 2,211 injuries involving car accidents in Oakland California. In Alameda County, traffic accidents claimed 82 lives and caused 6,935 injuries during the same year.

Who Caused the Victim's Fatal Injuries?

If the details of the news report are accurate, it appears that the initial impact from the door opening knocked the bicyclist off his bike. He was then struck by the bus. It is not clear whether the bus driver tried to stop or had sufficient time to stop before the collision. I trust officials are looking into whether there was any negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the woman or the bus driver.

Liability Issues

If the woman is determined to have been at fault, she could be held civilly liable for Fitzpatrick's wrongful death, even if she is not criminally charged. If the bus driver is determined to have been at-fault, then the transit authority could be held accountable. In such cases, an experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options. Please remember that any claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within six months of the incident.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for bicyclists in your city or neighborhood?

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.

Oakland Bicycle Accident Proves Fatal is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles Causes Injuries

Ron — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:41:24 +0000

A bicycle accident at a Whittier street intersection caused serious injuries to a man who was riding his bike across the street, the Whittier Daily News reports. The pickup truck versus bicycle accident happened on May 11, 2010 at the intersection of Lambert Road and Coachman Avenue. The driver of the pickup told officials he stopped at the stop sign at the intersection. But he hit the bicyclist who was crossing Coachman as he did not see him attempting to cross the road.

I hope the bicyclist in this case has not suffered any catastrophic injuries. I pray that he recovers quickly and completely from his serious injuries.

Accident Statistics

There was one fatality and 358 injuries involving car accidents in Whittier, California. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Who was at Fault?

In this particular case, it is not clear who had the right-of-way at the time. It appears that the truck driver was attempting to make a turn at the intersection when he struck the bicyclist. Police say the pickup truck driver stopped at the intersection (stop sign), but just did not see the bicyclist coming. This is a common occurrence especially at intersections where drivers of larger vehicles fail to consciously look out for smaller vehicles (motorcycles, bicycles) or even pedestrians.

Liability Issues

If the pickup truck driver failed to yield right-of-way to the bicyclist, then he or she could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. If a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to this collision, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a California public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident. The best Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What steps do you think cities and governmental agencies can take to make roadways safer for bicyclists?

Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles Causes Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

San Francisco Bay Area Bicycle Accident Proves Fatal

Ron — Mon, 03 May 2010 23:21:23 +0000

A San Francisco car accident proved fatal for 60-year-old bicyclist Peter Webster, who was struck and killed by a Buick at an Oakland intersection. The Oakland Tribune reports that the fatal bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of 52nd and Market streets the evening of April 30, 2010. Webster was taken to an area hospital where he died shortly after the crash.

I offer my sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Peter Webster. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Oakland Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 165 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Oakland. Also in Oakland, in 2008, car accidents claimed 34 lives and injured 2,211 people.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly what caused this fatal bicycle accident. It appears to me that either the bicyclist or the driver of the Buick failed to yield right-of-way. It is not clear whether the bicyclist was crossing the street, riding in a crosswalk or in a bike lane. We also do not know whether driver distraction, recklessness or speeding may have played a part in this crash.

Claim for Compensation

Victims' families in such cases would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will also determine whether a dangerous roadway or intersection caused or contributed to this fatal accident. If that was the case the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

In your opinion, what are the most common causes of bicycle accidents: a. Dangerous roadways b. Aggressive drivers or c. Bicyclists who fail to follow the rules of the road?

San Francisco Bay Area Bicycle Accident Proves Fatal is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Orange County Bicyclist Killed in Bus Accident

Ron — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:54:26 +0000

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?

Orange County Bicyclist Killed in Bus Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Student Severely Injured in California Bicycle Accident

Lorraine — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:03:10 +0000

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.

Student Severely Injured in California Bicycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

San Diego Truck Accident Injures Bicyclist

Lorraine — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:59:56 +0000

A San Diego truck accident that occurred the morning of December 18, 2009, has left a 24-year-old bicyclist seriously injured, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The major injury accident occurred at the intersection of Orange and Fairmount avenues in the City Heights area of San Diego. A semi-trailer apparently made a right turn from Orange on to Fairmount Avenue. The bicyclist, who was riding on the right side of the semi, got pinned under the right front tire of the big rig. He sustained major injuries to his lower body. The injuries are thankfully not life-threatening.

I sympathize with this bicycle accident victim who has clearly sustained serious injuries. I hope that his injuries are not catastrophic and that he recovers from them quickly and completely. This injured victim and his family will be in my prayers.

San Diego Bicycle Accidents

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four deaths and 392 injuries involving bicycle accidents in the city of San Diego. Countywide, 11 fatalities and 797 injuries were reported during the same year due to bicycle accidents.

Right-of-Way Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it is clear that the driver of the big rig did not see the bicyclist at the intersection. This is something that happens quite commonly at intersections. For example, drivers of large trucks or even pickup trucks or SUVs fail to see oncoming motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians at intersections. Sometimes, the driver of a larger vehicle waiting to make a turn is just not looking out for a smaller vehicle or a pedestrian. In this particular case, I'd question whether the truck was even legally allowed to be on that city roadway.

Who is Liable?

If there was a dangerous condition at this intersection, the city of San Diego or the governmental agency in charge of maintaining this roadway could also be held liable for the bicyclist's serious injuries. Any such claim, against a California governmental agency, must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. In this particular case, if the driver of the semi-truck is found to be at fault then, he and his employer, the trucking company, could be held liable for the bicyclist's personal injuries. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to better explain, to victims, about their legal rights and options.

San Diego Truck Accident Injures Bicyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Orange County Car Accident Kills Bicyclist

Ron — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:13:20 +0000

Authorities have identified a bicyclist killed in an Orange County car accident the afternoon of November 7, 2009 as 26-year-old Christopher Alan Winkel. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Huntington Beach police found Winkel lying on the roadway, injured and unconscious, at the intersection of Brookhurst Street and Banning Avenue. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation is being conducted by police to determine who or what caused this fatal bicycle accident. If you saw this accident or have any information about it, please contact Huntington Beach police at 714-536-5666.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of young Christopher Alan Winkel for their irreparable loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who is grieving this man's loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Orange County Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics, one person died and 105 were injured as a result of bicycle accident cases in Huntington Beach, California. In Orange County as a whole, 16 deaths and 1,020 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents in 2007. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 178 lives and injured 14,185 during the same period.

In this particular incident, based on the news report, there are many questions that need to be answered in this case. The news report suggests that this might be a hit-and-run accident. We don't know where Winkel was riding his bike at the time of the accident. Was he crossing the street? Was he in a crosswalk or at an intersection? Was the driver who hit him negligent in some way?

Possible Hit-and-Run Car Accident

If the driver did commit a hit-and-run, if he or she left the scene of the accident, then he or she could face hit-and-run felony charges in connection with this incident. Leaving the scene of an accident is a major crime in California. In such cases, negligent drivers can also be held civilly liable for the victim's injuries or wrongful death.

The Winkel family would be well advised to consult an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who has had consistent success in holding negligent drivers accountable for their wrongdoing. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

Orange County Car Accident Kills Bicyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report