A bicyclist suffered serious injuries in a Fountain Valley car accident after he was caught in a collision between two SUVs. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury crash occurred the afternoon of January 11, 2012 at the intersection of Bushard Street and Talbert Avenue. Investigators say the two SUVs crashed at the intersection. One of the SUVs then veered off the roadway and struck the 29-year-old Huntington Beach man, who was waiting at a corner for the traffic lights to change. The bicyclist sustained severe injuries, but is expected to survive. Officials are still looking into the cause of the initial collision between the two SUVs.
My thoughts and prayers are with the seriously injured victim of this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Orange County Bicycle Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 43 injuries reported due to bicycle accidents in Fountain Valley. In Orange County as a whole, 12 people died and 1,199 were injured in bicycle accidents, during the same year.
What Caused the Collision?
Based on this news report, the impact of the collision between the two SUVs pushed one of the vehicles into the bicyclist who was waiting at the intersection. It is not clear at this time what led to that initial collision. Officials say alcohol or drugs were not involved. Did one of the drivers run a red light at the busy intersection? Did one of the drivers fail to yield the right-of-way?
According to California Vehicle Code Section 21800 (a): “The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.” Running a red light is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a).
Fault and Liability
In this particular case, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. The injured bicyclist can seek compensation from the at-fault party for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.