Two bicyclists were injured after both were struck by vehicles nearly at the same time in the cities of Orange and Anaheim the night of March 17, 2015. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Orange police responded to an accident on Chapman Avenue near the northbound 57 on-ramp after a taxi van heading east hit a bicyclist. The male bicyclist was hospitalized. The cab driver was not intoxicated and was not cited, officials said. Nearly around the same time a bicyclist was struck at the Burger King in the 500 block of Euclid Street in Anaheim. The bicyclist was treated for his injuries. Both bicyclists are expected to survive.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured bicyclists. We wish them both the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
OC Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2012 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 169 injuries in Anaheim due to bicycle accidents.
In Orange, 66 people were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in 2012. During the same year, 13 fatalities and 1,441 injuries were reported due to bike collisions countywide.
Accident Investigations
Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused these bicycle accidents. Under California Vehicle Code, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles. In such cases, a number of questions must be asked.
Did the motorist yield the right-of-way to the bicyclist? Did the driver intrude into the bike lane? Did driver distraction or impairment lead to the collision?
We trust officials in both these cities are looking into who or what caused these collisions.
Fault & Liability
If the driver is believed to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused.
Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled bicycle accident cases.
A knowledgeable Orange County bicycle accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway or intersection caused or contributed to the incident.
If that is the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable as well.