Timothy Rizzo, 49, was seriously injured in a bicycle accident after he was struck by a car as he was riding on Highway 63 the night of May 3, 2010. According to a news report in The Fresno Bee, Rizzo was riding north on the highway, close to Avenue 328, in Visalia, when a Honda Accord driven by 53-year-old Juana Nunez drifted into the highway’s right shoulder and struck Rizzo. California Highway Patrol officials say Rizzo sustained major head injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Nunez and two of her passengers were not injured in this crash. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to the injured Timothy Rizzo. I hope he did not sustain any catastrophic injuries and wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to CHP’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 44 injuries involving bicycle accidents occurred in Visalia, California. In Tulare County as a whole, one death and 90 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.
Who Caused the Accident?
Based on this news account, it appears that the driver of the Honda Accord, Juana Nunez, left her traffic lane and struck this car accident victim, who was riding his bike on the shoulder of the highway. However, it is not clear what caused Nunez to move into the shoulder. Was she under the influence? Was she distracted at the time of the collision? Was she speeding or driving recklessly? I trust officials are examining these and other issues in order to determine how or why this tragic collision occurred.
Fault and Liability
If Nunez is determined to have been at fault in this case, she could be held liable for Rizzo’s serious injuries. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, therapy and even long-term care if that becomes necessary.
Victims and their families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable in such cases. If a dangerous or defective roadway is determined to have caused this accident, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against a governmental entity in California must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
Do you know of any roadways in your city, which desperately need bike lanes? Please share your comments and concerns with us.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is 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 us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.