A 58-year-old La Palma man was killed in a Long Beach car accident after his bicycle was struck by a pickup truck. According to a City News Service report, the fatal bicycle collision occurred at the intersection of Carson Street and Woodruff Avenue the night of June 26, 2010. Long Beach police officials say a 70-year-old man driving a 2010 Ford F-150 west on Carson Street crashed into the bicyclist who was also westbound. The bicyclist was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Anyone with information is asked to contact Long Beach police at 562-570-7355.
I offer my deepest sympathies to everybody who knew and loved this deceased bicyclist for their profound loss. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
There were three fatalities and 181 injuries involving bicycle accident in 2008 in Long Beach, according to California Highway Patrol’s traffic accident statistics. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents in 2008.
What Caused the Accident?
Based on this news report, it is not clear why this tragic crash occurred. Whose fault was the accident? Was the driver of the pickup truck impaired or distracted at the time of the collision? Why did he fail to see the bicyclist who was traveling in the same direction? Was there sufficient lighting in the area? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? Was this accident the bicyclist’s fault? I hope more witnesses come forward in this case to help investigators determine what occurred here.
Liability Issues
If the pickup truck driver was at fault, he could be held liable for the fatal injuries caused to the bicyclist. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, family members of deceased victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, loss of future wages, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
An experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. If a dangerous or defective condition of the roadway led to the accident, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any claim against a California public entity must be filed within six months of the incident or injury.
What steps can bicyclists take to be more visible at night, to other drivers?
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.