A bicyclist sustained injuries in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by a minivan. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the collision occurred in the 2700 block of Kurtz Street the morning of April 14, 2010. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries. The collision reportedly occurred in the Midway District of San Diego. Police are investigating the incident.
I hope the bicyclist in this case has not sustained serious injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 512 injuries involving bicycle accidents in San Diego. In San Diego County as a whole, bicycle accidents claimed seven lives and caused 959 injuries during the same year. Also, countywide, 246 fatalities and 13,527 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents.
What Caused the Accident?
In this particular case, it is not clear what caused the bicycle accident. There are more questions here than answers. Where was the bicyclist riding at the time of the collision? Was he crossing the street? Was he riding along the side of the road? Did the driver of the minivan stick to his or her traffic lane? Whose fault was the accident? Did one of the parties fail to yield right-of-way to the other? I trust officials are examining these and other factors in order to determine exactly what occurred here.
Laws and Liability Issues
Under California law, bicyclists are subject to the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of any other vehicle on the roadway. 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.”
However, if I were the injured victim, I would definitely want to know whether the other driver was negligent in any way. Was he or she impaired, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly? If the accident was the other driver’s fault, then he or she can be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. If this accident was caused by a dangerous or defective roadway, the city of San Diego or the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway can also be held responsible. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. A reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled bicycle accident cases will be able advise victims and their families about how to pursue their rights in these cases.
Are you a bicyclist? What dangers do you face on the road everyday?
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.