A 15-year-old boy riding a bicycle suffered life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck him. According to a City News Service report, the crash occurred the morning of March 20, 2014 at the intersection of Bushard Street and Rose Avenue. Police say a Volvo sedan was southbound on Bushard when the bicyclist entered the street from the west curb line of Bushard north of Rose Avenue. The driver of the Volvo remained at the scene and the boy was transported to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition.
Officials do not believe alcohol or drugs played a part. Anyone who saw this incident is asked to contact police at 714-593-4484. Our thoughts and prayers are with this critically injured teenager who is apparently fighting for his life. We wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2011 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 28 injuries were reported due to bicycle accidents in the city of Fountain Valley. In Orange County as a whole, 13 fatalities and 1,315 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.
What Caused This Crash?
Based on this news report, it appears that the accident occurred at an intersection as the young bicyclist was trying to cross the street. However, there are a number of answered questions here.
There is a two-way stop at this intersection, but no light. This means that vehicles on Rose Avenue are required to stop for traffic on Bushard. I trust officials are looking into the finer details of this case to determine who was at fault and who had the right-of-way here. Under California Vehicle Code, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles.
Liability Issues
If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the victim’s injuries. Injured victims can seek compensation from at-fault parties for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress.An experienced Orange County bicycle accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this incident.