Rene Ambriz, 20, was killed in a Ventura car accident while riding his bicycle across the street. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the fatal bicycle accident occurred the evening of November 13, 2010 at the intersection of Ventura Road and West Hemlock Street in Oxnard. Police say Ambriz was riding his bicycle across Ventura Road when he was struck by a minivan driven by 42-year-old Paul Castaneda. Police also suspect Ambriz was crossing the street against a red light. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the car accident. An investigation is ongoing.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Rene Ambriz. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this tragic bicycle accident.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 65 injuries reported involving Oxnard bicycle accidents. In Ventura County as a whole, two people died and 307 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.
What Caused This Fatal Bicycle Accident?
Based on this news report, police say that Ambriz may have been crossing the street against a red light. Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as the drivers of other vehicles. There are still several unanswered questions here at the moment. Was the driver, Castaneda impaired, distracted or speeding at the time? Why was he unable to avoid the collision? Did witnesses see Ambriz crossing at a red light? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this fatal bicycle accident?
Liability Issues
In such cases, the family of a deceased car accident victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. A skilled car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway condition caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or public entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claims against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
Lost a family member in a Ventura County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Oxnard bicycle accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Ventura car accident lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.
What are some of the more common roadway hazards faced by bicyclists in your community?