California Injury Blog
A bicycle accident in Anaheim involving a tanker truck proved fatal for a man identified as 42-year-old Timothy Binau. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Orangewood Avenue and Harbor Boulevard the night of April 1, 2015. Officials arrived at the scene to find the victim fatally injured.
The tractor-trailer and the cyclist were both traveling south on Harbor Boulevard when they collided into each other. Investigators are still looking into exactly how the crash happened.
Police do not suspect that the truck driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He remained at the scene and cooperated with detectives. He was not injured.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of Timothy Binau for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Bicycle Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2012 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 169 injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in Anaheim.
What Caused This Fatal Crash?
Based on this news report, it appears that the big rig and the bicycle were traveling in the same direction when the two collided. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21200, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as operators of other vehicles.
There are still several questions here. Who caused the collision? Did the big rig driver fail to see the bicyclist? Did distracted driving cause the collision? Did the large truck intrude into the bike lane colliding with the bicyclist? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the incident?
We trust officials are looking at these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Fault and Liability
If the truck driver is determined to have been at fault, he and his employer can be held liable for the bicyclist’s wrongful death.
In cases where negligence is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship.
Victims and their families would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County bicycle accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.