California Injury Blog
A 35-year-old bicyclist has sustained critical injuries in a Los Angeles car accident, which possibly involved a drunk driver, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. The bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Temple and Puente avenues, the night of December 26, 2009, when the bicyclist was riding in a crosswalk. He was struck by an SUV driven by 40-year-old Frank Lanning. The bicyclist sustained head injuries and was transported to a local hospital, in critical condition. Lanning was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
My heart goes out to this injured victim and his family for what they are going through right now. I hope and pray that the bicyclist makes it through his critical head injuries and has a complete recovery, although his road to recovery may be long. This injured victim and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two fatalities and one injury were reported as a result of bicycle accidents in La Puente. In Los Angeles County, 27 deaths and 2,902 injuries occurred in 2007 due to bicycle accidents.
Drunk Driving Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the SUV, Lanning, was at fault for this major injury collision. If he is found guilty of DUI in this case, I sincerely hope he gets the punishment he deserves. Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.” A driver whose act of driving under the influence leads to the death of the victim will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code 191.5 (a). In this case, the bicyclist was riding his bike in a crosswalk and the motorist completely missed seeing him.
An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help
The family of this critically injured victim would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of this case and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy and other related costs.
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.