California Injury Blog
A man was hospitalized with injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after his bicycle was struck by a vehicle in West Hollywood. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the cyclist was riding south on La Cienega Boulevard after midnight on December 1, 2009, when a vehicle ran into him at Holloway Drive. The extent of the bicyclist’s injuries is not known yet. He was taken to an area hospital following the collision. The driver of the vehicle, however, did not stop and fled the scene. Anyone with information about this hit-and-run collision is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at 310-855-8850.
I sympathize with this bicyclist who has apparently suffered injuries serious enough to be hospitalized. I hope and pray that he did not sustain catastrophic or life-threatening injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.
Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 21 injuries involving bicycle accidents in West Hollywood. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 27 deaths and 2,902 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents in 2007. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 712 lives and 56,475 injuries in 2007.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.” A motorist is required to stop, render assistance to the injured party and exchange information including identification, car insurance and contact information. Drivers involved in accidents are required to remain at the scene of the accident irrespective of whether the accident was the driver’s fault.
Car Accident Liability Issues
In this case, the news article says the vehicle pulled in front of the bicyclist. It seems to me that the driver may have been at fault, and knowing that, left the scene of the accident. The injured bicyclist would be well-advised to retain the services of a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has an excellent track record of pursuing negligent drivers and holding them accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can also advise victims about how their car insurance policy or any auto insurance policy they have benefits under, will apply to a hit-and-run accident or an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.
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.