California Injury Blog
Peter Webster, 60, was killed in an Oakland car accident after he was struck while riding a bicycle at a city intersection. According to a news report in the Oakland Tribune, Webster was riding at the intersection of 52nd and Market streets the evening of April 30, 2010 when he was hit by a Buick driven by a 36-year-old man. The Buick was traveling west on 52nd Street at the time and Webster was riding his bike south on Market Street. Webster was thrown to the pavement and was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. He died a few hours after the collision. Police are asking anyone who witnessed this accident to call Oakland police at 510-777-8553.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Peter Webster for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Bicycle Accident Injuries and Fatalities
There was one fatality and 165 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Oakland in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol’s traffic accident statistics. In Alameda County as a whole, there was one death and 672 injuries involving bicycle accidents during the same year.
Right-of-Way and Other Issues
In this particular case, it appears that either the bicyclist or the driver of the Buick failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection. Police say the driver did not seem to be under the influence at the time. There are several questions here. Did either the bicycle or the Buick run a red light? Was the bicyclist riding in a marked crosswalk or at the intersection? Was the driver of the Buick distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here.
Wrongful Death Claim
In such cases, families of deceased car accident victims would be well advised to retain the services of an experienced Oakland personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent individuals or entities are held liable. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
In your opinion, what are the most common causes of bicycle accidents: a. Dangerous roadways b. Aggressive drivers or c. Bicyclists who fail to follow the rules of the road?