California Injury Blog
Douglas Justin James Willison, 56, was killed in a San Bernardino bicycle accident after he was hit from behind by a pickup truck in Yucca Valley, The Press Enterprise reports. Willison was riding his bike along the 8100 block of Palomar Avenue the night of November 2, 2009 when he was rear-ended by the pickup truck. Willison died at the scene. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating this fatal collision.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Justin James Willison for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Willison. Please keep them in your prayers.
San Bernardino Bicycle Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three injuries reported in Yucca Valley as a result of serious bicycle accidents. In San Bernardino County as a whole, four deaths and 259 injuries were reported in 2007 involving bicycle accidents. Also, countywide, 308 deaths and 9,920 injuries were attributed to all car accidents during that same year.
Who Was At Fault In this Car Accident?
Based on this news report, it is not very clear how or why this car-bicycle collision occurred. There are many questions here that need to be answered. Was the driver of the pickup intoxicated? Was the motorist distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent? Where was the bicyclist traveling at the time of the collision? Was he riding his bike on the side of the street, the sidewalk or the bike lane? Bicyclists are required under California law to follow the rules of the road just like the driver of any other vehicle, such as a car.
If the pickup truck driver was at fault here, then he or she could be held liable for Willison’s fatal injuries. If a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to this fatal collision, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable. California Government Code requires that any claim against a governmental agency be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. Willison’s family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California bicycle accident lawyer who will follow up with the official investigation, determine whether there was any negligence or wrongdoing and make sure that the at-fault parties are held accountable.
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.