Kelsey LeBoeuf, 21, was seriously injured in a Chico car accident after her bicycle was struck by a vehicle near a street intersection. According to a news report in the Chico Enterprise-Record, a pickup truck hit LeBoeuf the morning of January 7, 2010, and dragged her together with her bicycle, for about 100 feet. Chico police said LeBoeuf was riding her bike east on First Street and had just entered an intersection at Walnut Street, when the collision occurred. Officials are looking into who had the right-of-way at the time of the accident. LeBoeuf sustained a compound fracture to her right leg and underwent surgery. She is said to be recovering. Neither party has been cited pending an investigation.
My heart goes out to Kelsey LeBoeuf and her family. LeBoeuf is apparently a student at Chico State University. I hope and pray for her speedy and complete recovery.
Bicycle Accidents
There was one fatality and 32 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Chico in 2007, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In Butte County as a whole, one fatality and 60 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents.
Bicycle Laws and Accident Liability Issues
Under California law, bicyclists are subject to the same laws and regulations as drivers of other vehicles. California Vehicle Code Section 21200(a) states: "Every person riding a bicycle has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division." In this particular case, based on this report, it is not clear how or why this collision occurred. Who will be held at fault will depend on who had the right-of-way at the time. However, if there was a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway, which contributed to or caused the accident, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
Victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult an experienced California personal injury lawyer to find out more about their legal rights and options. If the driver of the other vehicle is found to be at-fault, bicycle accident victims could seek compensation to cover medical costs, lost earnings, cost of additional surgeries, treatment, physical therapy and other expenses.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm 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.
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