A fifth-grader heading to school on a bicycle was seriously injured in an Irvine car accident after he was struck by an SUV and trapped underneath the vehicle. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury car accident occurred at the intersection of Portola Parkway and Culver Drive the morning of January 18, 2011. Authorities say the boy's injuries were severe, but he is expected to survive. The boy was wearing a helmet at the time.
My heart goes out to this boy and his family for what they are going through at this time. It is indeed fortunate that his injuries are not life-threatening. I pray that this child makes a quick and complete recovery.
Bicycle Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 64 injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in Irvine. In Orange County as a whole, 10 people died and 1,087 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in 2008.
Busy Street Intersection
Based on this news report, it is not clear who was at fault for this car versus bicycle accident. One driver who was waiting at the light tells the Register that the child rode out in front of the vehicle and that the driver did not have much of a chance to see the boy on the bicycle.
The intersection of Culver Drive and Portola Parkway is extremely busy especially during school hours. Apparently, there is no crossing guard on this busy thoroughfare. Irvine police say they are working with the Tustin Unified School District to see if they can do anything else at that particular intersection to enhance safety.
Liability Issues
In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims or their families to seek the counsel of an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. A skilled car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous intersection played a part in the car accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident.
Seriously injured in an Orange County car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after an Irvine bicycle accident. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a BISNAR | CHASE Orange County personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.
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