Edelgard Owens, 80, was killed in an Orange County car accident after her bicycle was struck by a pickup truck the evening of October 21, 2009. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Owens was riding on East Imperial Highway when she got in the crosswalk in an attempt to cross Prospect Avenue in Yorba Linda, Brea police officials said. At the time, a pickup truck was turning left from Imperial on to Prospect and crashed into Owens. She was taken to a local hospital where she died.
I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Edelgard Owens. Her family members say she was the ultimate "active senior" who enjoyed biking, tennis, the beach and gardening. What a tragedy for her loved ones! Please keep them in your prayers.
Orange County Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 14 injuries involving
bicycle accidents in Yorba Linda. In Orange County as a whole, 16 fatalities and 1,020 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of bicycle accidents. Also in Orange County, during the same period, 178 deaths and 14,185 injuries were reported involving car accidents.
Based on the newspaper report, this accident investigation turned out to be rather complicated. Apparently police initially arrested 46-year-old Linda Denise Christie, the driver of the pickup truck on suspicion of driving under the influence because she failed a field sobriety test. However, Christie was released after passing another sobriety test in the police station. A preliminary investigation, police say, also shows that Owens was riding against the light and that Christie was turning left on a green arrow. However, police are still continuing their investigation.
Car Accident Investigations Are Complex
If I were a member of Owens' family, I'd be talking to an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will stay on to of this investigation and make sure that this family's legal rights are protected. In such complex cases, it is extremely important to talk to eyewitnesses to determine exactly what happened.
There are still some unanswered questions here. Did officers have reason to believe Christie was intoxicated? Did she have the smell of alcohol in her breath? Did she have other symptoms such as glazed-over eyes or slurred speech? Did she submit to a blood or breath test? It is extremely important to look at the totality of the case before arriving at a conclusion. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased auto accident victims are able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical/funeral expenses, loss of earnings and other damages. The best personal injury law firms always offer a free and comprehensive initial consultation to injured victims and their families.
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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