Bicycle Accidents

A male bicyclist was seriously injured in a Santa Ana car accident after being hit by a driver who left the scene of the crash. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the bicycle accident occurred on South Broadway in Santa Ana, the evening of January 20, 2012. Officials say a pickup truck, possibly a white Toyota Tundra with a ladder rack and blue lettering struck the bicyclist before driving away. The victim suffered head injuries and has been listed in critical condition. Officials are asking for help from anyone who may have witnessed this collision or has information about the suspect and/or the vehicle.

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We all want safety on our roads, but the bill SB 910, while well-intentioned, did not seem fit enough for Governor Jerry brown to pass it. Bicycle accidents happen by the hundreds every single day in California, and something must be done to changes this, but this particular bill didn't seem to be worthy.

Los Angeles is undergoing massive infrastructure changes to accommodate cyclists and move towards being a more green and healthy city akin to certain European cities where bicycle traffic is the only kind.

The bill, which would have mandated a three foot passing cushion when drivers pass cyclists at speeds over 15 miles per hour, concerned Brown because he was worried that mandating that drivers slow down to fifteen miles per hour before passing a cyclist or asking them to pass at at least a three foot distance would create either rear-end collisions or long lines of traffic. Read the rest »

A 22-year-old man was injured in a Fullerton car accident after his bicycle was struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Yorba Linda Boulevard and North Deerpark Drive, the afternoon of October 6, 2011. Fullerton police officials say the bicyclist was riding with his friend, 22-year-old Patrick Schwarz.

Both cyclists entered a crosswalk on a green light, Schwarz told officials. A Ford Escort, which was waiting to make a right turn at the intersection, waited for Schwarz to pass by, but started moving even as the other bicyclist was passing through. The Escort struck the bicyclist and continued turning right before hitting an utility pole. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The nature or extent of his injuries is not yet known.

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Bicycle accidents are a serious problem and The Public Health’s Policies for Livable and Active Communities and Environments (PLACE) grants are focused on Glendale and their commitment to promoting bicycle safety. This particular grant was different than others as it wasn't awarded to the city of Glendale, but The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC).

The city and the LACBC want to focus on the "safe and health" of the streets for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. “People in Glendale are really frustrated by our record on traffic safety,” provides Mayor Laura Friedman. “It’s a way to get a grip on traffic safety in the city, and it’s probably the most cohesive effort we’ve ever had.” Read the rest »

A 6-year-old boy suffered head injuries and a broken leg in a Fullerton car accident after he was struck by a vehicle, the night of September 10, 2011. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury collision occurred in the 600 block of West Maxzim Avenue while the boy was riding a bicycle. Police say a man driving a Toyota van east on Maxzim struck the boy. The child, who was not helmeted, was thrown off the bike and sustained a head injury and broken arm. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to this little boy who has suffered major injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

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A husband and wife were injured in a Lancaster car accident after their bicycles was hit by a minivan. According to an Associated Press news report, the major injury collision occurred the evening of August 27, 2011 at a street intersection. Police say the couple was attempting to cross an intersection as was a minivan. At the time, the minivan was pushed into the cyclists' path when it was hit by another vehicle. The man sustained severe head injuries and is said to be in critical condition. The wife is said to be in stable condition. Both were wearing helmets. The man and his wife were riding with a group of about 20 riders. No one else was injured. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to these injured victims. The male bicyclist here may have suffered severe head trauma or a brain injury. I wish both the very best for a speedy and full recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

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Officials identified a bicyclist who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident on July 4, 2011 as Steven Pyle, 39. According to The Daily Breeze, the fatal bicycle accident occurred on 22nd Street in San Pedro. Pyle rode between two parked cars to cross the road when a red Nissan Altima hit him. He suffered severe head injuries and died from his injuries the following day. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Steven Pyle following this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

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A hit-and-run driver, who struck and injured two bicyclists, one of them identified as Tim Moreno, has been arrested thanks to tips from the community. According to a news report in the Victorville Daily Press, the car accident occurred on June 11, 2011 near Apple Valley and Symeron roads in Apple Valley. Officials say the driver, 61-year-old Michael Slusser, came too close to the bike lane where the men were biking and struck Moreno in the back of his head with a passenger side mirror.

Moreno fell down and in the process knocked down another rider. Slusser fled the scene. The Victor Valley Bicycle Club had set up a reward fund to help catch the driver. Slusser was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Slusser has apparently been arrested in the past for several crimes including domestic violence and vehicle code violations. Read the rest »

Nine bicyclists were injured, six seriously, in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say, was caused by a drunk driver. According to a CBS News report, the injury bicycle accident occurred in the early morning hours of June 16, 2011 near the intersection of West Jefferson Place and Rodeo Road.

Witnesses say a 27-year-old woman was driving a Honda Civic at about 60 mph when she jumped a curb and plowed into a group of about 100 bicyclists. The group of bicyclists called the Korea Town Riders was participating in a late night ride that began in the Westlake district. The woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Officials are still looking at blood alcohol test reports to determine the level of intoxication.

My heart goes out to all those who were injured in this horrific DUI collision. I hope none of the injuries were life-threatening. Please keep these injured victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 24 injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in Culver City. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 33 people died and 3,315 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in 2008. Also, countywide, 258 deaths and 4,832 injuries were reported as a result of DUI collisions during the same year.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, not only was the driver of the Honda Civic speeding and under the influence, but she accelerated into this group of bicyclists. Driving under the influence is a serious offense under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."
Also, California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable

This driver should not only be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but should also be held civilly liable for the serious injuries and damages caused here. How many of these bicyclists will be able to pursue their passion again? How long will it take them to get back on the road or even back to their jobs and living a normal life? This incident is an example of how one person's reckless actions and irresponsible choices can have a lasting and tragic impact on the lives of others.

Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers and holding them accountable. Victims can seek compensation for damages including all medical expenses, loss of earnings, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and pain and suffering. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Seriously injured in a Los Angeles bicycle 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 a bicycle accident in Los Angeles. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at BISNAR | CHASE 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.

A 15-year-old boy who was critically injured in a Los Angeles car accident on June 3, 2011, has died a week later from injuries sustained in the crash. According to a report in The Whittier Daily News, 38-year-old Anna Chavez who was booked on suspicion of drunk driving after the crash has now been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter. The teen was riding his bike east on Alondra Boulevard, near Pioneer Boulevard, in Norwalk when the collision took place. The boy was transported to a local hospital. He died the night of June 10, 2011.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this teenager for their tragic, sudden and devastating loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers. Read the rest »