Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

Three cyclists were hurt Monday morning when they were struck by a car driven by an elderly driver in Calabasas, the Los Angeles Times reported. The August 23rd accident was reported at 7:30 a.m. on Mulholland Highway at Stokes Canyon Road. According to news reports, the three cyclists, who were not identified, were riding westbound on Mulholland Highway, while an Audi A-4, driven by an 81-year-old woman, was travelling eastbound. The driver of the Audi apparently attempted a left turn into the path of the cyclists, and failed to yield to their right of way.

All three riders were airlifted to UCLA Medical Center with undisclosed injuries. The Calabasas Patch reported two of the cyclists suffered major injuries, and one suffered minor injuries.

Car vs. Bicycle Left-Turn Accidents

The state law pertaining to left turns is found in California Vehicle Code Section 21801: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety." In this case, the bicycles are considered vehicles. Under the Vehicle Code Section 21200, "Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle..."

Bicycle Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

The Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger have handled a number of bicycle accident cases involving the driver of a car making a left turn and colliding with a cyclist. In these situations, the driver of the vehicle is almost always responsible for the accident, by failing to yield to the right-of-way of the cyclists. Simply because a cyclist is harder to see than a car does not excuse a motorist from failing to yield to their right-of-way. If news reports are accurate, and the driver of the Audi caused the Mulholland Drive accident, she may be liable for the serious injuries of the cyclists, including monetary damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

While this Calabasas bicycle accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents. A lawyer who is also an experienced cyclist, and who has represented dozens of seriously injured victims of bicycle accidents can help the victims and their families understand their legal rights and the unique legal issues that are relevant to a potential claim.

Continue reading "Three Cyclists Struck by Elderly Driver Making Left Turn in Calabasas " »

An 11-year-old boy was seriously injured Friday morning when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred in the 700 block of Fairview Parkway, at about 10:40 a.m., according to Hemet Police. The boy was reportedly riding his bike when he was struck by the car and thrown onto the hood, before he became lodged underneath the vehicle and was dragged about 25 feet. Witnesses and a Hemet city work crew lifted the vehicle and got the boy out from under the car.

Cause of the Hemet Bicycle Accident

The Hemet Police department is investigating the incident. Based on the news reports, it is not clear how this accident occurred, and whether the driver of the car was at fault. Police will investigate all the factors leading up to the crash, including whether the driver was impaired, distracted, speeding, or otherwise could have prevented striking the young boy on the bike.

Bicycle Accidents and Children's Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the car caused the crash, he or she may be liable for the injuries the boy sustained, including all medical expenses and pain and suffering. While this July 30th Hemet bicycle accident remains under investigation, the parents of the victim may benefit from speaking to a Riverside bicycle accident attorney about the accident, and the victim's possible rights to compensation in a personal injury claim. A lawyer who has successfully represented families of children hit by cars while riding a bike can advise the family of the unique legal issues of this accident and the family's best course of action to protect their rights.

Continue reading "11-Year-Old Bicyclist Struck and Dragged by Car in Hemet " »

A 43-year-old Santa Ana man tragically died Thursday morning after his bicycle collided with a Chevy stake bed truck in Corona Del Mar, the Daily Pilot reported. The fatal July 15th Orange County bicycle accident occurred on Spyglass Hill Road, at about 7:47 a.m., at Harbor Ridge Road. The Orange County Sheriff's Department identified the victim as Michael Nine, 43, of Santa Ana. Nine was rushed to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, where he died at about 8:40 a.m.

It is very sad to hear of this accident. Please keep Michael Nine's family and close friends in your prayers during this surely very difficult time. Cyclists in the community are understandably upset about this crash, as this accident occurred almost a year to the date of a fatal crash on Ridge Park Road that led to the establishment of a city task force on cycling safety.

Cause of the Fatal Bicycle Accident

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Police said it was not evident if the truck struck the bicyclist or the bicyclist collided with the truck. However, the Corona Del Mar Today reported that a gardening truck pulled in front of Mike Nine, causing him to swerve and crash. Anyone with information about this accident is asked to contact Newport Police investigator Todd Bush at (949) 644-3746.

Bicycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Understanding the causes of bicycle accidents and the liability concerns that arise from them requires unique perspective. While this crash is under investigation, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney. While many personal injury attorneys claim to handle bicycle accidents, an attorney who is also a cyclist may be a huge benefit in this situation. A skilled lawyer who specializes in cycling accident injury and wrongful death claims and understands the dynamics of sharing the road with negligent motorists can help the family protect their legal rights and hold whoever is responsible for this fatal accident fully accountable for the wrongful death that occurred as a result of it.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Cyclist Killed in Newport Beach Crash " »

A 53-year-old man suffered a broken leg and head injuries when he was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle early Friday morning in Garden Grove, the Orange County Register reported. The accident occurred at the intersection of Magnolia Street and Chapman Avenue, shortly before 1 a.m. July 2nd. Police believe the cyclist, who was not identified, was riding his bike north on Magnolia when he was struck by a vehicle travelling east on Chapman.

No one witnessed the accident firsthand, but police said a small red vehicle was seen leaving the area. Anyone with information about the accident is as to contact Investigator Jason Perkins at (714)741-5823.

Stopping at the Scene of An Accident is the Law

Under the California Vehicle Code § 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."Regardless of why an accident occurs, there is absolutely no excuse for leaving the scene of an accident. For the sake of the victim, hopefully the driver of the vehicle will turn himself or herself in, or be located by law enforcement.

Personal Injury Liability and Hit-and-Run Accidents

If the driver of the vehicle is located, in addition to criminal charges for leaving the scene of the accident, he or she may also be held financially liable for the cyclist's injuries in a civil claim. While this hit-and-run accident is still under investigation, the victim or his family would be well-advised to consult with a California bicycle accident lawyer about this incident. An attorney who has successfully handled hit-and-run bicycle accidents may be able to assist with the efforts to locate the driver, or, in the event the driver is not located, help the victim obtain compensation for his injuries from his own insurance policy, if he had one.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident in Garden Grove " »

A 55-year-old Costa Mesa man was tragically killed Monday afternoon when he was struck by a sport-utility-vehicle while riding his bicycle in Temescal Valley, the Riverside County Sheriff reported. According to the San Bernardino Press-Enterprise, the cyclist, identified as Alan Earl Miller, was riding his bike northbound on Temescal Canyon Road about 1.5 miles south of Indian Truck Trail when he was struck from behind by a northbound 2003 Ford SUV. Miller was ejected from his bicycle and died at the scene shortly after the crash. The driver of the SUV and a passenger in the vehicle were not hurt, a fire department spokesman said. The accident occurred at 2:38 p.m. on May 10th.

Cause of the Fatal Bicycle Accident

The OC Register reported that the driver of the SUV, Scott Reis, 42, of Corona, drifted off the road and struck Miller. If this report is accurate, the driver of the SUV caused this collision and Miller's death. The Riverside office of the California Highway Patrol is the agency investigating the cause of the accident.

Bike Accidents & Wrongful Death Liability

While this Riverside County bicycle accident is still under investigation, the family of Allen Miller would be well-advised to talk to a Southern California bicycle accident attorney about their legal rights in a wrongful death claim. If the driver of the SUV is at fault for this crash, as it sounds based on news reports, he may be held liable for Miller's death in a civil claim for wrongful death. An experienced attorney who has successfully represented surviving family members of victims of fatal bike accidents can explain the legal issues surrounding this case and help the family protect their rights to compensation for their loved one's funeral expenses, loss of future earnings and support, and loss of love and companionship.

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Man Killed in Temescal Valley Bicycle Accident " »

A 52-year-old Lake Elsinore man who was struck by a car last month has died, the Riverside County Sheriff Coroner reported May 9th. The cyclist, Michael Padilla, was struck by a mid-size 4-door gray Mitsubishi sedan as he rode across Riverside Drive north of Lincoln Street in Lake Elsinore. The accident occurred last month on Saturday, April 17th , shortly before 3:30 p.m. Padilla suffered major injuries and was taken to Inland Valley Hospital where he reportedly underwent major surgery. He died at the hospital early Sunday, May 9th.

Please keep the family of Michael Padilla in your prayers during this difficult time. Our sympathy goes out to everyone who knew and loved him.

Cause of the Accident

The Lake Elsinore Police Department is investigating the April 17th accident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the agency at (951)245-3300. Based on the limited information provided by news reports, it is not clear why this accident occurred. At this point, there are more questions than answers. However, if the driver of the Mitsubishi caused this accident, the family of the cyclist may be entitled to compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful Death Liability

While this accident is still under investigation, the family of the victim may benefit from speaking with an attorney about a possible wrongful death claim and the family's legal rights. Monetary damages awarded in a wrongful death suit may include compensation for final medical expenses, funeral or burial expenses, loss of expected future earnings, and loss of future companionship. An experienced Riverside wrongful death attorney can review the accident report and stay on top of the official investigation, as well as advise the family of their best course of action to protect their legal rights, and help them recover the compensation they deserve for their loss.

Continue reading "Lake Elsinore Cyclist Dies Weeks After Being Struck by Car " »

A 64-year-old resident of Twentynine Palms was tragically struck and killed by a Ford Aerostar van on Highway 62 (29 Palms Highway) on Friday night, the Contra Costa Times reported today. The accident occurred at the intersection of California State Route 62 and Alpine Avenue around 11 p.m. on April 30th. The bicyclist, identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner as William Brummet, was taken by ambulance to Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree where he died shortly after midnight.

The cause of the fatal bicycle accident is under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Major Accident Investigation Team. Anyone with additional information regarding the crash is asked to call the Sheriff's Department at 760-366-4175.

Cause of the Crash and Wrongful Death Liability

The cause of the accident is under investigation, and at this point it is still not clear what exactly happened. However, if news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the van struck the cyclist, causing the collision. While the accident remains under investigation, the family of William Brummet may benefit from talking to a San Bernardino County wrongful death attorney about the liability issues involved and the family's rights to compensation in a possible wrongful death claim.

If the driver is found to be negligent and caused this crash, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and loss of companionship. An attorney skilled in the legal issues of bicycle accidents can monitor the official investigation and explain the family's legal rights, options and obligations, and also advise the family of their best course of action to protect their rights.

Continue reading "Twentynine Palms Bicyclist Struck and Killed on Highway 62 " »

The Ventura California Highway Patrol is asking for the public's help in finding the driver of a vehicle that struck and critically injured a cyclist Monday afternoon in Saticoy. The accident occurred at the intersection of Nardo Street and Wells Road (California State Route 118) at about 2:50 p.m. on Monday, April 26th.

The cyclist, Jesus Esparza Delgado, who is about 65 years old, according to the Ventura County Star, was riding his bike south on Nardo Street when a vehicle heading north on Nardo turned left and strick him in the crosswalk at Wells Road. The impact forced Delgado into the car's window and then into the road. Delgado was not wearing a helmet and suffered very serious injuries. He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was reported to be in critical condition.

The vehicle was described by witnesses as a dark gray compact, possibly a Nissan Sentra from the late 80's or early 90's. A partial license plate of 2GW997 was provided. The car was reportedly last seen heading west on Wells Road toward Highway 126. One witness said two men who appeared to be in their 20s were in the vehicle. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the collision or the people in the car to call the Ventura CHP office at (805)477-4100.

We sincerely hope that the man hurt in this accident makes a full recovery. We also hope that the driver will come forward and turn himself in to authorities soon, or that he is located by law enforcement. Leaving the scene of any accident, regardless of who causes it, is against the law, not to mention heartless. Under the California Vehicle Code § 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

In this case, even though the driver has not been located yet, the family of Jesus Delgado would still be well-advised to talk to a California bicycle accident lawyer about their legal rights following this hit-and-run accident. In the event the driver is not located, an attorney can explain how the victim may be entitled to compensation from his own insurance policy, if he has one.

Continue reading "Cyclist Critically Injured in Saticoy Hit-and-Run Accident " »

A 49-year old La Habra woman riding her bicycle was struck and killed by a Foothill Transit bus Tuesday night, the Whittier Daily News reported. The April 20th Orange County accident occurred at 8:28 p.m. at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and La Habra Boulevard. The Orange County Sheriff Coroner identified the victim as Annette Ferrin-Rodgers. According to reports, the Foothill Transit bus was heading south on Beach Boulevard before it made a left turn onto La Habra Boulevard. Ferrin-Rodgers was in the crosswalk when she was struck by the bus, which was estimated to be going between 15 to 20 mph.

No passengers were on board the bus at the time of the crash. The driver of the bus took a drug and alcohol test, per US Department of Transportation guidelines for any collision involving injury or death. The driver is now on administrative leave while the accident is under investigation.

The Whittier Daily News reported that Annette Ferrin-Rodgers had worked with the U.S. Postal Service for more than 20 years. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family her and everyone who knew and loved her. Please keep her family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Killed in La Habra Crash with Foothill Transit Bus " »

A 73-year-old Modesto man died of injuries he suffered after he was struck by a vehicle on Claus Road in Modesto Monday afternoon, authorities reported. William Foltz was riding in the right lane and in the process of crossing to the left turn-lane to turn at the intersection of Claus and Sceneic when he was struck by a pickup truck. According to reports, Foltz, who was wearing a helmet, reportedly put his hand out to signal, but was subsequently struck from behind. He was taken to Memorial Medical Center where he later died.

Fatal Accidents in Stanislaus County

According to reports in the Modesto Bee, the March 22 bicycle accident was the fifth death in the last three months involving a pedestrian or cyclist being struck by a vehicle. Our sympathy and prayers goes out to the family and friends of William Foltz, as well as the families of other victims killed in pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents this year in Stanislaus County: Charles Arnold, 70, of Turlock; Ashley Henderson, 16, of Waterford; Fermin Duran Jr., 29, of Modesto; and Joyce Codey, 46, of Riverbank.

Who Was At Fault?

Although the driver of the pickup truck was not cited in Monday's accident, police are still investigating the accident. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of William Foltz may consider consulting with an experienced and understanding California bicycle accident lawyer who can help protect their rights and ensure justice is served following this devastating accident. Even if the driver is not cited or arrested for negligent driving, the family may still hold him and any other responsible parties accountable in a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Cyclist Struck and Killed in Modesto " »

Police are looking for the driver of an older model Chrysler following a hit and run collision Friday evening in San Bernardino. Thomas Joseph Meeks, 19, died at the scene of the crash; his 15-year-old stepbrother suffered life-threatening head injuries and was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition, the San Bernardino Sun reported Saturday. The hit and run bicycle accident occurred around 7 p.m. Friday, February 19th on 40th Street, between Johnson Street and Acre Lane in San Bernardino. The vehicle, an older model Chrysler or Pontiac, was travelling east on 40th Street about 40 mph when he struck the two boys, throwing them off the bicycle about 60 to 80 feet. One of the boys was sitting on the bicycle handlebars.

Police Sgt. Rich Lawhead told the San Bernardino Sun that investigators have "really have very little to go on." Anyone who witnessed this accident or has information about the accident is asked to call Sgt. Rich Lawhead at 909-384-5738 or 909-384-5735.

Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death is against the law in California. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." Regardless of who was at fault, by the nature of being a party to this collision, the driver had a legal responsibility to stop. We hope that the driver is located or makes the decision to turn himself or herself in to authorities. Our sympathy goes out to the family of both victims, and we sincerely hope the injured boy is able to recover from his very serious injuries.

Continue reading "One Killed, One Critical After San Bernardino Hit and Run Bicycle Accident " »

A man suffered head trauma and other injuries when he was struck by a SuperShuttle airport shuttle van on Highway 111 around 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, authorities reported. The accident occurred in the northbound lanes of Hwy 111 near the intersection of West Gateway Drive. According to reports in the Desert Sun, the cyclist was riding northbound in the right lane and the SuperShuttle van was also travelling northbound. The driver of the shuttle van told authorities that he swerved to avoid colliding with the bicyclist but was unable to. The van collided with the cyclist on the front passenger side. The cyclist was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center. There no passengers in the airport shuttle van at the time of the crash. The driver was heading back to Ontario after dropping someone off at Palm Springs International Airport when he struck the cyclist, a man who reportedly appeared to be in his 70's.

Our best wishes go out to the man injured in this accident. We hope he makes a full a recovery from his undoubtedly very serious injuries.

The CHP is investigating the cause of the Palm Springs bicycle accident. Based upon the reports by KPSP news and the Desert Sun, it is not clear who is at fault for this accident. While this accident remains under investigation and the victim is recovering, his family may consider speaking with a Riverside County bicycle accident attorney about the man's legal rights to compensation for his injuries. If the driver of the shuttle van, or even a dangerous road condition or mechanical failure of the bike caused or contributed to this accident, an experienced attorney can help the injured cyclist obtain monetary compensation for his injuries.

Continue reading "Cyclist Struck by Airport Shuttle Van on Highway 111 " »

In cycling accident news, a federal judge in South Carolina approved a cycling wrongful death settlement yesterday in the amount of $4,999,900 to the family of Thomas Hoskins, 49, who died in October 2007 when he was hit by a Chrysler Pacifica driven by Sharon King. At the time of the collision, King was allegedly talking on a cell phone, while driving a company car.

Lawyers for the estate of Thomas Hoskins and Lee Anne Barry, another cyclist who was killed in the same accident, used cell phone records and a statement from the woman the driver had been talking to stating that she heard the crash through the phone. One of Hoskins' lawyers told The State(South Carolina News) that the cell phone was believed to be a major cause of the crash.

According to The State, defense attorneys would have argued that, despite King being distracted, she had put the phone down and was about to operate the vehicle's radio when the collision occurred. Last month, King herself pleaded guilty to reckless driving in the deaths of Hoskins and Barry. A separate settlement was reached in the death of Lee Anne Barry in December.

Sources: The State

A 59-year-old man passed away at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center early Thursday morning, after he was struck by a Toyota Camry on Wednesday afternoon in Chino. The victim, Roy Carl Hall, of Ontario, was riding his bike on Kimball Avenue when he was hit in the 6100 block by a westbound Toyota Camry. The Chino bicycle accident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. Hall, who was wearing a helmet, was flown by helicopter to the hospital in Colton where he died early Thursday, the San Bernardino County Coroner's Office reported.

Please keep the family of Roy Hall in your prayers as they grieve their loss. The sudden and unexpected loss their loved one is surely shocking and heartbreaking.

Based upon the reports of this accident in the San Bernardino Sun and the Press-Enterprise, the cause of this accident is not clear. What happened to cause this collision? Hopefully the investigation conducted by the Chino Police Department will yield some answers to why this accident occurred. At this point the family of Roy Hall may benefit from speaking to a California bicycle accident attorney, who will review the facts of the accident and whether or not the family may have a claim for wrongful death. If negligence on the part of the driver, a defect in the road, or a mechanical failure of the bicycle caused or contributed to this accident, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss.

Continue reading "Cyclist Dies of Injuries Day After Being Struck by Car in Chino " »

Houston City Council voted this week to pay $225,000 to the parents of a 29-year-old woman killed last March when two firefighter trucks collided at the intersection of Dunlavy and Westheimer in Houston on March 30, 2009. Leigh Boone was riding her bike to work at the Houston Center for Photography when she was crushed by one of the two ambulances that collided at the intersection.

The accident occurred when two large fire trucks, an 80,000 pound ladder truck and a 40,000 pound pumper truck, both with lights flashing and sirens blaring, collided an intersection. Nine firefighters were injured in the crash. Leigh Boone was taken to a hospital with catastrophic injuries after the ladder truck landed on her bicycle. She died Sunday, April 11, nearly two weeks after the accident.

The $225,000 settlement was $25,000 less than the maximum allowed in Texas. The attorney for the family said the settlement was agreed upon "primarily to send a message to the Houston Fire Department to review its policies and practices responding to emergencies." One other lawsuit is still pending as a result of the accident.