On Saturday afternoon, March 29, 2014, a 15 year old boy, was riding his bike on Francis Street near Grove Avenue in Ontario, California when he was struck by a car. As a result of the trauma from the collision, the cyclist was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. The early investigation was unclear as to how the accident occurred.
No matter what facts are discovered in the accident reconstruction of this car v. bike accident, this tragedy did not need to happen. Without being the master of the obvious, the bike and the car attempted to occupy the same space at the same time. It cannot be done without tragic consequences.
The California legislature passed a law at the beginning of 2014, which required a cars to remain a minimum of three feet away from any bicyclist. Despite a legislature and governor declaring a law, to keep bikes and cars from colliding, the fact remains that accidents will occur despite the best intentions of the lawmakers. So how can a bicyclist really protect him or herself in an accident. Here are several suggestions:
Before a Bicycle Accident
1. Make sure all reasonable safety equipment is being worn or used when riding.
2. Make sure extra vigilance is taken when riding anywhere near traffic.
3. Consider having a significant uninsured motorist policy in force for a family vehicle. (Even though a family member is riding a bike, if the accident occurs with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, that policy can help with the finances from the damages and injuries suffered in the accident.)
After a Bicycle Accident
1. Get immediate medical attention and follow doctor’s instructions regarding your medical care. (If you need better care than what was offered on an emergency basis, do not hesitate to get the best care you can obtain.)
2. Find an attorney you can trust to handle the claim against the negligent driver. (Be cautious when hiring a lawyer. If the lawyer shows up uninvited or calls you at the hospital or your home without you inviting the attorney to meet with you, that lawyer may be violating the law by contacting you. Do not hire a lawyer who is willing to violate the law just to get you as a client.)
With proper preparation prior to an accident, as well as having the best professional medical and legal care after the accident, you can minimize the negative impact a car v. bicycle accident may have on you and your family.
Any person who has been injured in a car or bicycle accident should contact the Inland Empire Law Group to review their legal rights and whether the Inland Empire Law Group has the right lawyers for your injury claims. Call now 909-481-0100 to get your no-cost initial consultation with our injury professionals.
