A man was injured in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of October 22, 2009 after the bicycle he was riding collided with a car at a Castaic intersection. According to a news report in The Santa Clarita Signal, a 28-year-old woman was turning left onto Lake Hughes Road from Diamond Lane when the bicyclist heading eastbound struck the woman's 2000 Honda Accord. The 25-year-old bicyclist sustained moderate injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

I'm relieved that this car-bicycle collision did not result in any catastrophic injuries. It could have been a lot worse, given the circumstances. I hope the bicyclist makes a quick and complete recovery from his injuries. Please keep this man in your prayers.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 10 fatalities and 1,291 injuries were reported as a result of serious bicycle accidents in the Los Angeles area. Countywide, 27 people were killed and 2,902 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in 2007. Also during the same period, 712 fatalities and 56,475 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Los Angeles County.

Based on this news report, it is not clear who was at fault in this car accident. In such cases, who is at fault usually depends on who had the right-of-way at the time. Apparently, eyewitnesses told police that the woman had made a complete stop and looked both ways before entering the intersection.

Car Accident Laws and Liability Issues

California law is very specific about the requirements for drivers making a left turn or a U-turn. California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a) states: "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."

At the same time, bicyclists are treated like the driver of any other vehicle, under California law. They are required to follow all the rules of the road just like any other vehicle. Car accident victims would always be well-advised to contact experienced personal injury lawyers who can better explain their legal rights and options. If an accident and resulting injuries are caused by a negligent driver, then he or she could be held liable. If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused this crash, then the city of Castaic or the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any such claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within six months of an accident or injury.

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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