Aubrey Head, 60, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his bicycle was struck by a car, which was driving out of a parking lot in El Monte, California. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal car accident was reported on September 20, 2009 near the intersection of Peck Road and Woodville Drive. Head was apparently riding against traffic when a driver who was coming out of a supermarket parking lot struck him. The driver told police that he did not see Head on his bicycle. Head was transported to a local hospital and died during surgery, officials said.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Aubrey Head for their tragic and sudden loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one reported fatality and 48 injuries involving bicycle accidents in El Monte, California. In Los Angeles County, 27 deaths and 2,902 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of California bicycle accidents.

It's not clear based on this news report, where Aubrey Head was in his bicycle in relation to the supermarket parking lot. Under California law, bicycle riders are subject to the same rules of the road as other motorists. According to California Vehicle Code 21200 (a): "Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division." That means that a person driving the bicycle is still subject to DUI laws, is required to yield right-of-way at intersections and stick to the right half of the road.

Liability Issues in Los Angeles Car Accidents

There are many questions as far as this fatal Los Angeles car accident is concerned? Why was the driver unable to see him? Were there any dangerous conditions either on the roadway or the private supermarket lot that prevented the driver from seeing the bicyclist and Head from seeing the motorist? Was there a specific reason why the bicyclist was on the wrong side of the road such as construction or lack of a bike path.

If a dangerous condition on the public roadway caused or contributed to this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable for Head's wrongful death. If the dangerous condition was on a private property, the property owner could also be held liable. In such cases, an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help examine all the facts and hold the negligent parties accountable. The best personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation for 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 source for the facts 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, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. Most of the best law firms will provide accident victims a free consultation.

We cannot fully inform any party or family member about their rights, options or the economic viability of any claim for compensation without a full investigation and consultation. We will not be conducting an investigation into this matter unless we are retained by a party. We will provide a free, confidential consultation to any, not at fault, person named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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