An 11-year-old boy was injured in a San Francisco, California bus accident after a school bus struck him as he was riding his bicycle to school. According to a Bay City News report, the bicycle accident occurred the morning of October 16, 2009 at the corner of 40th Avenue and Mera Street near Jefferson Elementary School in Oakland, California. The child suffered leg injuries. There were children aboard the school bus as well, but thankfully, no one else was injured in this collision.

I'm extremely relieved that this young boy did not suffer catastrophic injuries as a result of this collision. I wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery from his leg injuries. Bicycle accidents in school zones have been devastating. A number of these accidents have resulted in serious traumatic brain injuries or even death. It is indeed fortunate that this child's injuries were not serious. He will be in my prayers.

Oakland Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 164 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Oakland, California. In Alameda County as a whole, four fatalities and 534 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of bicycle accidents.

This news report does not offer much information in terms of how or why this injury accident occurred. At the moment, there are several questions that need to be answered. Why did the school bus driver fail to see the child on the bicycle? Was the driver distracted in some way? Was he impaired or otherwise negligent at the time? Where was the child riding or walking his bike at the time of the collision? Did he ride into the path of the yellow school bus? Hopefully, these questions will be answered in the coming days and weeks as this incident is investigated. If the bus driver was at fault, then the bus operator – whether it is the school district or a private contractor or both -- could be held liable for the child's injuries.

Liability Issues in School Zone Accidents

In any accident in a school zone, there is always the question of whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused the accident. Most school zones, as we all know, are crowded and dangerous. However, some are virtual death traps. If this accident was caused as a result of the city or school district failing to remedy an existing hazardous condition on the roadway, then those governmental agencies could be held liable as well. Any claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of an accident or injury. This child's injuries should be a wake-up call to this elementary school. This might be a good time for them to reassess the traffic safety situation around the school. The child's family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options.

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.

Bookmark and Share