A bicyclist was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a car on the onramp to the 605 Freeway in Whittier. According to a City News Service report, the injury collision occurred the night of August 24, 2010 on the eastbound Whittier Boulevard onramp to the northbound 605 Freeway. California Highway Patrol officials said the bicyclist was westbound on the eastbound sidewalk of Whittier Boulevard without any lights on, when he struck a vehicle that was going up the onramp. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital for treatment with unknown injuries.

I hope the bicyclist in this case did not sustain catastrophic injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

Bicycle Accidents

There were no fatalities, but 28 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Whittier, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 33 people died and 3,315 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that CHP officials believe the bicyclist was at fault. Under California law, bicyclists are subject to the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of any other vehicle on the roadway. California Vehicle Code Section 21200(a) states: "Every person riding a bicycle has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division."

In cases where the driver is at fault, he or she could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused to the bicyclist. A number of bicycle accidents also occur because of dangerous or defective roadways. In such cases, the city or governmental agencies responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

If a victim has been injured as a result of someone else's negligence, he or she can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. An experiencedLos Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise injured victims or their families about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for bicyclists in your city or neighborhood?

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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