Personal Injury Q and A

A bicyclist and a police officer were injured in a San Diego
motorcycle accident the afternoon of January 12, 2010. According to a news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune, the accident occurred on University Avenue between Tenth Avenue and Vermont Street. The officer complained of pain. The bicyclist also suffered injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

I hope the bicyclist did not sustain any major injuries in this accident. I wish this injured victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 12 fatalities and 293 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in San Diego. Countywide, 50 people died and 985 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents in 2007. Also, in San Diego County, 11 fatalities and 797 injuries were reported in connection with bicycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

This news report does not offer much information in terms of how or why this accident occurred. There are still several unanswered questions here. Where was the officer and where was the bicyclist at the time of the accident? How did the collision occur? Were the motorcycle and bicycle at an intersection? Whose fault was the accident? I hope the answers to these questions shed some light on what exactly happened here. I also hope that this incident is investigated by an outside agency. When a law enforcement agency is investigating one of their own, which usually leads to questions about their fairness and objectivity.

Who is Liable?

If the police officer was at fault for this collision, then his employer, the police department, could be held liable for the bicyclist's injuries. In cases where governmental entities are involved, claims should be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury, under California Governmental Code 911.2. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will advise victims about their legal rights and options in such cases. A skilled attorney will also look into other contributory factors such as a dangerous or defective roadway or the involvement of other vehicles.

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.