California Car Accident Reports

A 24-year-old bicyclist sustained serious injuries in a San Diego truck accident, after a semi-trailer struck him the morning of December 18, 2009. According to a news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune, the bicycle versus truck collision occurred at the intersection of Orange and Fairmount Avenue in the City Heights area of San Diego, when the semi-trailer made a right turn from eastbound Orange Avenue on to Fairmount Avenue. The bicyclist, who was on the right side of the big rig, apparently fell off his bike and was pinned under the semi's right front tire, which caused major injuries to his lower body. The bicyclist is however, expected to survive.

My heart goes out to this victim who seems to have sustained major injuries as a result of this large truck accident. Based on this report, it seems to me that he will survive the injuries, but could be left with lifelong disabilities because his lower body was crushed under the big rig tire. I hope that is not the case and wish this young man the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this injured victim and his family in your prayers.

Bicycle Accidents in San Diego

There were four fatalities and 392 injuries involving bicycle accidents in the city of San Diego, according to the California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Diego County as a whole, 11 fatalities and 797 injuries were reported in 2007 due to bicycle accidents.

Who Had Right-of-Way?

Based on the news report, it is not exactly clear who had the right-of-way at this intersection. I trust traffic investigators are looking into that and also, whether the big rig had a green light at the time of the accident. In such cases, officials should be talking to eyewitnesses to get a clearer picture of how and why this accident occurred.

If the driver of the semi-trailer is found to be at fault, then he and his employer, the trucking firm, could be held liable for the accident and the bicyclist's personal injuries. If there was a dangerous condition at this intersection, the city of San Diego or the governmental agency in charge of maintaining this roadway could also be held liable for the bicyclist's serious injuries. Any such claim, against a California governmental agency, must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

The injured victim in this case would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled big rig accident cases. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected. In such cases, injured victims could seek and receive compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other accident-related costs.

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.