Michael William Nine, a bicyclist, was fatally injured in a Newport Beach car accident the morning of July 15, 2010 after being struck by a gardening truck, The Orange County Register reports. Newport Beach police say Nine was coming down Spyglass Hill at about 40 mph, approaching Harbor Ridge Drive, when a gardening truck pulled out on to Spyglass Hill and caused the bicycle to crash. Officials are still looking into whether Nine crashed into the truck or crashed trying to avoid the truck. He sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he died. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Michael William Nine for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Bicycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 87 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Newport Beach. In Orange County as a whole, 10 deaths and 1,087 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents in 2008.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this fatal collision occurred. There are still several questions here. Was the driver of the gardening truck at fault? Did the truck driver fail to see the cyclist as he pulled out on to the roadway? Was the driver of the gardening truck under the influence? Was he distracted or otherwise negligent? If that was the case, the truck driver and his employer could be held liable because the driver was on the job at the time.

In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway may have caused or contributed to this fatal collision. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation for injured victims and their families.

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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