A bicyclist was killed in a Sacramento car accident the morning of May 2, 2010 after he was struck by a minivan near the CSU Sacramento campus. According to a news10 report, the fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Carlson Drive and H Street. The male bicyclist, said to have been in his 40s, sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman driving the minivan was uninjured. A witness apparently told officials that the van had the green light, but investigators are examining the details of the crash to determine who was at fault. Police say they don't believe drugs or alcohol were involved.

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My heart goes out to the family and friends of this deceased victim for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two deaths and 271 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Sacramento. In Sacramento County as a whole, six people died and 569 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in 2008.

Accident Causes

There are many questions here that have not yet been answered. Although a witness says the driver of the minivan had the green light, I trust officials are looking into who had the right-of-way at that intersection. Where exactly was the bicyclist riding his bike at the time of the crash? Was the driver of the minivan impaired, speeding, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision? Was there a dangerous condition at this Sacramento intersection, which may have caused this fatal bicycle accident? I trust the results of the official investigation will shed more light on what occurred here.

Who is Liable?

If the driver of the minivan is determined to have been at fault, she could be held liable for the bicyclist's wrongful death. However, if this accident was caused by a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a public entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Families of victims in such cases would be well-served to consult with an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation, analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable.

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

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.