A bicyclist was injured in a Nevada County car accident, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a KTVN news report, the bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Donner Pass Road and Northwoods Boulevard, near Truckee, in Nevada County, the evening of July 10, 2011. The victim was riding a bike through the intersection when a car driven by Miguel Martinez-Lopez, 43, struck him. The bike rider suffered facial and head injuries. Martinez-Lopez allegedly fled after an ambulance approached the scene. He faces multiple charges including leaving the scene of a crash, driving without a license and driving without insurance.

My thoughts and prayers are with the bicyclist who was injured in this hit-and-run car accident. I wish the victim the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people were injured in Truckee bicycle accidents. During that same year, bicycle accidents in Nevada County claimed one life and injured 18 people.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

According to the report, the driver told officials that the bicyclist ran a red light before being struck by the car. However, even if the victim did run a red light, the driver should not have left the scene of an injury crash. The driver had a duty under the law to stop, remain at the scene, and most importantly, to obtain help for the injured victim – regardless of whose fault the accident was. Instead, the driver fled the scene, which is an illegal act.

California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Officials also found that the driver was operating without a valid license or insurance. I'm relieved to hear that this driver has been arrested and charged.

Liability Issues

A victim of a negligent driver may pursue financial compensation for his or her loss by filing a personal injury claim. Damages that may be covered include medical bills, lost wages, cost of physical therapy, and pain and suffering. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, compensation may be available through the uninsured motorist clause of the victim's own auto insurance policy. An experienced California personal injury lawyer can help victims of a hit-and-run accidents better understand their legal rights and options.

Seriously injured in a California hit-and-run car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Truckee bicycle accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE California personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.