A 10-year-old boy was injured in a San Francisco area car accident after he was struck by a vehicle. According to a news report in The San Ramon Patch, the injury collision occurred the morning of January 18, 2012 at the intersection of Milo Way and Davona Drive in San Ramon. Officials say the 17-year-old driver of a Jeep Wrangler travelling on Davona attempted a left turn onto Milo Way. The Jeep then hit the 10-year-old who was traveling south on Davona on a bicycle. The boy sustained non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I'm relieved to note that the boy did not suffer major injuries in this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 19 injuries involving bicycle accidents in San Ramon. In Contra Costa County as a whole, four people died and 239 were injured due to bicycle accidents, during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, the boy was riding his bike at the intersection when the young driver who was making a left turn struck him. It is not clear if the driver failed to see and yield the right of way to the oncoming bicycle. Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles. This means, motorists must yield the right-of-way to oncoming bicycles at street intersections.

California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Fault and Liability

If the driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Injured victims and their families can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Bicycle accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

A skilled car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the governmental agency in charge of maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident, under California Government Code Section 911.2.