Bicyclist Injured in Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident
A bicyclist sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after he was hit by a car on a West Hollywood street. A news report in the Los Angeles Times states that the man was riding his bike south on La Cienega Boulevard on December 1, 2009 when a vehicle near Holloway Drive, hit him. It is not clear whether the victim sustained serious injuries. The motorist fled the scene of the crash. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials are asking the public for help to find the hit-and-run driver. Anyone with information is asked to call 310-855-8850.
I hope that this bicyclist did not sustain major or catastrophic injuries. I pray for his quick and complete recovery. This injured victim will certainly be in my prayers.
Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Statistics
There were 21 injuries involving bicycle accidents in West Hollywood, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County, 27 died and 2,902 injuries were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in 2007. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 712 lives and 56,475 injuries in 2007.
Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in California. Any driver involved in an accident is required to stop, at the scene of a crash, whether or not he or she believes that the accident was their fault. California Vehicle Code section 20001 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."
Car Accident Liability Issues
I trust officials are looking into whose fault this accident was as well. In such cases fault will depend on who failed to yield right-of-way to the other vehicle. If the driver did pull out in front of the bicyclist, then he or she could be held responsible for the collision. Had this accident not been the motorist's fault, he or she would not have faced any charges had they stopped and remained at the scene of the accident. The injured bicyclist would be well-advised to retain the services of a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who can help him pursue his rights and go after the negligent party.
A skilled car accident lawyer can also help determine whether a dangerous condition of the roadway may have caused or contributed to this accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. According to California Government Code, any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
