Gregory Hamby, 18, was seriously injured in a San Francisco area car accident after his bicycle was hit by another vehicle. According to a Bay City News report, the injury bicycle accident occurred the afternoon of January 7, 2011. Hamby was riding his bicycle along the shoulder of eastbound River Road in Santa Rosa, when a Chevy Tahoe SUV driven by 32-year-old David Oldaker, also eastbound on River, struck him. Hamby sustained major injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Police say Hamby was wearing safety equipment. They are looking into whether Hamby rode his bicycle into the path of the SUV. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the young bicyclist, who has been seriously injured in this car accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from his injuries. Please keep this injured victim in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 55 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Santa Rosa. During the same year, two people were killed and 152 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in Sonoma County.

What Caused This Injury Car Accident?

Based on this news report, police are saying that Hamby possibly rode into the path of the SUV. However, I trust officials are also looking into all factors including an unsafe roadway condition. There are several questions that must still be answered. How fast was the SUV traveling at the time? Was there a bike lane on this roadway? Did the shoulder of the roadway present an unsafe condition? Was Hamby forced to ride on the shoulder due to some obstruction? Was the driver in this case inattentive, distracted or negligent in any other way?

Fault and Liability

If this incident is determined to have been the fault of the SUV driver, he could be held liable for the injuries caused. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages.

If a dangerous roadway led to this car versus bicycle accident, then the governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident. Injured victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Seriously injured in a San Francisco 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 Santa Rosa bicycle accident. Call 800-586-0277. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE San Francisco 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.