Two people die every day from cycling-related accidents in the U.S. and more than 130 people are injured in cycling accidents daily in the U.S., according to research done at Northeastern University. However, it seems that in recent years a disproportionate amount of these accidents happen in Southern California.
Last week alone, Orange County witnessed two cycling fatalities on consecutive days. At 10:55 p.m. Wednesday night, authorities responded to a distress call at the intersection of Edwards Street and Crosswind Drive in Huntington Beach only to find the victim, a 37-year-old Huntington Beach man, dead at the scene in the roadway. The victim had been riding in the bike lane when a careless driver, suspected of driving under the influence, crossed over into the bike lane and ended the victim’s life.
Thursday night, around 10:45 p.m., police responded to another bicycle accident in the 2100 block of West 17th Street in Santa Ana. The victim, 52-year-old Alfonso Franco of Santa Ana, was crossing from the south to north side of 17th Street when he was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound on the roadway. There are no controlled signal lights in the area where Franco was crossing, police said. Franco was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sadly, bicycle accidents can cause a host of catastrophic injuries due to the fact that the bicycle rider is relatively exposed to the impact of the accident. An accident that may cause only minor injuries to a motor vehicle driver can cause catastrophic injuries and even death to bicyclists. If you have suffered from the negligent actions of another, do not wait any longer to contact an attorney. It is best to begin the personal injury claim process as soon as you are able so that you can recover damages for your injuries.
Bicycle riding has gained popularity over the years for a number of reasons. Not only is riding a bicycle a healthy form of exercise, it is less costly than driving a car and environmentally friendly. When negligent drivers do not grant bicycle riders the rights they deserve on the road, disastrous accidents can ensue. In addition, if a driver is negligent and performs an illegal maneuver or simply is not paying attention to the road, it can result in serious injury to bicycle riders. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, it is in your best interests to speak with an Orange County personal injury attorney from the firm at your earliest convenience.
It is extremely important that you or your loved one receive the medical care they require. This is even truer if the injuries are catastrophic or severe. When you are faced with mounting medical bills and no form of payment, life can be rough. Fortunately, we have helped hundreds of clients to recover the compensation that they were due for medical bills, future medical bills, loss of wages, future loss of wages and more. Call our firm today so that you can be provided with the information you need to make the best decision possible.
