Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A bicyclist was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by a trolley. According to a 10news report, the injury accident occurred the evening of August 31, 2010 near the Amaya Station at Severin and Amaya drives in La Mesa. The bicyclist sustained multiple broken bones and was knocked unconscious. Officials say the bicyclist may have gone around a trolley arm right before the collision with the trolley. An investigation is ongoing.

I hope the bicyclist did not sustain any catastrophic injuries in this crash. I wish the injured bicyclist 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), no one was killed, but 16 people were injured in La Mesa bicycle accidents. During the same year, seven people were killed and 959 were injured in San Diego County bicycle accidents.

What Caused This Accident?

Initial reports described the accident as a trolley striking a bicyclist but authorities are now suggesting the bike rider hit the trolley. Was the trolley driver looking out for bicyclists and pedestrians? Could this injury accident have been prevented if the trolley slowed down near the intersection? Was the operator of the trolley following all the required procedures? Were the crossing arms working properly at the time? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine exactly what occurred here.

Liability Issues

If authorities determine that the bicyclist was at fault for the crash, then, the injured cyclist will have an uphill battle receiving compensation for his injuries. Dealing with insurance companies and transportation corporations can be complicated and difficult. Anyone injured by a public transportation vehicle would be well advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney.

A skilled accident lawyer will help injured victims determine if they have a viable case for a personal injury claim to recover medical expenses, time away from work, and pain and suffering. If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this accident, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Vehicle Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Do you feel confident using the mass transit system in your city? What concerns do you have, if any?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.