A man was seriously injured in a Santa Ana car accident after his bicycle was struck by a vehicle the night of April 14, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision happened when the bicyclist was in a crosswalk on 17th Street. A vehicle that was traveling south on Fairview turned onto 17th Street and struck the bicyclist.


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The driver did not stop at the scene and continued driving west on 17th Street. Police are seeking the public's help in locating this hit-and-run driver. They say the suspect vehicle may be a dark Honda Accord. The 25-year-old victim sustained head injuries and was transported to a local hospital. If you witnessed this accident or have any information about the hit-and-run suspect or vehicle, please call 800-6-Hit-N-Run (800-644-8678) and report it.

My heart goes out to this bicyclist. He has apparently sustained severe injuries. But I'm pleased to see that he is expected to survive. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 110 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Santa Ana, California. In Orange County as a whole, bicycle accidents claimed 10 lives and injured 1,087 people in 2008.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Based on this news report, the bicyclist was in the crosswalk at the time he was struck. Under California law, irrespective of whose fault this accident was, the driver was required to stop at the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. According to California Vehicle Code 20001 (a): "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."

Claim for Compensation

The injured bicyclist and his family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer who will better inform them about their legal rights and options. If this accident was caused by a dangerous condition on the roadway, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable for the victim's injuries. Any personal injury claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. A knowledgeable injury lawyer should also advise victims in such cases about how their own car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or in an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Do you feel safe riding a bicycle in your city? Share your thoughts with us.

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.

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