Couple Injured in Lancaster Auto Versus Bicycle Accident

A married couple were injured last night when a minivan crashed into a group of bicyclists in Lancaster last night.  According to a story in the KTLA news, the accident happened around 8 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Avenue L and 4th Street West.  The group of about 20 cyclists were crossing the intersection when the van, which had been stopped, was propelled into the intersection after apparently being hit from behind by a PT Cruiser.  According to the KTLA story, the husband was taken to a local hospital with severe head trauma and is listed in critical condition.  His wife apparently suffered moderate injuries and is in stable condition.  All of the riders present were wearing their helmets.  The accident is still under investigation, and anyone who may have been a witness to the collision is asked to call 661-948-8466 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

See the KTLA news story HERE.

At first blush, it appeared as though this was one of those many stories in which a driver failed to keep an adequate lookout for a bicyclist.  That apparently was not the case.  While the accident is still under investigation, if the story above is accurate in terms of the PT Cruiser hitting the minivan first, then the driver of the Cruiser (absent extraordinary circumstances) would be liable for the injuries to the two bicyclists and any injuries sustained by the minivan occupants.  In general, one who causes an accident like this would probably be found to have violated California Vehicle Code Section 22350.  That statute reads as follows: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."  In the case above, the driver of the Cruiser presumably drove at such a rate of speed that he or she could not stop in time for the minivan and bicyclists ahead.  Only a thorough investigation based on witness statements, vehicle damage and accident reconstruction principles will allow for such a determination.

Compensation for victims of serious injury of automobile versus bicycle collisions, caused by a negligent driver, should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle in an unlawful or reckless manner and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable. An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has over 20 years years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an automobile versus bicycle collision caused by another’s unlawful or negligent driving?


Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.