Second Accident Leaves BMX Rider Severely Injured

On Saturday night at about 11:00 p.m., a competitive BMX rider, Tyler Rosen, was hit by an oncoming car while riding his bike on Hamner Avenue south of Citrus Street in Jurupa.  Citing official sources, the Press Enterprise reported that 18 year-old Rosen remained in critical condition Monday at Riverside Community Hospital following brain surgery.  He also sustained a broken leg and pelvis in the accident.


What makes Rosen's accident this past weekend even more shocking is the fact that he was still recovering from an earlier, devastating hit-and-run collision when it occurred.  In January of this year, Rosen was struck by a hit-and-run driver while he was simply walking along a horse trail in Norco.  That accident, now the subject of a related criminal case, left Rosen with a mild brain injury and some paralysis on his right side.


See the Press Enterprise story HERE.


The area of the collision on Saturday night is residential, and it appears there are street lights near the scene of the accident.  It is not clear from the information thus far released by law enforcement which direction Rosen was traveling in relation to the vehicle that ultimately struck him.  In the context of a late night accident, responsibility will often hinge on visibility, whether the party struck could have been seen  by the other driver.  This visibility issue must also include a speed analysis in order to determine whether the vehicle's driver could have seen Rosen in sufficient time to avoid an accident.  The speed limit in the area of the accident appears to be 55 miles per hour, which means a vehicle traveling the limit is moving just over 100 feet per second.  If Rosen could first have been seen by the driver from more than 100 feet away, then it stands to reason the driver could have taken evasive action in that two second time frame.  An accident reconstruction will almost certainly be performed by the investigating police agency.

Compensation for the victims of motor vehicle versus bicycle accidents should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver negligently or intentionally causes a serious injury accident, they should be held criminally and civilly responsible.  An Orange County personal injury attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  The first step in recovering compensation for the victim is to seek appropriate representation.  Mr. Ralph has 20 years years of experience handling personal injury and automobile accident 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 in a automobile versus bicycle accident?

• 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.