Anaheim Hit-and-Run Leaves Bicyclist Critically Injured

Last night, just before midnight, a teenage bicyclist was struck on Harbor Boulevard and critically injured by a driver who fled the scene.  According to KABC News, the accident happened in the 900 block of Harbor near the intersection with La Palma Avenue.    The teen, identified only as a boy between 16 and 18 years old, was found face down in the street by a Good Samaritan, Angelina Lucero.  The boy remains in critical condition at UCI Medical Center in Orange.   No suspect and no vehicle have yet been identified in this hit-and-run crime, and anyone with information should immediately contact the Anaheim Police Department at (714) 765-1900.

Liability For This Accident

Regardless of how this accident happened, there is no excuse for a driver to critically injure someone (especially a young boy alone) and then leave the scene.  Typically, such actions reflect consciousness of guilt, and it can be fairly assumed the driver realized they had done something wrong.  The area where the accident happened is right by a school (Horace Mann Elementary) and a number of residences.  Anyone driving through that area should be well aware of the fact that pedestrians and bicyclists are often nearby and sometimes crossing the street.  As for lighting, since the accident happened at night, there are a number of street lights near the accident scene, which should have assisted the driver in seeing the victim prior to the impact.

Anaheim Accident History

The City of Anaheim ranks fairly high in terms of the number of accidents it has had in the past, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.  In fact, as far as total injury and fatal accidents, Anaheim ranks fourth out of the thirteen cities measured with a population of more than 250,000 people.  In other words, only three cities were more dangerous in terms of the number of injury or fatal accidents.  Somewhat surprisingly, the city was much better statistically in terms of bicycle accidents than it was in most other accident categories measured.

    

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, contacting an Orange County auto accident attorney is likely the most important step toward obtaining compensation for the injuries and damages sustained.

SOURCE:  Teen bicyclist hospitalized after Anaheim hit-and-run; driver sought, KABC News, June 13, 2013, by Darsha Philips