Orange County Bicyclist Fatally Injured in Huntington Beach

An elderly bicyclist from Westminster was reportedly killed in a traffic accident this morning at about 11:00 a.m.  According to the Orange County Register, the victim was a 79-year-old bicyclist, and the accident occurred on Bolsa Avenue west of Able Lane in Huntington Beach.  The bicyclist was apparently riding eastbound on Bolsa when he was struck by the driver of a BMW, a 23-year-old man from Long Beach.  Following the collision, the elderly cyclist was taken to UCI Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.  No arrests of citations were issued and any witnesses are urged to call the Huntington Beach Police Department at 714-536-5670.

See the Orange County Register article HERE.

According to published statistics, bicycle and other "pedalcycles" are involved in approximately 2% of all fatal traffic accidents.  Most of the fatal accidents occur in urban areas, away from intersections, and the pedalcyclists are, on average, 41 years of age.  Interestingly, the average age of those fatally injured in such accidents has steadily increased since the year 2000.  Some people tend to forget that bicyclists are considered vehicle operators, and they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.  (See the National Highway Safety Administration, Traffic Safety Facts 2009)  In the case above, it remains to be seen how and why this tragic accident occurred.  Eastbound Bolsa Avenue includes three regular travel and one bike lane.  A further investigation, including the taking of witness statements, will likely aid in determining whether the accident actually occurred within the bike lane or whether the bicyclist was within one of the regular travel lanes.  Given the configuration of the roadway and the fact this was a daytime accident, it is hard to imagine how this fatal collision occurred without some neglect by either the driver or the elderly bicyclist.

Compensation for the victims of bicycle versus motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent drivers should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver operates their vehicle so as to cause an accident with a cyclist, they should be held accountable for the injuries and damages they cause.  An Orange County bicycle accident attorney with the necessary experience can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling Orange County vehicle accident cases, including those involving bicyclists.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a motor vehicle 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.

Pregnant Mother Killed in Victorville Hit-And-Run Accident

At about 10:30 p.m., Friday night, a 20 year-old mother was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Victorville.  According to news reports, the victim, Dejuan Rene Smith, was five months pregnant and pushing her 14-month-old daughter in a stroller when the accident occurred.  Smith was with her daughter on Balsam Avenue just north of Lone Eagle Street when a Ford truck hit her from behind, killing her and her unborn child.  Smith's daughter was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center with minor injuries and has since been released.

The driver of the truck sped off after hitting Smith.  According to authorities, the Ford truck should have damage to the right front side and should be missing the passenger mirror.  Anyone with information regarding the accident or the locations of the  truck is urged to contact authorities at 760-241-2911.

See the KTLA news story HERE.


From a Google Maps view of the accident area, it appears this deadly collision occurred in a residential neighborhood.  Balsam Avenue north of Lone Eagle is a four-lane roadway with clear limit lines on the edges of the road and a dirt shoulder on both sides.  Houses can be seen on the east side of Balsam, but it does not appear there are any street lights in the area of the accident.  From the article, it is unknown which side of the street Smith and her daughter were located at the time of the accident, and the point of impact will be very important in determining fault for the collision.  However, even assuming Smith, for whatever reason, had ventured into a travel lane, this would not excuse the hit-and-run driver from observing the pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.  The speed limit in the area is a posted 50 miles per hour, and the Ford truck's speed will likewise play a role in determining whether the driver should have had time to see, perceive and react to the situation in time to avoid a collision.  All issues of accident reconstruction aside, the driver's flight from the scene seems to indicate a consciousness of guilt, something that can be introduced as evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding.



Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a hit-and-run driver, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver negligently or recklessly causes a traffic accident and death results, the driver 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 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including those for wrongful death.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Has a loved one been killed in an automobile accident involving a hit-and-run driver?


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.