blog home bike accident

Anaheim Bicyclist Struck by Semi-Truck

By Renee Nordstrand on October 9, 2009

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/truck-bicyclist-alexander-2598159-kraemer-ramp

An unidentified Anaheim biker was struck and pinned underneath the front bumper of a semi-truck early this morning, the Orange County Register reports.

The incident occurred at Kraemer Boulevard and the 91 freeway off-ramp, according to police.  As the bicyclist approached the eastbound off-ramp of the 91 freeway, the semi-truck turned right onto Kraemer, striking the biker.  The biker was taken to UCI Medical Center after suffering serious injuries.

The incident occurred just one day after a trial began in the Huntington Beach case of a 14 year old boy who was struck and killed by a motorist while riding his bicycle.  In this case, the defendant faces felony charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated and driving under the influence and causing bodily injury.  The defense counsel has argued that the defendant suffered a seizure at the time of the accident and could not control his vehicle as it struck the young bicyclist.

In 2007, there were 124 bikers killed and 10,590 bikers injured in collisions in California, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a vehicle to bicycle accident, veteran personal injury attorneys can help you recover compensation for you medical bills as well as pain and suffering.  We understand the trauma and difficulty of going through a bicycle accident, and will provide the kind of experience and resources that make a difference.

 

Toddler Killed in Trolley-Bike Accident

By Renee Nordstrand on September 1, 2009

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/07/fouryearold-girl-killed-as-san-diego-trolley-hits-dads-bicycle.html

 A four year old girl was killed and her father injured in San Diego this weekend when her father, who was riding a bicycle with his daughter strapped onto the back in a child seat, was struck by a Chula Vista trolley.  The toddler, identified as Veronica Ramirez, was not wearing a helmet.  By law, bicycle riders under 18 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet while riding on a public road (VC §21212).

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 124 deaths and 10,590 injuries to bicyclists throughout California.

In this incident, the father attempted to steer around the trolley gates after they had lowered and the signals had been activated.  Not only did this action put Veronica in danger, but allowing her to ride without a bicycle helmet also endangered this young girl.

 Many similar tragic bicycle accidents can be prevented by taking precautions such as wearing a helmet or other protective gear when biking.  Following traffic signals is another important step in ensuring bicycle safety.  According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, bicycle riders on public streets have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers and are subject to the same rules and regulations as any other vehicle on the road.

Based on the newspaper report, many of the facts of the accident remain unclear. Law Office of Renee J. Nordstrand has the experience and skills necessary to investigate and pursue a case such as this and determine if the City of Chula Vista may be held liable for the incident.  Factors such as visibility and road maintenance may explain how this tragedy took place.  At Law Office of Renee J. Nordstrand, we examine all the facts surrounding an incident, so that no one is left without answers.  We will fight hard and leave no stone unturned in pursuing a successful claim.