Dec 29

Today people of all ages are riding bicycles for exercise and pleasure.  The increase in bike riding in Southern California brings with it an increase in bike accidents.  Bicycle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or death to cyclists, especially when involved with motor vehicles, because they ride with no physical protection except a helmet.

 

By following simple bicycle rules, you can avoid an accident:

 

·     Follow the rules of the road – they apply to bicyclists as well as motorists

·     Always signal properly

·     Wear a helmet and make sure it fits securely

·     Wear light-colored clothing

If you are a bicyclist who has been involved in an accident with a negligent motorist, contact an experienced San Bernardino Personal Injury attorney who can evaluate your claim, explain your legal rights, and advise you how to obtain compensation for pain, suffering and medical bills.

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Dec 14

With holidays just around the corner, many people are off from work and children will soon be home from school.  More and more people are turning to their bikes as a means of transportation.

 

Bicycle riders should observe safety tips while out for a fun-filled ride.  Never block the road – allow vehicles to pass you.  Always be alert and pay attention to parked cars.  You never know when someone inside will open the door to leave.  A driver can easily pull out in front of you or open the door right in your path.

 

Proceed with caution while in an intersection; pay attention to everything around you.  Left-hand turns cause the most accidents so make sure to signal and turn when it is safe.

 

A bicyclist does not have as much protection as someone in a vehicle.  If you are involved in an accident while bike riding and get injured, contact an experienced San Bernardino Personal Injury attorney who can determine the at-fault person and whether or not you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and expenses.

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Aug 12

A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department veteran officer was killed while riding his bicycle on an Irvine road the other day. Although he was part of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, he lived in Irvine.

 

The detective was struck by an SUV and taken to a nearby hospital where he died from injuries he sustained.  The 35-year old SUV driver and her infant child were not hurt.

 

Officers are investigating the accident to determine what happened; it is not clear which lanes either vehicle were in. In addition, they do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor – no arrests were made.

 

If you are on a bicycle and are injured by another vehicle, contact an experienced San Bernardino Personal Injury attorney who will protect your rights.

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Jul 18

A 23-year old man riding his bike near Big Bear Lake the other evening lost control of it, causing him to veer off the road and crash into a rock.

 

Apparently he crashed earlier in the afternoon, but wasn’t discovered until several hours later.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

The fatal accident is under investigation to determine what caused him to lose control of his bicycle.  Officers are checking to see if something in the road caused this accident or if the biker was negligent.

 

I suggest the family check with an experienced San Bernardino Personal Injury attorney to investigate the accident for them.

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Jun 13

The weekend did not begin very well for two bicyclists out for a ride with their bicycle club in Apple Valley.

 

The two were hit by a mirror from a truck, causing them to fall off their bikes; the truck kept going – never stopped to see what happened or to help.

 

One of the bikers sustained major road rash; his bike’s frame was broken.  The other biker suffered a concussion.  Officers wanted to airlift him to a local hospital but because of foggy conditions, he was taken by ambulance.  His ribs and shoulder were x-rayed.

 

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the accident and looking for a dark-colored truck with damage to its right side.  They are asking any witnesses to call them.  California law requires anyone involved in an accident to stop.

 

I suggest the victims contact an experienced San Bernardino Personal Injury attorney. Accidents involving bicycles usually come down to negligence on the part of the biker or the driver that hit him or her.  Hopefully, the police will find the trucker who left the scene.

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Mar 09

With gas prices as high as they are, more and more individuals are riding bicycles when possible.  Even the best bicyclist cannot avoid an accident when caused by a negligent driver in an automobile.

 

If you are involved in an auto accident while riding on your bike, the same rules apply as if you were in an auto also.  Immediately call the police and file an accident report.  Tell them if anyone was severely injured and needs an ambulance.  A report should be filed within 72 hours of the accident.  Remain calm and courteous.

 

Exchange information with the driver – name, phone number, address, insurance and vehicle information.  If there are witnesses, get their name and telephone number.  If you have a camera with you, like on your cell phone, take pictures of all damages – both to your bike and to the other person’s vehicle.  Get medical attention if needed.

 

Never minimize your injuries or accept a settlement without your attorney present.  Do not issue any statements to the other driver without your attorney.  Contact an experienced San Bernardino Personal

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Feb 15

It was just about a year ago when a Toyota driver, fleeing from a car burglary in San Bernardino, crashed into a 19-year old bicyclist killing him and critically injuring his 15-year old brother?  Well, it is back in the news.  The man also attempted to steal a car stereo from a vehicle when he returned a DVD but the owner came out.

 

The man is going to trial on murder charges.  He has entered a formal plea on felony charges of murder, second-degree burglary of the vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident and child abuse because the young daughter was in the car.

 

After crashing into the two brothers, the driver slowed down but continued driving – never stopping to help.  The driver’s girlfriend and young daughter were in the car with him. According to her testimony, she urged him to stop, but he would not listen.  Instead, he took her and their daughter home and then had the broken windshield of the Toyota repaired.

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Jan 14

Here’s hoping that 2011 brings less accidents on our roadways.  The following are some helpful tips to remember.  First, always allow faster traffic to pass when it is safe to do so; avoid blocking the road.  Second, pay attention to parked cars.  Not all parked cars are empty – drivers may pull out in front of you or open a door in your path.  Finally, as you approach intersections, pay attention to cars all around you, especially those turning left.

 

Left-hand turns are the most frequent motorist-caused bike accidents, followed by right hooks.

 

Stay tuned for more tips throughout the year.  In the meantime, drive safe because the life you save may be your own.

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Nov 08

A man riding a bicycle along Highway 189 in Crestline the other evening became a victim of a disabling traffic accident.  As the 32-year old man was peddling away on a road without a shoulder, a pickup truck came up behind him honking his horn and flashing his lights.  The bicyclist had no place to pull over and sped up; the truck stayed on his tail.

The bicyclist came to a curve and tried to slow down, but his brakes locked up and he was thrown off the bike.  The accident caused him to break his collar bone in two places.  In addition, he received a gash above his eye, which required nine stitches.  The bike was damaged.  The trucker did not stop.  Moments later a motorist stopped and offered the man his cell phone.

Crest Forest Fire paramedics and deputies from the Sheriff’s department were on the scene.  The bicyclist was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released.  It was determined that he might need surgery to repair his clavicle.  According to California Highway Patrol, the truck driver’s actions did not constitute a chargeable crime.  I hope the bicyclist contacts an experienced Personal Injury attorney who will discuss his options with him and hopefully get him some compensation for his medical expenses and loss of wages.

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Apr 12

A man wanted to be a professional cyclist but that dream ended recently when he was killed by a high school senior, who lost control of his car while racing down the street with passengers and another vehicle on the wrong side of the road.  His car went across traffic and ended on the shoulder where the man was riding alone.  The impact threw him into the field where he died.

The high school students were not arrested, pending an investigation.  None of the students was injured.  Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved.  It seems racing is common on the desolate stretch of road.

My heart goes out to the man’s family.

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