Bicyclist Hospitalized After Bus Accident in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. An accident between a bicycle rider and bus on April 3 resulted in the hospitalization of the bike rider. Stockton police are investigating as to the cause of the crash, and one witness to the accident reported that speed may have been a factor.
What Happened?
A bus accident occurred around 10:40 a.m. on Monday, when a San Joaquin RTD bus collided with the bicyclist at the intersection of North Commerce Street and West Fremont Street, according to a representative of the California Highway Patrol. The victim on the bike was identified as a male in his 60s. Paramedics took the man to a hospital in the area for injuries that were deemed non-life threatening. However, medical personnel were examining the injured man for a possible head injury.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, statistics for 2015 show that around 2 percent of fatalities from motor vehicle accidents are bicyclists. In most bicycle accidents, the most dangerous trauma received is to the head. The statistics go on to show that wearing a helmet can reduce head injuries in up to 50 percent of bicycle accidents, and reduce the risk of injury to the neck, head and face by up to 33 percent. In California, only those under 18 years of age are required to wear a safety helmet, but have other requirements before taking to the road. These include specific requirements for bicycle size, brakes and handlebars. In addition, front, back and side reflectors are required.
Duty to Others
Both drivers of motor vehicles and bike riders have a duty to obey the law, and act in a way that prevents injury to others or to themselves. Motorists need to practice extra caution when driving near a bicyclist and use patience when passing one. When possible, allowing a minimum of a three foot space between a vehicle and a bicycle rider is a good idea. Motorists should also be cognizant of blind spots, and ensure that a bicyclist is not hidden in one before making a right-hand turn. If there is no bicycle lane present and a rider is ahead, be patient and do not try to share the lane.
Attorney Ed Smith
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. When you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident by a negligent driver, call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. Bringing a claim against a governmental agency has strict time limits. You must file a claim within 6 months or 180 days of the accident. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney for more information.
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Picture Source: https://pixabay.com/en/cycling-bicycle-riding-sport-655565/
Source of San Joaquin RTD accident –
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