Napa Bicycle Accident
A Napa bicyclist was sent to a hospital as the result of a collision with a motor vehicle just west of Napa recently. Doctors reported that the man’s condition was considered serious.
Accident Details
According to information given by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in a news release, the accident occurred at around 9:35 a.m. when David Stevenson, a 59-year-old male Napa resident, was riding his bicycle, a Cannondale Synapse, along the shoulder of the northbound section of State Highway 121. While Stevenson was riding, a 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550 driven by 74-year-old Sonoma resident Francis Collins approached him from behind in the northbound vehicle lane.
As the vehicle approached the bicyclist at a speed of about 50 miles per hour, Stevenson reportedly made a turning maneuver into the path of the Mercedes. As a result, Stevenson was broadsided by the car and thrown off of his bicycle and onto the highway.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Stevenson for a full recovery.
Response and Injury
After receiving a call indicating that the cyclist had been seriously injured, CHP officers dispatched emergency responders to the crash site. Responders discovered Stevenson on the ground with major traumatic injuries and had him transported to the Queen of the Valley Medical Center for emergency treatment.
The driver of the Mercedes was not reported to have suffered any injuries. Additionally, no other people or vehicles were involved in the accident.
Bicycle Accidents in Napa
Research data from UC Berkeley shows that, in the three-year period spanning the beginning of 2014 to the end of 2016, Napa County has seen a total of 151 injury-related bicycle accidents, accounting for almost 7 percent of all Napa County’s traffic-related injuries. The percentage of bicycle accident injuries relative to vehicle accident injuries in Napa is higher than that of neighboring counties Solano and Sonoma, which are at about 4 and 6 percent respectively.
The higher frequency of bicycle accidents in Napa may be partly due to a higher rate of bicycle riders in general due to Napa’s gorgeous roads that cyclists often travel from other areas to enjoy. However, remaining aware of the dangers of the road can help bikers in Napa to avoid serious accidents and traumatic injuries.
Safe Biking
The type of accident that most commonly leaves bikers with serious injuries is right-of-way violation accidents. Vehicles turning or changing lanes in front of bicycles, leaving them nowhere to go and forcing them into collisions in the process, and other reckless maneuvers contribute to thousands of bicycle accidents every year.
In order to avoid being hit, bicyclists should allow plenty of space for other vehicles to maneuver where possible. Bicyclists should also try to remain highly visible by wearing bright clothing and be predictable by following the rules of the roadway.
Related Articles by Ed Smith, Napa Personal Injury Lawyer
Napa Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Napa Personal Injury Lawyer. When a person is injured by a negligent driver, they are entitled to be compensated for their suffering and losses. If you or someone you love has been in an accident, please call me at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. I am also available online at AutoAccident.com.
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