Stockton Crash Seriously Injures Bicyclist
The following accident shows that a combination of factors, including the weather and simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, can lead to a severe accident. The fact that the bicycle rider was not wearing a helmet also played a role in the severity of his injuries.
What Happened?
On March 7, 2016, a two-vehicle collision in downtown Stockton sent a driver and a nearby bicyclist to a local medical facility. According to the Stockton Police Department, the bicyclist was listed in stable but critical condition. The accident happened about 4 p.m. at the intersection of East Market and South Aurora streets. Light rain was falling, but it is unknown if the weather contributed to the accident.
What Caused the Accident?
Authorities indicated that a Mitsubishi car with a driver and a passenger were traveling north on Aurora. However, they drove into the path of an oncoming Ford Focus with the right of way. The Ford T-boned the Mitsubishi but veered into the bicyclist as the vehicle attempted to compensate. The airbags went off in the Ford, injuring the female driver, who was taken via an emergency vehicle to a medical facility. The Ford ended up on a sidewalk curb on Aurora.
The bicycle rider failed to wear a helmet, and the authorities indicated that this contributed to his injuries.
The vehicles were not drivable and were towed from the scene to a storage facility.
Taking Proactive Measures when Riding a Bike
Bicycle riders need to exercise additional caution when on the road, including practicing the following safety measures:
- Follow the rules of the road
- Wear a helmet
- Wear bright clothing
- Exercise caution
- Watch out for traffic, other cyclists and pedestrians
- Use bicycle safety measures, including hand signals, a horn, and a light
- Keep your eyes up and forward
- Look to the right, left, ahead, and at the center
- Ride alone — don’t add passengers to your bike.
- Stay on the right side of the road.
Read More Articles Like This:
Hit and Run Motorist Kills Stockton Bicyclist, by Ed Smith.
Bicycle Rides That Turn Deadly, by Ed Smith.
California Bicyclist Safety and the 3 Foot Law, by Ed Smith.
Bicycle Accident and Personal Injury Attorney Serving Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer. I have been serving the community for over three decades, helping clients and their loved ones secure compensation after auto and pedestrian accidents. For free friendly advice in the event of an accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. We can review various legal options, depending on the circumstances of your case, and look at different approaches. You can also contact us via this linked form.
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Source of Stockton Crash Seriously Injures Bicyclist: http://www.recordnet.com/article/20160307/NEWS/160309774
Photo Attribution: By California Highway Patrol (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons CHP_Police_Interceptor_Utility_Vehicle.jpg