Teen Injured in Stockton Hit-and-Run Crash
Officials in Stockton reported that a teen was injured in a hit-and-run crash while cycling on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 24, 2021. The car vs. bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Quail Lakes Drive and March Lane, according to the Stockton Police Department (Stockton PD).
Details on the Hit-and-Run Crash in Stockton That Left a Teen Injured
A video recording of the incident showed several people were riding bicycles together and crossing the street when an SUV appeared to have turned right and collided with one of the cyclists. The injured party, a 15-year-old boy, appeared to have been limping following the bicycle accident in a different video that was recorded of the crash.
Officers with Stockton PD reported that the teenager is expected to be okay. The suspect vehicle is believed to be an early 2000s Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. No details about the suspect driver have yet been released, as an investigation into the hit-and-run accident is ongoing by local law enforcement.
Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents?
A driver failing to clear an intersection and yield the right of way to others before turning is one of the common causes of bicycle accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, and distracted driving are other common reasons why cyclists end up in motor vehicle collisions. While cyclists are expected to follow the rules of the road just like motorists, it is often the negligence of drivers that causes such crashes. Conversely, motorists are also expected to exercise a higher duty of care in areas where children are likely to be present. When a cyclist has suffered traumatic injuries because of another party or entity’s negligence, they may be entitled to financial compensation. The process involves bringing a bodily injury claim against the insurer representing the at-fault party.
In situations where the other party has insufficient or no liability coverage, there may be recourse available. A cyclist may seek financial recovery through their uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM and UIM) to help supplement or fully cover damages incurred. What is great about UM coverage is that it may also cover a cyclist injured in a hit-and-run accident up to the limits of the policy. Conversely, a cyclist that does not have an auto insurance policy of their own but lives with a relative who carries UM and UIM coverage may be able to bring a claim under that plan so long as they were not listed as an excluded member.
An insurance company may make a low settlement offer to an injured cyclist despite liability being clear and the extent of damages involved. Insurers may also attempt to downplay the severity of accident-related injuries or even shift fault onto the injured party for the incident. Given that California follows a system of comparative negligence, this may put an injured cyclist in a predicament in terms of financial recovery as the amount of compensation awarded would be decreased by the percentage of negligence assigned to them. When an injured cyclist is represented by an experienced Stockton bicycle accident lawyer, their attorney can deal with difficult insurance companies and defense counsel on their behalf while they focus on recovering and being with their loved ones. An accident attorney may negotiate a fair insurance settlement or take the case to court to ensure an injured party’s life is made whole again. For information on how to find the best injury lawyer to represent you, watch this video.
Importance of Retaining Legal Counsel After a Bicycle Accident
Despite California laws intended to protect cyclists, some bicycle accidents may be unavoidable. When a driver fails to follow the rules of the road, they may put others in harm’s way, including cyclists. At AutoAccident.com, we understand the impact that these crashes may have on the lives of injured cyclists and their families. We are here to help injured parties hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm their actions have caused. Contact one of our experienced injury attorneys today to discuss your case.
Personal Injury Attorney in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury attorney. When a vehicle and a cyclist share the road, a cyclist faces a higher risk of traumatic injuries in a crash. Whether due to speeding or distracted driving, traffic collisions involving cars and cyclists often occur on busy roadways throughout California. Our accident attorneys have decades of experience handling bicycle accident cases, and we can help you with yours too. When you are ready to discuss your case and learn about your options for financial recovery moving forward, give us a call at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our legal team is available anytime to provide free, friendly advice.
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