Stockton news reports that a California teenager was killed in a bicycle v. vehicle accident this past week. Unfortunately, the incidence of California pedestrian accidents remains high, with two California cities – San Francisco and Los Angeles – having some of the highest rates of pedestrian v. vehicle and bicycle v. vehicle accidents in the country. According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, pedestrian traffic fatalities in Los Angeles are nearly triple the national average.
Further, National Public Radio (NPR) reveals that in 2012, the LAPD recorded more than 2,500 motor vehicle vs. pedestrian incidents.
If you have been injured in any type of roadway accident, including a pedestrian accident or bicycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced Stockton personal injury lawyer right away. A knowledgeable Stockton accident lawyer can begin an investigation into all of the factors that may have caused or contributed to an injury accident and ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve.
Common injuries in pedestrian accidents.
Where pedestrian v. automobile or bicycle v. automobile accidents occur, the potential for serious injury is great.
Common injuries include:
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
•Cuts and bruises
And in the worst-case scenario, death.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you or your family recover compensation for your injuries.
Causes of Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents occur for a variety of reasons. In some situations, a pedestrian or bicyclist may be partially responsible for an accident, such as if he or she does not have the right of way or fails to pay attention before entering the roadway (listening to music, walking and texting or biking and texting can be dangerous when it distracts you from paying attention to your surroundings.)
Other times, the driver of the automobile may be at fault. This includes drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents and other situations where the driver of a vehicle drives recklessly or negligently, resulting in an accident. Like many cities across the country, including Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco, L.A. drivers and pedestrians are increasingly distracted by electronic devices. For many Californians’ the problem is exacerbated due to the amount of time California drivers spend in their cars, commuting back and forth.
It’s also always important to evaluate a potential third factor in the cause of an accident – the roadway itself. Was it adequately maintained? Was the lighting sufficient? Did any obstructions exist making it hard for drivers to see pedestrians or bikers?
Many questions arise in any accident, so it is always a good idea to consult with a top Stockton personal injury lawyer right away to answer your injury accident questions.
While the Stockton bike accident remains under investigation, it serves as a tragic reminder to everyone – from bikers to walkers to drivers – pay attention and share the road!
For more information please contact a dedicated Stockton personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette for an immediate consultation.