14-Year-Old Bicyclist Critically Injured In Oxnard Car Accident With Van By the Intersection of Gonzales Road and Williams Drive
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA (July 20, 2022) – A 14-year-old bicyclist was critically injured in an Oxnard car accident with a Dodge van by Gonzales Road and Williams Drive.
Ventura County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:12 p.m. on Monday. A bicyclist was riding along Gonzales road when they were struck by a 2021 Dodge Ram Van driven by a 19-year-old.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. The teenage bicyclist was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center and listed in critical condition.
Police interviewed the driver of the Dodge van who remained at the scene. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Oxnard Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked by other drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Bicycle trips make up only 1% of all trips in the United States. However, bicyclists account for over 2% of people who die in a crash involving a motor vehicle on our nation’s roads.” Young children and elderly bicyclists were statistically more likely to be involved in collisions. There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid hitting bicyclists.
- All drivers should maintain at least three feet of separation from any bicyclist.
- All drivers should check their blind spots before making any turn in the roadway.
- All drivers should be well-rested before heading out on the road.
The vast majority of car accidents involve some amount of human error. Many drivers simply fail to check for bicyclists when they are turning. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must first yield the right of way to all vehicles (and bicyclists) traveling from the opposite direction that are close enough to pose a hazard. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a bicycle accident could extend beyond the at fault driver.
Vans are often used for commercial purposes such as transportation. If the driver of a van was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be vicariously liable. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. It is important to determine the employment status of any person driving a van who is then involved in a crash. Victims of bicycle accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Any bicyclist that is injured due to the negligence of another driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, insurance companies will fight hard to deny liability for crashes. It is also common for them to downplay the severity of a victim’s injuries. A bicycle accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Ventura County Bicycle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the bicyclist injured in this Oxnard van accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents in this area.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an Oxnard bicycle accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
