A 40 year old bicyclist was struck by an SUV in Los Angeles recently, resulting in serious injuries. The accident took place at the intersection of Archwood Street and Laurel Canyon Boulevard, and the motorist who was thought to be driving a Nissan Pathfinder left the scene. Los Angeles police continue to search for the motorist.
It is likely that the driver of the SUV realized that they had struck the cyclist, according to detectives, but chose to drive off anyway leaving the seriously injured cyclist lying in the road. Anyone in the public who witnessed the accident or has any information are being asked to come forward by detectives, as the bicyclist remains in serious condition at a hospital.
Hostility between motorists and those who ride bicycles has been of huge concern recently. Just last month, road rage that resulted in two bicyclists being seriously injured caused a Los Angeles doctor to be convicted after pulling out in front of the two as they were riding. He is expected to be sentenced in December, and the two injured cyclists have made it known that they believe stricter punishments are called for when it comes to motorists who do not respect that those who ride bicycles do have rights.
Commuting by bicycle has become more common and extremely popular in California, largely due to the fact that gas prices were so high last summer. Now, with the economic downturn, more people are riding bicycles as a way to get to work and to enjoy leisure time. It saves a substantial amount on fuel expenses, and is simply a more efficient way of getting around town. Unfortunately, it also means that California’s congested streets are becoming a frequent place for road rage to take place, which Los Angeles personal injury lawyer have noticed.
To increase safety and make risks less likely, bicyclists are encouraged to:
* Wear clothing that is brightly colored so you are easily seen at night.
* At night, keep front and rear lights on
* Try to ride where motorists can easily see you
* Avoid tricks and stunts where motorists are present
* Do not ride against the direction of traffic
* Obey traffic rules
* Remain calm if a motorist becomes aggressive
* Try to avoid congested areas such as intersections, and take the back roads to your destination when possible
* Always wear a helmet to protect from head injuries
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of bicycle accidents. Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.