[09-19-2023] Kern County, CA – 39-Year-Old Female Bicyclist Killed, Struck by Vehicle in South Union Avenue

A 39-year-old woman on her bicycle was struck and killed by a car in Bakersfield early Tuesday morning, September 19, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the incident that took place around 6:15 a.m. at South Union Avenue near Garden Drive.

Initial investigation revealed that the woman was riding her bike heading eastbound when she crossed northbound South Union Avenue. While crossing, a Toyota Corolla in the fast lane could not avoid the cyclist in time and struck the victim.

Upon the arrival of emergency responders, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Corolla remained at the scene and cooperated with the CHP’s investigation.

No further information was revealed, but officials said drugs and alcohol did not play a factor in the crash.

Respected Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield, CA

Bicycle accidents that result in injuries can be legally compensated, and legal representation is crucial. The injured individual or their family can seek financial compensation for their pain and suffering by filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.

Our dedicated legal team will evaluate your circumstances during your free consultation. They will help you with the essential steps and consider any other information that could impact the settlement offer.

You can rely on our respected Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq.’s direction, to help you with your insurance claim or represent you in court proceedings effectively. We have recovered more than $500 Million for California clients and are widely acknowledged for its success and reputation as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After a Bicycle Accident

After being hit by a car while riding a bicycle, it is imperative to ensure your safety. It’s also essential to understand the most effective measures to safeguard your well-being and legal rights, whether you anticipate the possibility of a vehicle collision and want to be prepared or have already experienced one and need further guidance. Ensure that you get the compensation you deserve by following these steps:

1. Move to Safety. Getting into a crash while riding a bicycle can leave you feeling shaken and disoriented. Immediately move to a safe location if possible. By relocating to the side of the road, you can help prevent further potential accidents.
2. Get Immediate Medical Attention. Your adrenaline rush might initially mask the pain from your injuries. But conducting a swift body assessment is crucial to identifying any bleeding, fractures, sprains, lacerations, or bruised limbs and joints and preventing further complications. This will also help you communicate with emergency personnel when they inquire about your condition.
3. Contact the Authorities. Inform the California Highway Patrol or the police department where the collision occurred.
4. Document the Events Leading to the Accident. Capture every angle of the accident scene and jot down the details of the incident. Cover the “who, what, where, when, and how” aspects.

If the vehicle responsible for the accident is nearby, ensure you record its license plate number. Identify the driver if possible. Police reports, legal representation, and insurance company discussions will benefit from this data.

1. Identify All Witnesses. Keep a mental note of your location and whether there were any witnesses. If people came to your aid or were in the area, engage them in conversation. Ask about what they observed. Get their names, contact details, and consent to be contacted for further assistance, as this can be useful for law enforcement, legal matters, or insurance interactions.
2. Stay in Place. After you’ve called the police, notified emergency personnel, recorded the accident details, and engaged with any witnesses, your best bet is to find a place to sit and wait. Let law enforcement and medical responders handle the situation. Police will notify you once they have gathered all the needed information. Your cooperation ensures a comprehensive understanding of the incident.
3. Call a Family Member or a Friend. If you can call someone who can pick you up, take advantage of this assistance. Riding your bike back home in such a situation could exacerbate your injuries. Your bike might have been damaged. Prioritizing your safety and minimizing the risk of worsening injuries is essential.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Bicycle Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 932 bicyclists were killed as a result of motor vehicle accidents in 2020. Compared to the 856 cyclists killed in 2019, this marks an increase of 9%.

There have been increasing fatalities and severe injuries on California’s roads since 2010. Traffic fatalities and serious injuries have increased for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, since 2010, with pedestrian incidents increasing by almost 50% and bicyclist deaths increasing by 60%.

Furthermore, impaired driving-related fatalities and serious injuries have increased by 35%. For this reason, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has focused on developing education and prevention programs to enhance road safety.

In 2021 alone, $93.7 million has been allocated by the OTS for 415 traffic safety grants, focusing on initiatives prioritizing and infrastructure upgrades to create safer pedestrian and bicycle conditions.