A 44-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being hit while riding his bicycle. The crash occurred in Park West. The bicyclist was reportedly hit head-on by a vehicle that fled the scene. The bicyclist suffered brain bleeds and a broken jaw and was transported by ambulance to Scripps Mercy Hospital for treatment. The San Diego Police Department is investigating the accident, which occurred on First Avenue and Ivy Street.
Bicyclist Accidents on the Rise
Bicyclist and pedestrian accidents have been on the rise across the country over the last several years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, and the United States Department of Transportation, USDOT, there were 840 bicyclist fatalities in the U.S. in 2016, the most recent data published. This is the highest number of bicyclist deaths since 1991.
Bicyclists are most likely to be fatally injured when they are hit at speeds of 40 MPH or greater. In this case, the vehicle was likely traveling at a rate of speed that was at lower than 40 MPH if not more. There are often a variety of contributing factors such as distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, and speeding, among other things. Road conditions may also play a role in some crashes, and many such accidents occur at night in areas that are poorly lit.
What to do After a Hit and Run Accident
If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, there are a few things you should do. Call the police to report the accident immediately. Seek medical care, even if you do not feel as if you were injured. Some injuries can take time to appear, such as serious head trauma or internal injuries. The police will investigate the accident and take witness statements.
Try to provide as much information as possible to the police such as the make, model, and color of the vehicle, along with any details that you noticed about the driver. If you noticed the license plate number, or even part of it, give it to the police officer. When you visit the doctor, make sure to note that you were injured in an accident and keep copies of all the medical records and bills.
Help from a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney
It is advisable to consult with a San Diego personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. You may be contacted by an insurance representative, but it is typically best to hold off speaking to him or her until you talk to your attorney. Some insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but it is often best to wait. Do not cash the check because it is likely not enough to cover all of your damages and it could prevent you from being able to take legal action. Your attorney will handle your claim and will protect your rights in order to ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact the legal team at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea to discuss the details of your accident.
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