[01-20-2024] Tulare County, CA – 17-Year-Old Cyclist Killed After Being Struck by Vehicle in Visalia

A 17-year-old cyclist was killed after being struck by a vehicle in Visalia on Saturday evening, January 20, 2024.

According to the Visalia Police Department, the fatal collision happened at about 8:50 p.m. along Riggin Avenue west of Shirk Street.

Reports indicate that an unspecified vehicle was heading east when it struck the teenager, who was on her bicycle.

The victim was taken to Kaweah Health, where she was pronounced dead. The driver involved stayed at the scene to cooperate with the authorities.

Officials dismissed DUI as a factor in the fatal collision. Further details have yet to be released.

Dedicated Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Visalia, CA

Injuries caused by bicycle accidents can be compensated by law, and Arash Law can provide you with assistance. It may be possible for a victim or their family to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit in order to recover financial compensation for the pain and suffering suffered by the victim.

Obtain legal advice from our dedicated Visalia bicycle accident attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. who can help you with your insurance claim or represent you in court if necessary. We have recovered more than $500 Million for clients and are widely acknowledged for our 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

If you ride a bicycle and get hit by a car, you must ensure you are safe. Understanding the best ways to protect your health and legal rights is also crucial, whether you want to be ready in case a vehicle incident occurs in the future or if you’ve already had one and need more advice. By taking the following actions, you can ensure you receive the payment you are entitled to:

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 accidents.
2. Get Immediate Medical Attention. Your adrenaline rush might initially mask the pain from your injuries. To prevent further complications, a quick body assessment is crucial to identify any bleeding, fractures, sprains, lacerations, or bruised limbs and joints. 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.
5. 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 and contact details, and consent to be contacted for further assistance. It can be helpful for law enforcement, legal matters, or insurance interactions.
6. Call Our Bicycle Accident Law Firm at (888) 488-1391. Speak to our bicycle accident lawyers or car accident lawyers in California to discuss your incident without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Bicycle Accident Statistics

There were 932 motor vehicle incidents in 2020 that resulted in the death of bikers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There was an increase of 9% in the number of cycling deaths in 2019 compared to the previous year.

It has been reported that highway fatalities and serious injuries have increased since 2010. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic fatalities and serious injuries have increased significantly in recent years, with pedestrian deaths increasing by over 50% and bicycle deaths increasing by over 60%.

There has been an increase of 35% in the number of serious injuries and fatalities caused by intoxicated driving. The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) develops education and prevention programs for road safety. The OTS allocated 93.7 million dollars for 415 traffic safety grants in 2021, designed to improve the infrastructure for bicycles and pedestrians.