[02-27-2024] Kern County, CA – Teen Bicyclist Killed, Another Hospitalized After Being Struck by Vehicle in Bakersfield

A teen bicyclist was killed, and another was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle in Bakersfield on Tuesday evening, February 27, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred around 9:40 p.m. between River Boulevard and Skyline Avenue.

Reports indicate a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old were riding a makeshift gas-powered mini bicycle when they collided with an orange Jeep.

The two teenagers were taken to Kern Medical with major injuries. The 15-year-old passenger, identified as Jacob G., was declared dead on Wednesday morning.

The current condition of the 16-year-old cyclist is unknown. The driver of the Jeep was unharmed.

The authorities found that the two teenagers were not wearing helmets at the time of the collision. No additional information is available as of now.

Reputable Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Bakersfield

Injuries and losses caused by bicycle accidents can be compensated, and Arash Law can provide you with assistance. The injured victim or the deceased’s family can file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit in order to recover money from the negligent party.

Obtain legal advice from our reputable Bakersfield 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 $750 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 were riding a bicycle before being struck by a car, you must ensure you are safe. Afterward, it is important to protect your health and legal rights. 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, make a quick body assessment 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. Once everyone’s safety is confirmed, alert your local law enforcement authorities. This step is essential, regardless of the severity of the accident. A police report serves as an unbiased third-party account of the incident, which can be useful when dealing with insurance agencies and the courts.
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 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.