Four bicyclists were injured after being struck by an elderly driver in Felton, Santa Cruz County, on Tuesday evening, February 27, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision happened at about 6:21 p.m. along Highway 9 at Glengarry Road.
Reports indicate that an 85-year-old woman was traveling in a blue Kia Forte when she swerved and struck four bicyclists before slamming into a tree.
Two of the cyclists suffered major injuries and were transported to the hospital together with two other injured bicyclists. The elderly driver was also hospitalized with minor injuries.
The authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the collision.
Dedicated Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Felton, Santa Cruz County
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 dedicated Santa Cruz County 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.