Cyclists are the most vulnerable travelers who use California highways and distracted and reckless drivers can make the risks they face even worse. Someone on a bike may be doing something they love when they are forced into a devastating collision.
These tragic instances become criminal when a driver makes the unthinkable choice to flee the scene of a collision. This heartless decision often leaves victims waiting longer on the vital emergency care they need. It also makes it more likely the victim and the victim’s family members will face recovery costs alone.
Santa Barbara Cyclist Badly Injured in Hit-And-Run Car Collision
A cyclist suffered critical injuries after getting hit by a car along Highway 1 over the weekend in southern Ventura County. Noozhawk reports the accident occurred north of Sycamore Canyon Campground on Saturday morning on February 12, 2022.
The victim’s wife says her husband, a 58-year-old UC Santa Barbara researcher, was riding back to his car around 11 a.m. when he was hit. She explained that her husband was struck from behind by a vehicle and sent into a parked car. The driver involved left the scene. Another person found the victim and called 911.
The cyclist’s wife says her husband suffered severe injuries. He’s at the Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura. He’s being treated for injuries that include multiple fractured vertebrae, a broken left leg, damaged arms and wrists, with the possibility of several fractured ribs.
It’s unclear whether anyone witnessed the tragic accident. The search for the driver involved continues. Anyone with information about the driver or the vehicle involved is asked to call the California Highway Patrol’s Ventura Office.
Support for Victims and Family Members After a Ventura County Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident can leave victims fighting through a difficult recovery. Victims and their family members should be allowed this time to work through the healing process without the worry of hospital expenses. Sadly, when a hit-and-run driver at-fault isn’t captured, close relatives may be left to worry over healthcare costs.
Fortunately, victims can still earn bicycle accident support, even when a hit-and-run driver remains unidentified. The victim’s own car insurance provider can be called upon to provide compensation. The policy’s uninsured motorist coverage would provide financial support through such a difficult time.
Unfortunately, the victim’s own insurance representatives can treat the injured like the enemy and work to limit the money they receive. It’s important that victims hold out to get everything they need to pay for physical and financial recovery.
If there is positive news and a hit-and-run driver is apprehended, a civil claim for damages can be filed immediately against the driver’s car insurance company. This civil claim proceeds separately from the criminal charges the driver will likely face. The victim may obtain an insurance settlement no matter where a criminal trial stands.
Contact a Thousand Oaks Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
After a loved one has been injured due to the carelessness of a driver, don’t trust insurance companies to treat you or your family fairly. Discuss your options with a skilled Ventura County Bicycle Accident Attorney.
Contact the Ventura personal injury lawyers at Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC for a confidential and free consultation and case analysis. We want to learn more about an accident that has impacted your life. If you retain us to represent you in your cycling accident case, our goal will be to obtain the maximum available compensation available for your family.