Pleasant Grove Personal Injury Lawyers
CASE STUDY: Pleasant Grove Bicyclist Hit by Car in Front of His Kids
A Mother’s Nightmare
On July 9th, 2008, Vicky’s son and two grandsons went on a short bike ride around the neighborhood of Orem City. The family had come up to visit her and other relatives for the Fourth of July holiday. Vicky was startled when one of her grandsons ran into her house crying that his father, her son, had just been hit by a car.
What caused this Utah bicycle verses car accident?
When Tanner came to the intersection, he waited until the light turned green and advised his young sons to begin crossing the street. Tanner took up the rear. A young woman driving a small silver sedan failed to stop before turning right on a red light and crashed directly into Tanner. She was speeding through the turn and didn’t even see Tanner until she hit him. The force of the collision threw Tanner onto the hood of the car and up in the air until he landed on the asphalt. Tanner’s bike was totaled Pieces of it had broken the windshield of the car.
The woman walked over to Tanner and asked if he was hurt. Confused and in shock, he got up to attend to his kids. The woman gave Tanner $40.00 and drove off. Later while Tanner was being treated in the emergency room at American Fork Hospital, the police officers were able to locate the woman and issue a citation for the hit and run car accident, failure to yield, and failure to come to a complete stop.
Bicycle vs. Car Accidents on the Rise
Each year, roughly 23,000 bicyclists visit the hospital and an additional 580,000 are checked into the emergency room for injuries occurred in bicycle vs. automobile accidents. Over 900 bicyclists lose their lives in accidents with motor vehicles nationwide every year. In Utah, five bicyclists were killed in 2008 alone. Many public safety sources estimate that 9 out of 10 bicycle accidents involve a motor vehicle.
Insurance Issues in a Hit and Run Accident
As bicycling becomes a more popular means of transportation, injuries and deaths are becoming more prevalent. Along with the road rash, cuts and bruises, Tanner had a broken shoulder and broken clavicle bone. Luckily, he was wearing a helmet and escaped any traumatic brain injury. These injuries did amount to thousands of dollars in medical bills. If the police had not been able to find the woman responsible for the hit and run accident, Tanner would have been able to use his uninsured motorist coverage to pay for the medical bills and other damages and costs he incurred.
Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Utah
At the Christensen Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional and financial burdens that accompany a tragic accident. We are dedicated to providing superlative legal representation to our clients. That is why we limit the number of cases we take, providing our clients with the personal attention they deserve. Your case will be personally prepared by one of our skilled bicycle injury lawyers and not a legal assistant. Our expert attorneys will aggressively and diligently work to ensure you receive full and just compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah bicycle accident, call the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation on your legal rights.