Four Bicyclists Injured in California AIDS/Life Cycle Bicycle Ride

Four bicyclists participating in the annual AIDS/Life Cycle Bicycle Ride were struck by a pickup truck the morning of June 2, 2014 on Highway 1 north of Moss Landing. According to a KSBW news report, the accident happened near where Highway 1 intersects Struve Road. California Highway Patrol officers said the truck driver was attempting to pull out from a Valero gas station and turn left on to Highway 1 when he struck the bicyclists.

The 35-year-old man did not have a driver’s license and was cited by California Highway Patrol officials. CHP officials said the driver should have yielded to all traffic before turning into the highway, but that he probably was not aware of the rules of the road because he was unlicensed. The bicyclists were transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. One woman suffered severe facial injuries while three others sustained abrasions and bruises. The seven-day ride continued with more than 2,300 cyclists who were pedaling from Santa Cruz to Gonzales on the day of the incident.

BISNAR | CHASE is a major supporter of the AIDS/Life Cycle event. Our hearts go out to the injured victims. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Our best wishes to the other riders who are participating in this extremely challenging ride for a very worthy cause – raising awareness about AIDS and fundraising for research.

Failure to Yield

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver in this case failed to yield to the bicyclists. Drivers pulling out of public or private driveways must yield right-of-way to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21804 (a): “The driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private property, or from an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic.” Vehicles entering traffic “shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that traffic until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety.”

Compensation for Injured Victims

In this case, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the bicyclists’ injuries and damages. However, officials say the driver in this case was unlicensed. It is very likely that he is also uninsured. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policies. Victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization and rehabilitation. Injured bicyclists would also be well advised to contact an experienced California bicycle injury lawyer who will fight hard for their rights and ensure that they are fairly and fully compensated for their significant losses.