Cyclists traveling the rural highways of Santa Barbara County are constantly placed at risk from motorists who don’t pay full attention to the roads. Motorists are supposed to be on the lookout for defenseless cyclists and should slow down and show every caution to allow the rider to proceed safely.
Unfortunately, many drivers don’t show this extra care and may never see the cyclist they end up hitting until it’s too late. Riders have very little in the way of protection in a collision with a speeding vehicle and they certainly aren’t properly protected from a fall to the pavement.
This vulnerability is why California drivers owe cyclists a duty of care no matter when they encounter them.
Cyclist Badly Injured by Vehicle Collision in Santa Barbara County
A bicyclist was flown to a local hospital after a Sunday afternoon collision in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County. KSBY-TV reports the accident happened around 3:48 p.m. north of the community of Los Olivos along Highway 154 on November 7, 2021.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department said the collision at the intersection of Foxen Canyon Road involved a vehicle and a cyclist. Emergency crews treated the driver for injuries at the scene. The cyclist was critically injured and had to be airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Investigators are still working to determine what led to the tragic crash.
Supporting Cyclists Recovering from Injuries
Injured cyclists could face surgeries and intensive care during recovery and may have to rely on their close family members to seek justice on their behalf.
Victims or family members are encouraged to consider filing a claim for damages against an at-fault driver’s auto insurance provider. This claim can ask for full compensation for every hospital invoice and every physical therapy bill received. This claim also seeks replacement funds for every week a victim misses at work and every week they will miss in the future.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney Serving Santa Barbara County
After you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a careless driver, contact an experienced, Santa Barbara Bicycle Accident Attorney such as Martin Gasparian. Mr. Gasparian provides a free and confidential consultation for accident victims and their families.
