Cyclists can take rural roads through Santa Barbara County to find challenging rides and beautiful sights. They have a right to those roads just like any motorist. Cyclists should stay to the right of the lane as much as possible, but when a lane isn’t big enough for vehicles to safely pass them, riders are allowed to “take the lane” for their own safety. They can take up a lane just like a vehicle would until conditions are safer.
When drivers don’t know or ignore these and other traffic laws meant to protect vulnerable cyclists, devastating accidents can occur.
Bicyclist Suffers Serious Injuries After Struck by Truck in Santa Barbara County
A bicyclist was rushed to the hospital after getting hit by a truck in central Santa Barbara County Monday afternoon. KSBY-TV reported the scary accident occurred near the intersection of Ballard Canyon Road and Bison Lane around 2:30 a.m. The scene unfolded southwest of the Los Olivos community on February 6, 2023.
The Santa Barbara Fire Department responded to the scene and said the rider was suffering from major injuries. He was transported to a local hospital. They confirmed that the bicyclist was wearing a helmet.
No other information has been released about the driver involved. The California Highway Patrol is still working to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Support for Injured Victims After Santa Barbara County Bicycle Accidents
Victims of Santa Barbara bicycle collisions must often deal with long and difficult recoveries. A claim for damages can be filed against an at-fault driver’s car insurance company in order to protect the victim from enormous medical bills. The claim also demands reimbursement for the time at work the victim has lost. Victims may file to seek support or a family member can file on behalf of the victim.
A Santa Barbara bicycle accident attorney would also ask for pain and suffering damages. This would include support for the physical pain a bicyclist endures in a crash and during rehabilitation. Pain may continue over a lifetime. It would also mean support for the emotional trauma the cyclist suffered. This involves the depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms an injured rider may experience after a crash.
Contact a Santa Barbara County Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After a bicycle accident involving a serious injury or the tragic loss of a family member, contact an experienced Santa Barbara Personal Injury Lawyer such as Martin Gasparian. Mr. Gasparian offers a free consultation for victims and family members that’s completely confidential.
He works closely with clients to make sure victims and families receive everything they need from insurance companies so they can begin rebuilding their lives. That includes the important goal of getting a rider back on a bike again.
