Cyclist Killed In Duarte Bicycle Accident

A bicyclist has been killed in an accident in Duarte in Los Angeles County. 53-year-old Charles Cosgrove was struck by a car, and sustained serious injuries. Paramedics tried to revive him, but he died at the scene of the accident.

Charles had begun to bike around since a recent wood chipping accident caused corneal injuries. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the vision problems in that eye could have played a part in causing the accident. As of now, all that is mere speculation.

According to witnesses at the scene of the accident, the intersection of Huntington Drive and Crestfield Drive has been the site of several accidents over the past year. In fact, there have been 7 accidents here during a one-year period. The intersection has a traffic signal that was installed three years ago, and although the traffic situation has improved somewhat since then, residents in the neighborhood say that motorists continue to drive at high speeds at the intersection.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bicycle accident deaths comprise 2 percent of all traffic fatalities. However, bicycle trips themselves comprise less than 1 percent of all trips. As fuel prices have fluctuated, bicycle riding has drawn enthusiasts from all walks of life. In the summer of 2008, as gas prices began to rise, more and more people took to biking as a means of getting around. With a higher number of bicyclists on the streets, the number of accidents involving these bikers has also increased. Bicyclists jostle for space with motorists, truck drivers and motorcyclists, as well as other bicyclists.

Very often, as California and Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers see, bicycle accidents are a result of motorist negligence. Motorists typically keep their eyes on other motorists around them while driving, and tend not to be aware of bicyclists around them. A bicyclist who is behind a car may be in the driver's blind spot. Besides, motorists who speed or drive under the influence may be unable to stop or spot a bicyclist in time to avoid an accident. Motorists who are distracted while driving may also be unable to spot a bicycle in time to avoid a crash. Drivers who back out of a parking lot may miss out on seeing a bicyclist who is right behind the vehicle. Besides motorist negligence, dangerous road conditions can also contribute to an accident. They may also be caused by defectively designed and poorly maintained bicycles.

Bicyclists have minimal protection in the event of an accident. That's why these accidents can be very severe, and can end in serious injuries or fatalities. These severe injuries include head injuries, fractures, spinal cord injuries and amputations. Impact with another vehicle can throw a bicyclist several feet away from the point of impact. Very often, injuries are severe enough to cause death. Like victims of other motor vehicle accidents, victims of bicycle accidents too may be eligible to claim damages from the responsible party.