An Orange County car accident has left a 45-year-old woman injured, The Orange County Register reports. The female bicyclist was apparently hit by a car at a street intersection in Irvine, California the morning of November 16, 2009. The driver of the car was identified as a 71-year-old man, who was traveling east on Irvine Center Drive at the time of the collision. He was not injured. The bicyclist was taken to an area hospital, but her condition is not known. She was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, Irvine police said. If you saw or have information about this collision, please call Irvine police at 714-724-7024.

I sympathize with this bicyclist and I hope the injuries she sustained are not major. I will pray for her quick and complete recovery. This accident reemphasizes the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bike. In my opinion, that helmet probably saved this woman's life.

Orange County Bicycle Accidents

Two people died and 43 sustained injuries as a result of bicycle accidents in Irvine, California, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics. Countywide, bicycle accidents claimed 16 lives and injured 1,020 in 2007. Also, in Orange County, there were 178 fatalities and 14,185 injuries in 2007 as a result of car accidents.

There are many questions that still need answers in this case in order to determine whether there was any negligence in this case or to determine who should be held liable here. In street intersection accidents involving two or more vehicles the most important factor that will come into play is who had the right-of-way at the intersection at the time of the collision. This particular accident is no exception. If the driver failed to see the bicyclist because of careless or negligence and struck her when she had the right-of-way, he could be held liable for the accident and her injuries. I'm sure investigators are also looking into whether the driver was impaired, distracted or driving recklessly at the time.

Contacting an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Accident victims in these cases would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of an incident and help hold the negligent parties accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous intersection caused or contributed to this accident. If that was the case, the city could also be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.