St. Cloud Personal Injury Lawyer - Bicycle Accident

Bicyclist Killed In Blaine

Mike Bryant — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:58:00 GMT

Friday night, a bicyclist died after a car-bicycle collision. The bicyclist was at the intersection of County Road 10 and Jefferson Street. Blaine police are investigating, along with Anoka County and the Minnesota State Patrol.

As I have discussed before, the number of incidences with bikes has continued to grow over the last year. It's important that bike riders follow rules and that vehicles watch out for the bikes.

AVOIDING BIKE-VEHICLE CRASHES Cyclists and drivers:
• Reduce distractions and watch for bikes or cars.

• Follow all stop signs and traffic signals.
Drivers:
• Give cyclists the entire lane if there's not enough room for a bike and vehicle.

• Give bikes 3 feet of clearance when passing.

• Look ahead and behind for cyclists when turning.

• Yield to bikes on sidewalks and halt before crosswalks.
Cyclists:
• Ride just right of center in a lane rather than along curbs

• Stay away from doors of parked cars.

• Bike with the flow of traffic unless there's a contra-flow bike lane.

• Use hand signals for turns and switching lanes.

• Wear helmets and use lights and reflective gear at night.

Source: City of Minneapolis

If you are in an bicycle accident, make sure to get the names of anyone who indicates they saw what happened. If you witness an accident, check to see if everyone is OK and stay around or at least give the drivers your contact information. If you are injured, seek the advice of an attorney who does that kind of work and who can explain your coverages and rights. Also, as Injuryboard member, Steve Lombardi has pointed out: save the bike in its wrecked condition. Take photographs of the mva scene and the vehicle that hit you.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

St Paul Bicyclist Killed In St Louis Park

Mike Bryant — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:47:00 GMT

Saturday, a 47 year old bicyclist died after a car-bicycle collision. The bicyclist was crossing Belt Line Boulevard near Hwy. 7. He died at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis on Tuesday. I've driven that area many times and it can be very confusing for both cars and the riders. At one point the bike path was a mandatory stop for drivers and now it isn't. Hopefully, this death will have officials again looking at what can be done in the area.

As I have discussed before, the number of incidences with bikes has continued to grow over the last year. It's important that bike riders follow rules and that vehicles watch out for the bikes.

AVOIDING BIKE-VEHICLE CRASHES Cyclists and drivers:
• Reduce distractions and watch for bikes or cars.

• Follow all stop signs and traffic signals.
Drivers:
• Give cyclists the entire lane if there's not enough room for a bike and vehicle.

• Give bikes 3 feet of clearance when passing.

• Look ahead and behind for cyclists when turning.

• Yield to bikes on sidewalks and halt before crosswalks.
Cyclists:
• Ride just right of center in a lane rather than along curbs

• Stay away from doors of parked cars.

• Bike with the flow of traffic unless there's a contra-flow bike lane.

• Use hand signals for turns and switching lanes.

• Wear helmets and use lights and reflective gear at night.

Source: City of Minneapolis

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

12 Year Old Bicyclist Hit And Killed In Faribault

Mike Bryant — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:10:00 GMT

Yesterday, a 12 year old bicyclist was hit and killed by a car in Faribault. A vehicle was traveling eastbound vehicle on Seventh Street Northwest when it struck the boy. The collision is still under investigation.

As I have discussed before, the number of incidences with bikes has continued to grow over the last year. It's important that bike riders follow rules and that vehicles watch out for the bikes. Our condolences go out to the boys family and all of those involved.

AVOIDING BIKE-VEHICLE CRASHES Cyclists and drivers:
• Reduce distractions and watch for bikes or cars.

• Follow all stop signs and traffic signals.
Drivers:
• Give cyclists the entire lane if there's not enough room for a bike and vehicle.

• Give bikes 3 feet of clearance when passing.

• Look ahead and behind for cyclists when turning.

• Yield to bikes on sidewalks and halt before crosswalks.
Cyclists:
• Ride just right of center in a lane rather than along curbs

• Stay away from doors of parked cars.

• Bike with the flow of traffic unless there's a contra-flow bike lane.

• Use hand signals for turns and switching lanes.

• Wear helmets and use lights and reflective gear at night.

Source: City of Minneapolis

If you are in an bicycle accident, make sure to get the names, license plate numbers and insurance information of the cars involved. Get the names of anyone who indicates they saw what happened. Save the bike in its wrecked condition. Take photographs of the mva scene and the vehicle that hit you. If you witness an accident, check to see if everyone is OK and stay around or at least give the drivers your contact information. If you are injured, seek the advice of an attorney who does that kind of work and who can explain your coverages and rights.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Do Higher Gas Prices Save Lives?

Mike Bryant — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:39:00 GMT

The Mitchell, South Dakota Daily Republic had a very interesting editorial recently. They suggested that maybe we should keep gas prices high. It's clear that people drive less. When people drive less, less people are killed on the roads. While it's an interesting idea in economic social engineering, it seems to me that they are simply looking at the reduced number of deaths and pointing out the changes:

If statistics move you, that’s an 11 percent improvement. If you’re a people person, that’s 55 loved ones who made it home safely from sporting events, work, vacations and trips to the grocery store.

The editorial goes on to get to it's real point, that while high gas prices may have a helpful result, there are many other areas where lives can be saved:

Every motorist can commit to driving less, obviously. The less time you spend on the road, the less likely you will be a traffic statistic.

Motorists also can control other factors that help prevent accidents, especially fatal ones: Wear a seat belt, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, keep your car in good condition, obey traffic laws and slow down.

Finally, drivers can pay attention.

Highway officials say driver distraction contributed to one in four crashes last year.

When you’re driving, just drive. Don’t text, make phone calls or fiddle with the radio. Focus on the road, not that GPS your child gave you for Father’s Day.

There are things that we can all do to make the roads safer. As Injuryboard members have been writing for some time; buckle up, slow down, and pay attention.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

11 Year Old Bicyclist Hit In New Munich

Mike Bryant — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:05:00 GMT

Yesterday, a 11 year old bicyclist was hit by a car in New Munich. A vehicle traveling north on County Road 2 was turning left when it struck the boy. The boy was said to be in the crosswalk when he was hit by the teenage driver.The collision is still under investigation.

As I have discussed before, the number of incidences with bikes has continued to grow over the last year. It's important that bike riders follow rules and that vehicles watch out for the bikes.

AVOIDING BIKE-VEHICLE CRASHES Cyclists and drivers:
• Reduce distractions and watch for bikes or cars.

• Follow all stop signs and traffic signals.
Drivers:
• Give cyclists the entire lane if there's not enough room for a bike and vehicle.

• Give bikes 3 feet of clearance when passing.

• Look ahead and behind for cyclists when turning.

• Yield to bikes on sidewalks and halt before crosswalks.
Cyclists:
• Ride just right of center in a lane rather than along curbs

• Stay away from doors of parked cars.

• Bike with the flow of traffic unless there's a contra-flow bike lane.

• Use hand signals for turns and switching lanes.

• Wear helmets and use lights and reflective gear at night.

Source: City of Minneapolis

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

87 Year Old Bicyclist Hit In St Cloud

Mike Bryant — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:49:00 GMT

This past week, a 87 year old bicyclist was hit by a car in St Cloud. The bicyclist was west on Third Street North and crossing Cooper Avenue when he was hit by the car. The collision is still under investigation.

As I have discussed before, the number of incidences with bikes has continued to grow over the last year. It's important that bike riders follow rules and that vehicles watch out for the bikes.

AVOIDING BIKE-VEHICLE CRASHES Cyclists and drivers:
• Reduce distractions and watch for bikes or cars.

• Follow all stop signs and traffic signals.
Drivers:
• Give cyclists the entire lane if there's not enough room for a bike and vehicle.

• Give bikes 3 feet of clearance when passing.

• Look ahead and behind for cyclists when turning.

• Yield to bikes on sidewalks and halt before crosswalks.
Cyclists:
• Ride just right of center in a lane rather than along curbs

• Stay away from doors of parked cars.

• Bike with the flow of traffic unless there's a contra-flow bike lane.

• Use hand signals for turns and switching lanes.

• Wear helmets and use lights and reflective gear at night.

Source: City of Minneapolis

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

So You're Driving: Maybe Pay Attention

Mike Bryant — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Does every car you see have a driver in the middle of a conversation? What did we do with all of that time we now use talking to someone? How about eating, texting, doing your nails, and maybe in my case polishing my scalp. Seems like very few people are paying attention to the tons of metal they have streaming down the streets.

The recent numbers from the Department of Public Safety are startling. Inattention or distraction caused nearly 19,000 of the 79,000 crashes in Minnesota in 2008. Those are the ones where people actually admit it or at least the evidence is so obvious. How many times does the driver not admit the cause of their lack of attention? But, it has always made me wonder why people drive through stop signs and lights. Why would you just rear end another car?

Looking deeper into the inattentive/distraction numbers there is even greater reason for concern:

- 11 percent of all fatal crashes (65 fatal crashes resulting in 74 deaths);

- 20 percent of all injury crashes (6,300 resulting in 8,999 injuries);

- 20 percent of all property damage crashes (12,428).

All of this is evidence that we really need to keep a better lookout. These are collisions that really shouldn't be taking place. Also if you are in an accident , make sure to look around or ask "what were you doing?"

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Two Children Hit By Car As They Ride Behind Their Father's Bike

Mike Bryant — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:16:05 GMT

This morning, a 5 and 1 year old, were injured when the bike trailer they were riding in was hit by a car. They were being pulled by their father on the sidewalk when a car exiting a parking lot hit them. The police are still investigating what happened. It is thought that the driver may have been watching traffic in the opposite direction. The children were taken to St Cloud Hospital and it is hoped that they heal quickly.

As I have discussed before, the number of incidences with bikes has continued to grow over the last year. It's important that bike riders follow rules and that vehicles watch out for the bikes.

AVOIDING BIKE-VEHICLE CRASHES Cyclists and drivers:
• Reduce distractions and watch for bikes or cars.

• Follow all stop signs and traffic signals.
Drivers:
• Give cyclists the entire lane if there's not enough room for a bike and vehicle.

• Give bikes 3 feet of clearance when passing.

• Look ahead and behind for cyclists when turning.

• Yield to bikes on sidewalks and halt before crosswalks.
Cyclists:
• Ride just right of center in a lane rather than along curbs

• Stay away from doors of parked cars.

• Bike with the flow of traffic unless there's a contra-flow bike lane.

• Use hand signals for turns and switching lanes.

• Wear helmets and use lights and reflective gear at night.

Source: City of Minneapolis

For the children, they will be covered for no fault benefits as resident relatives who has coverage in their home or if there is no coverage, by the No Fault from the car they were hit by. If there is no coverage on the car, the bills would then go to the assign claims bureau for coverage.

Beyond No Fault , the question of liability concerning the cars actions ill need to determined. Early investigation may be necessary to make these determinations.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

60 Year Old Bicyclist Killed In Blaine

Mike Bryant — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:21:40 GMT

This past week, a 60 year old bicyclist was run over by a car in Blaine. The bicyclist was on 131st block of Jefferson Street NE when he was hit by the car. He died at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.

As I have discussed before, the number of incidences with bikes has continued to grow over the last year. It's important that bike riders follow rules and that vehicles watch out for the bikes.

AVOIDING BIKE-VEHICLE CRASHES Cyclists and drivers:
• Reduce distractions and watch for bikes or cars.

• Follow all stop signs and traffic signals.
Drivers:
• Give cyclists the entire lane if there's not enough room for a bike and vehicle.

• Give bikes 3 feet of clearance when passing.

• Look ahead and behind for cyclists when turning.

• Yield to bikes on sidewalks and halt before crosswalks.
Cyclists:
• Ride just right of center in a lane rather than along curbs

• Stay away from doors of parked cars.

• Bike with the flow of traffic unless there's a contra-flow bike lane.

• Use hand signals for turns and switching lanes.

• Wear helmets and use lights and reflective gear at night.

Source: City of Minneapolis

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Worries On The Rise That This Is Becoming Another Deadly Weekend On Minnesota Roads

Mike Bryant — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:42:00 GMT

Memorial day weekend was a tragic one in Minnesota as eleven people were killed. Unfortunately, the last weekend of June is also seeing a increased number of road deaths. The scary numbers are that on an average weekend, two people are killed. So far we have seen five already.

Friday morning, a East Bethal woman was killed as she tried to cross from northbound highway 65 and tried to turn west on to Sims Road when a southbound sport-utility vehicle (SUV) struck her vehicle. The accident remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Office and the State Patrol.
Friday afternoon, a motorcycle carrying an Alexandria, Minn., couple rolled after hitting a deer in Otter Tail County. The driver was killed and his passenger wife is in critical condition.
Friday evening, a Rochester bicyclist was killed after he was hit by a commercial truck at the base of an exit ramp from Hwy. 52 in Rochester. The ramp had one lane closed at the time for construction.
Late Friday night, a teenage girl was killed in a one-car crash at Duluth Street and Brunswick Avenue N in Golden Valley. A teenage boy in the car was arrested and is facing pending charges. The young woman was thrown out of the car and struck her head.
Saturday morning, two cars collided about 6 a.m outside a Dairy Queen in Victoria. The State Patrol said roads were wet at the time. One of the drivers was killed.

The overall yearly numbers continue to drop for the year, but if we continue to see weekends like this they will rise. With Forth of July weekend on the horizon, hopefully people will be careful. More will be found out over the coming weeks as to the causes of each of these collisions, so it's to early to tell if the common causes of speed and alcohol were involved in any of the incidents. In all of these cases sorrow for the families of those involved goes out.

Also sorrow goes out for those that were in the massive collision down in Oklahoma. You hate to see that anywhere.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant